Damage to your home caused by plumbing issues are worth avoiding at all costs. Not only are the repairs expensive, but you certainly don’t want to have to spend the time or frustration dealing with problems with the plumbing in your home. A lot of these issues can sometimes go unnoticed for a while, so in this article, you can read about some of the common plumbing problems you should be aware of. You can learn more about what causes them and how early detection can prevent the damage that they can potentially have on your home.
Sink and shower clogs: Clogged drains in kitchen sinks are usually caused by a blockage of food that is preventing water from draining properly. This is something you really don’t want to let sit because the food waste will fill your home with a rotting smell. In bathroom sinks and showers, drain blockage is commonly a buildup of hair and soap. This accumulation usually happens slowly but can become suddenly troublesome.
Toilet clogs: Toilets often become clogged when they’re backed-up with paper and waste. Handling a common toilet clog typically isn’t too expensive or difficult. However, clogs can sometimes also be the result of a larger issue like a blocked sewer line. It’s important that this plumbing problem is handled quickly because a blocked sewer line can cause sewer backup or “black water” to overflow, which carries harmful bacteria and toxins.
Leaks and flooding: Leaks rank pretty high on the list of common plumbing problems because they can lead to high levels of home damage in cases where they cause flooding and/or have a structural impact like decay and rotting. Leaking typically occurs where individual pipes are joined together and are especially problematic in the winter when there’s a higher chance for pipes to freeze and burst.
Low water pressure: The annoying issue of weak water pressure coming from faucets and showerheads usually stems from deposits of mineral sediment that affect the flow of water passing through faucets, showerheads, or pipes. Another cause for this common plumbing issue may be a leak or clog in the pipes or at the valve. This issue can make the usual household tasks time-consuming and frustrating, so addressing the problem can sometimes become a priority.
Running toilet: You can detect this plumbing issue if you can hear not stop “running” from water flowing into the tank. This constant filling can lead to a lot of water waste and a high water bill. The likely cause of this is a leaking flapper that isn’t sealing properly. Other causes may be overflow water leaking down into the bowl because the “float” level is too high, or the refill tube is too long and needs to be shortened.
Quick action can be key in preventing damage caused by water or backup. It's important to act quickly when dealing with plumbing problems by yourself or with the help of a professional. Knowing what to look for and how to detect the common plumbing problems mentioned above can spare your time and money to help you to maintain a safe and happy home.
