Most homeowners experience plumbing problems at some point. The most common plumbing issues include dripping faucets, leaky pipes, running toilets, defective water heaters, clogged toilets, and low water pressure. However, not all plumbing issues require professional help. This post will look at the common plumbing issues everyone should know.
Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets are the most widely experienced plumbing problem, affecting over 75 percent of homes at some point. The primary cause of this plumbing problem is mineral buildup. Mineral buildup occurs if your home has hard water, which contains minerals that accumulate on the inner and outer surfaces of your pipes. The buildup can reduce the water flow from your faucet, causing it to drip.
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes are the second most common plumbing problem, affecting many homes every year. The primary cause of a leaky pipe is a crack in the pipe. Common causes also include aging infrastructure, damaged joints, and loose connections.
If not detected and addressed promptly, the small cracks can enlarge, resulting in flooding to your basement or yard.
Running Toilets
Running toilets are yet another widely experienced plumbing problem. The primary cause of running toilets are clogged drains. While there is no single cause of blocked drains, it can be due to wrongly sized flapper chains, corroded toilet handles, worn-out flapper seals or flush valves, or a leak in the pipe.
Faulty Water Heater
This is a tricky plumbing issue that requires the help of a professional. Faulty water heaters are mainly detected when you’re in the shower and the water goes cold unexpectedly. There are several causes of a faulty water heater, which is why you need a professional inspection to determine the exact cause. Sometimes, the pilot may go off. In that case, you will need to relight it to restore the water heater’s functionality. It can also result from a sediment buildup in the tank or a faulty thermostat.
Clogged Toilet
A clogged toilet is another plumbing issue widely experienced by homeowners. Several factors cause this plumbing problem. These include the buildup of human waste in the toilet or inside the tank, faulty flush valves, defective vent pipes, or a broken flapper chain.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is yet another plumbing issue commonly experienced by homeowners. There are several potential causes of low water pressure. These causes include a loose plumbing line, a broken valve, a corroded or clogged water line, a pipe damaged or fractured by tree roots, a faulty aerator, or an improperly installed water heater.
Above are some of the most widely experienced plumbing issues that every homeowner should know. Homeowners must address these problems promptly. Failure to do so can allow them to develop into serious problems. Call a professional plumber to inspect your plumbing system at least once a year. They can unearth any hidden plumbing issues. Also, if you are ever concerned about the quality of your water, there are several methods for improving the quality of your drinking water that you should understand.
