Don’t want a plumbing nightmare in your home?
Plumbing issues are the last thing any homeowner wants to deal with. But they’re also one of the most common disasters. And because most plumbing work happens behind walls and under floors, they can be total surprises.
The problem is this:
Plumbing problems usually start small. That’s how they’re easy to miss. But if you don’t catch them right away, small plumbing issues turn into big, costly repairs.
Fortunately, you can save yourself the money and hassle if you know what to look for. That means knowing the common plumbing issues in homes so you can find them in your own. It also means knowing when you need a residential plumbing company and when you can fix the problem yourself.
Here’s what you need to know…
What You’ll Learn:
- The Most Common Residential Plumbing Problems
- Warning Signs of Bigger Problems to Come
- DIY Plumbing Fixes You Can Tackle
- When to Call a Plumber (No, really…)
- Plumbing Maintenance to Prevent Problems
The Most Common Residential Plumbing Problems
Think about how much work plumbing systems do for your home every day. Water runs through pipes, drains empty, and faucets, showers, toilets, and appliances see constant use. You have to expect some components to wear out over time.
And in case you were wondering, here are the problems you are most likely to encounter…
Leaks from Fixtures and Faucets
We all know that drippy faucet makes us crazy. But did you know it’s also a waste of money?
The EPA estimates homes with minor leaks can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water each year. That’s a whole lot of wasted money every month.
Leaks can be caused by a variety of issues, such as:
- Worn washers or O-rings
- Corrosion on valve seats
- Loose components due to constant use
- High water pressure wearing down seals
A leaky faucet or fixture is rarely a quick problem. If you don’t address it immediately, it’ll almost always get worse.
Clogged Drains and Toilets
Slow drains are more than just an inconvenience. They are a signal that something is building up in the pipes.
Hair, soap scum, oils, and debris all collect in pipes over time. Tree roots also grow into sewer lines as they search for water. If there’s nothing for water to flow through, it has to go somewhere. You guessed it — toilets clog when you flush things that don’t belong down there.
Causes of clogs can include:
- Hair buildup in bathroom drains
- Grease, oil, and food particles in kitchen sinks
- Foreign objects flushed down toilets
- Tree roots growing into sewer lines
A plunger can usually handle a minor clog. But when drains repeatedly clog, it’s a sign there is a bigger problem. This problem requires professional repair.
Running Toilets
Running toilets waste hundreds of gallons of water a day, and most people don’t even realize it. Why? Because you get so used to hearing it run that it blends into the background.
The problem is usually caused by a faulty flapper valve or fill valve. Sometimes it’s due to a broken part in the float mechanism. Whatever the cause, these components are all subject to wear and tear and will need to be replaced every few years.
Water Heater Issues
Few things are more disappointing than a cold shower first thing in the morning.
Water heaters last about 8-12 years with the right maintenance. But a few signs indicate problems ahead, including:
- Inconsistent water temperatures
- Strange noises when heating
- Rusty-colored water
- Visible leaks around the tank base
Here’s a fun fact…
Over time, sediment builds up inside water heaters. This leads to lower efficiency and a shorter lifespan. Flushing the unit once a year can prevent this buildup.
Low Water Pressure
Few things make a shower or sink less enjoyable than low water pressure. It makes washing a chore and simple tasks take longer than they should.
Causes of low pressure can be as simple as mineral deposits clogging showerheads and aerators. Cleaning or replacing these components often solves the problem.
But when the entire house has low pressure, it can indicate bigger issues with corroded pipes, hidden leaks, or the main water line. In these cases, you need a professional diagnosis.
Warning Signs of Bigger Problems to Come
Some plumbing problems are loud and obvious. Others sneak up on you until serious damage occurs.
Here are some warning signs you should never ignore:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Musty odors near drains or fixtures
- Unexplained spikes in your water bill
- Gurgling sounds coming from drains
- Slow drainage in more than one fixture
- Discolored or rusty water coming from taps
Insurance statistics show 1 in 60 insured homes file a water damage claim each year. Most of them never planned to become part of that statistic. Catching problems early can prevent your home from becoming another number.
DIY Plumbing Fixes You Can Tackle
There are plenty of do-it-yourself plumbing repairs and maintenance tasks to save you money. You can do most faucet, fixture, and toilet repairs yourself.
Here are a few things you should feel confident about tackling:
- Replacing faucet washers and cartridges
- Clearing minor drain clogs with a plunger
- Replacing toilet flappers and fill valves
- Cleaning aerators and showerheads
- Tightening loose connections
If you are unsure of yourself, don’t force it. You can cause additional damage if you are not 100% confident in what you are doing. Call a professional.
When to Call a Plumber (No, really…)
Some plumbing problems are best left to the experts. Others are a disaster waiting to happen.
Call a professional to handle any of the following:
- Sewer line problems and backups
- Water heater installation or major repairs
- Frozen or burst pipes
- Low water pressure throughout the entire house
- Gas line work
- Any plumbing change that requires a permit
Attempting major repairs without the proper knowledge and tools can make the situation worse. An issue that could have been a small fix becomes water damage that requires expensive repair.
Plumbing Maintenance to Prevent Problems
The best plumbing repair is the one you never have to make. Regular maintenance is the key to keeping most systems in working order.
How can you prevent common plumbing problems?
- Be careful what goes down your drains. Use strainers to catch hair and debris before they go down drains. Never pour grease down kitchen sinks.
- Treat fixtures gently. Don’t force handles, and turn faucets off gently instead of twisting them tight. This prevents premature wear.
- Know where your water shutoffs are. If an emergency occurs, quick action can prevent a lot of water damage. Locate the main water shutoff valve before you need it.
- Schedule annual inspections. A professional plumber can spot problems you never would. Quick fixes now prevent major repairs later.
- Insulate exposed pipes. Frozen pipes burst and can lead to catastrophic water damage. Proper insulation protects during cold snaps.
- Address problems right away. That small leak will not fix itself. The longer you wait, the worse the damage will become.
Wrapping It All Up
You will probably encounter a plumbing problem in your home at some point. It’s a guarantee. The key to preventing a minor annoyance from becoming a major disaster is awareness and timing.
Here’s what you need to remember:
- Small leaks add up to thousands of gallons of wasted water each year
- Clogged drains are a sign of bigger problems down the line
- Warning signs should never be ignored
- DIY repairs should never be forced
- Prevention is always better than cure
Most plumbing problems come from subtle warning signs. Learn to recognize the signs so you can protect your home and your wallet.
Don’t wait until the water level is up to your ankles to take action. Regular maintenance and quick responses ensure your plumbing system will work for years to come.
If a problem is beyond your DIY skill level, it’s ok to call for help. Professional plumbers have the right tools, training, and experience to diagnose a problem and fix it right the first time.
Your home’s plumbing deserves that kind of care.
