Household plumbing leaks account for 1 trillion gallons of wasted water each year across the United States. While leaks are one of the most common plumbing issues, they aren’t the only issue that may occur.
Keeping your plumbing system well maintained is one of the best ways to prevent issues. However, at some point, regardless of how good the maintenance is, problems may occur.
Getting to know what some of the most common plumbing issues are can help you know what to do or watch for. Keep reading to learn about the most common plumbing issues here.
1. A Dripping Faucet (or Two)
Everyone has had to deal with a dripping faucet in the past. Most homeowners ignore this problem hoping it will just go away.
What they may not realize though is that a dripping faucet not only wastes water, but it also wastes money, causing your water bill to go up significantly. A single dripping faucet can cost up to $20 per year. While that may not seem like much, it’s going to add up over time.
2. Low Water Pressure
Having to deal with low water pressure is something that can be quite annoying and even frustrating at times. In many cases, this problem is the result of low mains pressure, a partially closed or shut off valve, or issues with a pressure regulating valve.
A great way to keep shut off fixtures and valves in check is by scheduling maintenance with a professional plumber at least once a year. These inspections can help eliminate the possibility of low water pressure.
3. Running Toilets
The good news is, this problem may be one of the easiest problems to fix. The sound of a running toilet is annoying, and it may even disrupt your sleep pattern. It may also waste quite a bit of water each day.
Some of the most common issues that can cause a running toilet include:
- A floater that’s out of place
- A warped, dirty, or broken flapper
- A chain that is loose or that’s become unhinged
In most cases, a homeowner can fix this issue on their own; however, if it seems like a bigger issue to you, then it is best to call the professionals for help.
4. No Hot Water
No one wants to turn their shower on to find out there’s no hot water present. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common plumbing issues that occur.
If there is no hot water, it is typically due to a problem directly related to the water heater. Preventing this issue requires regular water heater maintenance and service. If you want to avoid issues with your water heater, it’s a good idea to check how it is operating, the anode rod, condition of the tank, and valves at least one time a year.
A plumber can provide both repairs and inspections for your water heater to ensure it continues running smoothly throughout the year.
5. A Leaking Hose Bibb
A leaky hose bibb is extremely common during the spring and the summer months. After a cold, harsh winter, many hose bibbs may wind up cracked and start to leak.
The best way to prevent this problem is by investing in a frost-proof hose bibb. This is going to reduce the issues of having future problems and leaks, as well.
6. Clogged Drains
Mineral buildup, lint, and even human hair can cause drains to become clogged as time passes. If your home’s plumbing system is more than two decades old, the drains may clog more often than in newer houses.
While it may seem logical to purchase over-the-counter drain cleaners, these can harm your pipes. The best course of action for regularly clogged drains is to reach out to the pros. They have the tools and equipment to clear the drains without causing damage to the pipes.
7. Noisy Pipes
If there are noisy plumbing pipes in your home, there are several potential causes. One may be excess pressure and air present in the pipes.
If you want to prevent noisy pipes, make sure the water pressure remains at a reasonable level. The best way to do this is with a regulating valve.
Another good idea is to schedule regular plumbing inspections. This can help ensure no fixtures or pipes are loose, which is going to reduce cases of pipe banging and rattling.
8. Sump Pump Failure
If there is a prolonged period of heavy rain, it may cause your sump pump to fail. Make sure to protect your home and your belongings by keeping your sump pump in good working order with regular maintenance.
9. A Jammed Garbage Disposal
There’s no question that garbage disposals can be handy appliances; however, sometimes they may get jammed. If you run them without water, dispose of certain types of food substances, such as potato peels and cornhusks, or allow utensils to get inside, all this can cause problems.
The first step to fix this problem is to hit the reset button. If that isn’t effective, it’s necessary to open the garbage disposal up. If you can’t fix the problem, then it is best to call the professionals.
Avoiding Common Plumbing Issues With Help from the Pros
As you can see, there are more than a few plumbing issues that may occur. Knowing what they are is a great first step to avoid them. However, it’s a good idea to take other preventative measures too.
The most important preventative measure to take is hiring professionals for regular inspections. More information about scheduling a maintenance appointment, or for plumbing repairs, can be found by contacting us.
Clogging issue is really really bad. Agree with post