Common Plumbing Problems for Homeowners

Plumbing plays an essential role in every home, from distributing water to removing waste and promoting health and safety. However, plumbing systems can become problematic due to normal wear, lack of maintenance, and misuse with time. Learn common home plumbing issues and how to fix them.

Water Heater Issues

From discolored water to gurgling noises in the water heater and lack of hot water, water heater issues can run rampant in homes. For instance, your water heater may not discharge adequate hot water for household chores like bathing and washing.

The most probable culprits are sediment buildup in the tank, leaks, low pressure, incorrect temperature settings, or a faulty heater. While you can flush the tank to get rid of the sediment or adjust the temperature settings accordingly, other problems like faulty heaters and leaks require professional attention.

Clogged Drains and Toilets

Clogged drains and toilets mainly emanate from a blockage in the drain. You may notice that your toilet doesn't flush well and water either back up in the bowl or even overflows. Similarly, water may back up when you take a shower or use a utility sink.

In toilets, items such as wipes, cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products, and diapers cause clogs. You can utilize a plunger to unclog a toilet or drain by leveraging air pressure. If this does not work, call a plumber to handle the clogged drains.

Faulty Faucets and Pipes
Leaky faucets are not only annoying but also waste water and money. A drip can waste thousands of gallons of water annually, and you can save on your water bill by fixing it. Common causes of a leaky faucet include improper installation, corrosion, high water pressure, or a damaged washer and valve seat. If the washer is the problem, replacing it can resolve the leak.

Leaky pipes emanate from clogs, pipe corrosion, excess water pressure, cracked pipes, and natural wear. Older homes are vulnerable to pipe leaks since they often use copper pipes, which are vulnerable to corrosion and bursts due to extreme temperatures. A plumber can determine the cause of a leaky pipe and remedy it as necessary.

Sewer Issues

From clogged toilets to sewer odors in the house and sewer backup, sewer problems are among the most undesirable plumbing issues homeowners encounter. A majority of sewer issues emanate from sewer lines or septic systems and are best left to plumbers. Perhaps your septic tank is full, trees have damaged your pipes, or you have drain field problems.

Running Toilet

Although a running toilet does not mess up your floor, it does your pocket. A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily, resulting in high water bills. Among the reasons your toilet is running is a faulty rubber flapper, corroded toilet handle, loose refill tube, or worn-out flush valve. You can remedy this problem by ensuring all the inner toilet components function properly.

Worn-Out Hose Bib

Hose bibs provide easy water access outdoors so you can water your yard, clean your driveway, and wash your car. Over time, especially during cold winters, your hose bib can crack or fail. Also, it may leak due to age, resulting in costly water wastage.

Your best bet is to replace the hose bib with a heavy-duty and frost-proof one that will withstand harsh winters and heavy use. Before starting the replacement process, remember to shut off the water supply to the bib.

While numerous plumbing issues affect homes, they are easily preventable or fixable before they wreak havoc on your home. Contact Henry's Service All for plumbing repair and maintenance in Hurst, Euless, and Bedford, TX. We offer excellent plumbing services, exceptional customer care, and high-quality work.