What are the Most Common Plumbing Problems?
One of the things homeowners have to care about is having a properly functioning plumbing system. However, plumbing problems such as leaking pipes and clogged drains are inevitable. It can be a result of aging fixtures, typical wear and tear on some components of the plumbing system, or poor installation and maintenance. Other simple mistakes, such as constantly pouring oil and grease down the drain, can contribute to plumbing problems over time.
Understanding such problems you’re likely to face is crucial. Therefore, this post focuses on common plumbing problems one is likely to run into and how to fix them.
4 Most Common Plumbing Problems
1. Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one the worst and most common plumbing problems and often occur in the bathroom or kitchen’s plumbing system, making it impossible for water to flow past the blockage. Clogs are also common in the sewer line drain system. Dealing with problems can be frustrating and time-consuming.
What are the signs of clogged drains?
To identify clogged drains, here are the signs to look out for:
- Water backs up to your sink, shower, commode, and clean-out spouts
- A foul odor coming from drains
- Slow draining from your sink, shower, bathtub, etc.
- Gurgling noises from one sink after draining another
- A bubbling sound from your toilet
What are the causes of clogged drains?
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A hair, soap, and toothpaste build-up in the bathroom sink, tub, or shower
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A build-up of wipes, paper towels, toilet paper, and other hygiene products in the toilet
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A build-up of soap, grease, oils, and food particles in the kitchen sink
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When tree roots grow into sewer pipes or septic systems
How to fix clogged drains
You can use a plunger or drain snake to clear minor clogs in the toilets, sinks, tubs, and drains. Suppose a plunger or drain snake doesn’t work; you may consider using chemical drain cleaners to remove persistent blockages.
2. Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes are another common plumbing problem that can easily cause significant damage to your property and furniture if left unchecked. Above all, it can increase your water bill. Therefore, this is one problem that needs to be fixed fast.
What causes leaking pipes?
- High water pressure
- Poor installation
- Pipe corrosion
- Cracked seals/pipes
- Freezing temperatures
- Pipe joint/connection damage
How to fix leaky pipes
The first thing is to identify where the leaks are occurring and the potential cause. For minor leaks, you can use pipe tape or joint compound to seal small leaks around joints. Compression fittings also work well with minor leaks.
Another option is to replace damaged sections, which means cutting and replacing. It could also mean creating other pipe joints or connections in case of severe leaks. However, you’ll need appropriate fittings and tools for this kind of plumbing job. For instance, to fix leaks at a PEX pipe connection, you’ll need a pipe cutter, crimp rings, and a PEX crimping tool like the iCrimp IWS-1234PS PEX Crimping Tool.
Read more: Best Fittings for PEX Pipes
3. Water Heater Problems
Water heater issues are also common plumbing problems that homeowners face. It’s one problem that can cause major inconveniences, especially during the cold seasons when you need a hot shower. For instance, you may have a pilot light failure, a faulty thermostat, a water heater leak, an obstructed vent, etc.
What causes water heater problems?
- Sediment/corrosion build-up in the water heater system
- Improper water heater installation
- Heating element failures
- Broken/loose electrical connections
- Not having enough water
How to fix water heater problems
The homeowner or a plumber can easily fix most water heater problems. Start by identifying the exact problem affecting your water heater system, and that is where you involve a professional if it’s something basic you can handle. If the water isn’t heating, check whether there is power or repair the heating element. You should also regularly flush the water heater tank to remove sediment.
4. Frozen pipes
Frozen pipes are a common plumbing problem, especially during the winter season. Frozen pipes are not a mere problem because the freezing water causes stress in the pipes, which can lead to cracking and bursting plumbing pipes, causing damage to your home and costly repairs. It can also cause premature aging of your plumbing pipe. Above all, ice can block water flow in drain pipes, which can also easily contribute to other severe plumbing problems.
How to fix frozen pipes
Consider insulating any exposed pipes outside your house and in the attic. Also, consider opening your cabinetry under the sink to allow warm air circulation to the plumbing. Thirdly, let the cold water faucets run at a trickle during the cold season. Finally, keep your home interior warm to stay above the freezing levels.
Final Thought
Above are the most common plumbing problems homeowners and plumbers often encounter. Other plumbing problems to be aware of include low water pressure, running toilets, and dripping faucets. The best part is that these issues can be prevented through regular maintenance and proper installation of the plumbing system and components. However, if they occur, they should be fixed fast before they become a major issue.
If you’re a professional plumber or homeowner looking to fix plumbing problems, you’ll need proper tools for the job. This is where iCrimp comes in as a reliable platform for quality and efficient plumbing tools such as crimping tools, pipe cutters, and clamp cinch tools.
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