Plumbing problems can be quite troublesome for homeowners, no matter how experienced they may be with DIY projects. Because these problems can easily become costly, knowing and recognizing when you need professional help is important. You want to pay less for something that could have been avoided, so let’s look at some of the most common plumbing problems you may need professional help with.
1. Leaking Pipes, Fittings, or Potential Leaking Conditions
Leaking pipes can lead to several problems that can be avoided with the help of a qualified plumber. Whether you are hoping to prevent unwanted water damage or still must continue with your plumbing project despite the leak, hiring a professional should always be your first option. Leaks inside pipes often go undetected until they grow into large problems.
2. Slow or Clogged Drains
Bubbles, sludge, and other debris can get into your sink drain, causing clogs and slow drains. The best prevention for this is regularly washing out your sink drain with a weighted brush and hot water or vinegar. You can also bring in a professional plumber if you have concerns about your drains or if the problem has been ongoing enough to build up a significant amount of sediment.
3. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be a common problem in older homes that has been neglected over time. The issue is that pipes may have clogs, leaks, or deteriorated pipe sections. These may contribute to low water pressure and must be fixed by a professional.
4. Dripping Faucets
This is a common problem that several things can cause. One of the most common types is caused by defective faucets, while others include pipes or plumbing fixtures installed incorrectly. Dripping faucets can sometimes be attributed to a loose screw, but many times they are caused by the faucet itself.
5. Running Toilets
A running toilet is one of the most common plumbing problems you’ll deal with. Most often, this problem is caused by a clogged toilet, but it may also be caused by debris in the system. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you are flushing enough times each time. Running toilets can be loose connections or pipes, so you must inspect your plumbing for any possible issues yourself before calling in a professional plumber.
6. Loud Noises Coming from Your Pipes
Loud noises coming from your pipes may be due to several different things. If the noise comes from your toilet, you could have an object stuck in the line or an air bubble. Sometimes water hammering from older plumbing systems is the cause. This problem can be solved by simply tightening loose pipes or installing insulation where the lines are located.
7. Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes occur when pipes are suddenly frozen over, causing water buildup inside the pipes. The water pressure quickly becomes too much for the pipe to handle, causing it to crack and break. This type of issue is often caused by leaks in your system, though it can also result from old pipes that have been exposed to extreme cold or dryness. The best way to prevent this from happening is to ensure proper ventilation and make sure that you regularly change your dishwater or toilet bowl cleaner.
These are only a few of the most common plumbing problems you may face. It’s also important to understand that some issues can be avoided with regular maintenance, like avoiding using your toilet as an ashtray or flushing things that don’t belong in a toilet. Regularly changing the shower head, keeping it above the water line, is another good idea.