9 Most Common Plumbing Problems

Any home is likely to have plumbing issues at some point. The issues may arise due to many factors, like poor maintenance of plumbing fixtures, normal wear and tear, and aging. Here are the most common plumbing problems to expect as a homeowner.

1. Dripping Faucets

A dysfunctional O-ring and washer can cause faucets to start dripping. Faucet dripping can also occur due to corrosion or an incorrect installation of the faucets. The common solution is to replace the faucets.

2. Sump Pump Failure

Sump pump failure can happen because of issues inside the unit or other external problems. Excessive amounts of water, especially after every rainfall, can cause sump pump failure. Other causes are faulty switches, clogged discharge pipes, and aging pumps.

3. Clogged Toilets and Drains

When you remove water from a sink or take a shower, you might notice a clogged drain. If the clog is in the toilet drain, water will stagnate inside the toilet bowl and can even overflow.

The problem may happen when particles accumulate in the drain and block wastewater flow. Common particles include hair, small toys, and shampoo lids. Particles that cause clogging are not dissolvable like other types of waste. 

4. Water Heater Issues

If the shower emits cold water instead of warm water, the problem might be with the water heater. Other indications of water heater issues include discolored water, puddles of water, and dripping water. In some cases, the water heater might produce unusual noises. These water heater problems often happen due to the presence of sediments within the water heater.

5. Jammed Garbage Disposal

If you run an empty garbage disposal unit, it can jam. The unit can also jam if you put certain substances like potato peels and corn husks in it. Other things that can jam your garbage disposal include operating the unit without water and putting silverware inside it.

The jamming can stop if you press the reset button, but sometimes you may need to hire a professional to open the unit and identify the problem.

6. Sewer System Backup

Sewer system backups can cause unpleasant smells and cause expensive repairs. Failure of multiple toilets and drains is an indication of sewer system backup problems.

7. Shower Leaks

You may have noticed water leaks from your tub spout. In other cases, you might see water on the floor after the shower. Water on the floor might also happen even when nobody has used the shower recently.

If the bathroom is upstairs, water can accumulate in a wall or ceiling next to the shower. The water accumulation may cause leaks behind or under the shower, even if you are not using the shower. The leaks may also happen when hard water courses particles to accumulate in the shower. The sediments eventually clog the cartridge and allow some water to pass through.

Shower leaks usually happen due to a faulty shower cartridge within the shower valve.

8. Leaky Pipes

Cracks and looseness at various parts of a pipe, particularly at the joints, can cause leaks. Leaking pipes can damage furniture, walls, and floors. The resulting dampness also creates the perfect environment for mold growth and may attract pests.

Sometimes, simple solutions such as adhesives and tape can solve the problem, but you may have to find a more permanent solution. 

9. Running Toilet

Running toilets typically happen because the flapper valve that regulates the water movement between the bowl and the tank becomes faulty. Another cause of the problem may be a dysfunctional toilet fill valve. Running toilets can lead to the loss of many gallons of water per day, increasing your energy bills.

If your home has a plumbing problem, hire a professional plumber to repair the plumbing issue efficiently. Contact Drain Right Services for quality plumbing and HVAC services.