Last Updated on March 1, 2023 by
Plumbing is an essential part of comfortable living in any modern home. But there are no perfect systems, and issues can arise within those systems that make it so you can’t complete your daily tasks. Sometimes the problems are so serious you need to hire a professional plumber to handle the repairs for you.
It’s a good idea to understand what some of the common plumbing problems are so you can keep your eye out for signs of issues. With plumbing, the faster you catch the problem and the less damage you’ll have to deal with, the better!
Table of Contents
Here’s a list of the top eight most common plumbing issues to watch for your home!
1. Water Heater Malfunction
For many of the ways that homes use their plumbing systems, the water heater plays a crucial role. Dishwashers don’t work as well, and showers are much less enjoyable with only cold water running through them.
Water heaters can have some simple problems, like the pilot light going out, that are easily solved, but others require more in-depth attention. One of the most common problems is that rust and corrosion eat away at the parts, causing them to fail and need replacing. There can also be issues with the electrical components that require more intricate repairs done by a professional.
2. Dripping Faucet
A less intense but much more annoying problem is a dripping faucet. The constant, repetitive noise can easily drive a person crazy if you let it go for too long.
There is also the potential of serious, unseen damage that could be building up if you’re not careful. A dripping faucet is often a sign of a problem in the pipes deeper within the walls; left untreated can turn into major water damage. When your attempts to tighten up the faucet don’t work, call a plumber as quickly as possible to avoid those types of issues.
3. Constant Running Toilet
Along a similar line, a toilet that is continually running may seem like an annoying problem, but it can be a sign of a serious issue.
Luckily, the continual water moving through is usually a sign that there are some worn-out parts that need replacing. If you have some basic handyman skills, you could tackle this job. Or a plumber can get it done in no time!
Fixing this problem will also save you from wasting a ton of water over time, which is always a good thing!
4. Leaky Pipes
Obviously, you never want water outside the pipes, fixtures, or appliances as it can cause a lot of damage which is incredibly expensive to fix. For a wide variety of reasons, pipes can start to leak everywhere, and that often goes unnoticed for too long. There are things to look for to try to catch it as early on as possible.
Once you spot things like stains on the walls or ceiling, bubbles in the flooring, or mold, it’s time to call in the professionals like Active Plumbing to get your system sorted out quickly.
5. Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues because they can happy to literally any system, it all depends on what is put down the drain. These issues are often more annoying than anything else as they can slow down the rate at which the water moves but can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem.
A residential plumber may need to be called to be able to reach the clogged and remove it. Sometimes these repairs are beyond the normal scope of a homeowner’s skill level.
6. Low Water Pressure
There’s nothing worse than looking forward to a long, hot shower to help you relax at the end of a hard day, only to be severely disappointed in the lack of water pressure. Weak water pressure can really ruin not only the enjoyment of a shower but also make a lot of daily tasks much harder.
This is definitely a time to call a plumber because there are so many reasons this problem could be happening. Their professional expertise will be better able to narrow down the possibilities and develop a solution much quicker.
7. High Water Bill
No one likes to pay more in bills each month than necessary, and that definitely includes their water. If you notice your water bill has been creeping upwards or all of a sudden is unexpectedly more expensive, you’ve got a plumbing issue somewhere in your system.
Like some of the other issues already mentioned, it can be hard to figure out what is causing the problem. After double-checking that everything is properly turned off and no major leaks are occurring, it’s helpful to seek professional advice.
8. Breaks in the Sewer Line
Possibly the worst of all the plumbing issues you can have is a broken sewer line. But, unfortunately, it’s something that happens to many homeowners.
These issues normally present themselves as major issues that take a lot of time and effort to repair. They are often a total surprise as well, which can be very difficult to manage. The best thing you can do is take precautions to care for and maintain your sewer lines, particularly by only putting things down on your plumbing that is supposed to go there.
Common Plumbing Problems Homeowners Experience
Many of our most important daily routines, like bathing and cooking, rely on our plumbing systems, so when you experience these plumbing problems, your whole day can be thrown off!
The best thing you can do for your home pays close attention to any small differences in how the system is working. As you monitor the system, you’ll be able to remedy small problems or get ahold of professionals promptly to get major things taken care of. This vigilance will pay off big time when you aren’t left without water because of a major breakdown!
More About It
- Dripping Faucets: A dripping faucet can be annoying and wasteful, leading to higher water bills. The cause is often a worn-out washer or O-ring that needs to be replaced.
- Clogged Drains: Clogs in sinks, showers, and toilets are common plumbing problems. These blockages are typically caused by hair, soap scum, food scraps, or other debris that builds up over time. A plunger, drain snake, or chemical drain cleaner may help clear the blockage.
- Running Toilets: If your toilet continues to run after it has been flushed, it can waste a significant amount of water and increase your utility bill. This issue is usually caused by a worn-out flapper valve that needs to be replaced.
- Low Water Pressure: Low water pressure can make it difficult to shower, wash dishes, or do laundry. This problem is often caused by mineral buildup in pipes or a leak somewhere in the system.
- Leaky Pipes: Leaky pipes can cause water damage, mold growth, and increased water bills. Corroded or damaged pipes, loose connections, or high water pressure may cause these leaks.
- Faulty Water Heater: If your water heater is not functioning properly, you may experience cold showers or low water pressure. A faulty thermostat, a damaged heating element, or sediment buildup in the tank can cause this issue.
- Sewer System Backup: A sewer system backup can be a messy and unpleasant problem to deal with. It may be caused by a clog in the main sewer line or tree roots infiltrating the pipes. A professional plumber can help diagnose and fix this issue.
- Frozen Pipes: During the winter months, pipes can freeze and potentially burst if they are not properly insulated or heated. To prevent this problem, make sure to keep your home at a consistent temperature and insulate any exposed pipes.
If you want to learn more about taking care of your home, check out our other articles today!
