The most common plumbing issues that arise are very important for homeowners to be aware of. Knowing how to identify and address these problems quickly prevents extensive and costly damage to your home. Being proactive about minor leaks or clogs before they become big problems will also save you money in the long run.
Clogged drains
Clogged drains are the most prevalent plumbing issues in any home. Kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers are all prone to clogs from hair, food, grease, soap residue, and other debris. Slow-draining or otherwise blocked drains range from a minor nuisance to a smelly, messy problem. Trying a plunger or snaking the drain yourself may work, but severe clogs often require a plumber to fully clear. Watch for signs of backed-up drains like gurgling sounds, overflowing water, or very slow drainage. Stop using any drain when these issues arise and contact a plumber to prevent further complications.
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Leaky faucets
The constant drip-drip-drip of a leaky faucet drives homeowners crazy. This common issue is usually caused by worn washers or O-rings inside the faucet that allows water to leak in. Ignoring a leaky faucet leads to a steady waste of water and higher utility bills. Catching minor leaks early makes repairs easier. For basic dripping faucets, you often replace the washers or O-rings yourself with widely available replacement parts. YouTube tutorials are great for learning how to take different faucet styles apart and replace worn pieces. For stubborn leaks or more complex faucet and pipe systems, call a professional plumber to identify and fix the problem.
Running toilets
plumber Chiswick toilets that run constantly are another common and irritating household plumbing issue. The problem is caused when parts inside the toilet tank malfunction, allowing water to flow into the bowl. It drives up your water usage significantly. The floating ballcock and toilet flapper are usually the culprits behind running toilets. They misaligned, warped, or failed to close completely. First, check for any obstructions like toys or other objects interfering with the mechanisms. Try gently bending or adjusting parts to realign them. Replacements for flappers, floats, and other tank parts are inexpensive and easy to install yourself.
Noisy pipes
Hearing loud banging, clanking, or high-pitched squealing coming from your pipes? This racket signals a problem with water pressure, pipe fittings, or your plumbing valves. While noisy pipes aren’t directly damaging, they indicate wear and tear or loose fittings that could worsen over time. Air trapped in the pipes clatter loudly. The culprit is usually old galvanized steel pipes or newer pipes with loose straps, hanging brackets, worn washers, or missing insulation that allows vibration. Copper and PVC pipes with direct contact against studs or joists also transmit noise well. Replacing brackets to secure pipes, adding insulation around pipes, or updating old piping resolve noisy pipe issues. Be sure to have a plumber inspect the source of any unexplained noises inside your walls.
