What are the Most Common Plumbing Problems?
Dripping faucets
Dripping faucets may not seem like much but think about this; one drip per second equals over 9,800 litres of water per year! Think about how much you’re wasting just by ignoring that dripping faucet, and how much it can impact your water bills. It’s better to fix water leaks now, rather than waiting for them to get out of hand.
With a proper diagnosis, professional plumbers can find the origin of the problem. A common cause is simply a worn O-ring—the small rubber loop that goes on the valve stem. You may also be dealing with an old cartridge, which you should replace every couple of years. If you’re dealing with a bad valve seat or washer, you can call a professional plumber to ensure the right size washer is installed correctly.
Frozen indoor pipes
During winter months, your indoor pipes can freeze, causing them to crack and burst. Frozen pipes are uncommon in New Zealand but do happen and can lead to several expensive problems. A light flow of water from sinks and showers or no water flow at all could indicate a frozen pipe. When you encounter this problem, try to locate the frozen pipes. Wrap them in hot towels, heat them with a hair drier (if you can do so safely), or heat the space with a space heater to thaw them.
You should also shut off the main water line to avoid flooding if pipes have burst. It’s important to note that these are temporary solutions. You should call professionals to have your frozen pipes replaced as soon as possible. Also, consider pipe insulation to prevent this issue from recurring.
Running toilet
A common problem, yet never an inexpensive one, is a running toilet. It can cost you up to 200 gallons of water each day. One of the most common culprits is a faulty flapper valve, which is the instrument that controls the water passing from the tank to the bowl. You can easily replace it, first by turning off the water and removing the old flapper, then setting up your new flapper by hooking each ear onto one of the pegs on the sides of the flush valve.
Remember that the chain should be relaxed and shouldn’t be too tight. Turn back the water and test the new flapper. Less frequently, a running toilet may also be caused by sedimentary build-up, which can affect your toilet’s ability to flush. It’s best to call your local plumbers to receive a proper diagnosis of your running toilets.
Clogged drains
A plumbing problem that’s very familiar to many households is a clogged drain. Whether it is hair stuck in shower drains or a build-up of products like soap or toothpaste, clogged drains are always frustrating. Most clogs are pretty straightforward; you can simply plunge away. However, if your plunger is unsuccessful, you may want to skip the heavy-duty chemicals. Instead, call professionals who have access to the right tools to unclog drains, such as a pipe snake that allows them to access objects that fall down your sink.
Weak water pressure
Low or weak water pressure can be a hassle, especially when you’re in a hurry to start the day with a quick shower or end the day getting all the dishes done! The simplest solution is to replace an old or faulty showerhead or faucet. However, there are cases when low water pressure is caused by faulty valves and pipes. It could also indicate possible leakage you’re not yet aware of. When this happens, you’ll need professional help to solve your water pressure problem.
Plumbing First Aid Tips
Remember that dealing with plumbing issues can be tricky. Even if you have the right tools to complete the job, it’s best to leave complicated plumbing issues to the professionals. Here are some quick fixes you can do when you do encounter a sudden plumbing problem that requires immediate action.
- Shut off the main water supply before attempting repairs
- Invest in high-quality tools and replacement parts
- Wear proper gear when replacing parts
- Call your trusted pros to help diagnose and address the problem effectively
Call Pipeline Plumbing for emergency jobs!
We are the experts you can count on when dealing with basic and complex plumbing issues. We take care of all aspects of residential plumbing, including maintenance, extensions, drain laying, drain unblocking, and more. We also provide emergency and after-hours service to ensure your family’s safety when met with emergency plumbing issues. Dealing with a plumbing problem? Request for a no-obligation quote today!