Five of the Most Common Plumbing Problems for Homeowners

Household pipes, faucets, spouts, and other plumbing fixtures age, which means they start to wear out. They may need a repair or, in some cases, these parts need to be replaced. There are several plumbing problems most homeowners deal with at one time or another. Look at the five most common plumbing problems they encounter.

Dripping Faucet

Whether it is in the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room, a dripping faucet can be an annoying presence in a home. This is especially true when family members are trying to sleep at night. A dripping faucet can be caused by a number of things. One cause is a washer that has been worn down over time. Water is able to move past the worn washer resulting in a constant drip. Worn-out seals, a loose part, or a broken part are other things that can cause a drippy faucet.

Leaking Water Heater

No water heater is made to last forever. The water inside a water heater’s tank causes sediment and corrosion over time. This allows water to leak out. It could be a slow leak at first, but can quickly turn into a flood. If your water heater is leaking, it’s best to call capable professionals who know how to stop the leak and address the underlying problem.

Clogged Sink Drain

Most people know that a clogged sink drain is usually caused by loose hair, pieces of tissue, or maybe even an item dropped into the drain by accident. But it’s not always easy to loosen or remove the debris that is clogging a sink drain. Sometimes a clog needs to be removed by specific types of equipment operated by a plumber who understands where the clog is and how to remove it without damaging any pipes.

Overflowing Toilet

An overflowing toilet is something that happens in most homes at some time. The overflow is caused by debris or an object trapped in the toilet’s plumbing that is preventing water from flowing out as it should. Using a durable rubber plunger sometimes works to remove a clog. Once again, sometimes other more professional equipment is necessary to remove some types of stubborn clogs.

Broken Garbage Disposal

Flipping the switch to the garbage disposal only to hear silence in return is a discouraging thing for a homeowner. The homeowner may push and hold in the reset button on the underside of the disposal unit to see if that will get it running again. Or maybe the owner will go to the breaker box and make sure the electrical setting for the garbage disposal is as it should be. These two options may work, but sometimes a garbage disposal needs the attention of a professional plumber.

These are just five examples of common plumbing issues that arise for homeowners. Most of the time, it’s worth a try to use a simple solution like a plunger or a liquid drain cleaner to unclog bathroom and kitchen drains. But, if the clog persists, it’s wise to call professionals who have the equipment and knowledge needed to find a long-term solution.

Plumbing professionals can provide the kind of services that are all-inclusive, and get the right person for the right job. Unattended plumbing clogs and leaks can result in additional problems such as water damage and hazardous mold. Prompt attention to plumbing repairs will help you avoid this. From small water spots to a flooded home, the resulting water damage and mold are destructive problems for the structure as well as your family's health. If this occurs, the labor and treatment are outside the scope of a plumber's duties and will require extra professional assistance.