Plumbing Problems and Solutions: A Homeowner’s Guide

Regardless of how old your home is, you may occasionally encounter issues with your plumbing system. Even a minor plumbing issue, however, can lead to hundreds of thousands in repairs. You can keep costs down by identifying and fixing plumbing problems immediately after they occur. If you find yourself in this situation, you can either perform the repairs yourself or call a professional. Learn more about common plumbing problems and solutions below. 

Common Plumbing Problems and Solutions

From leaky pipes to clogged drains, there are numerous issues that can impact the quality and efficiency of your home’s plumbing system.

Leaky Pipes

If you live in an older home, there’s a good chance that the pipes in and around the property will leak from time to time. Today, most pipes are made from a durable and long-lasting PEX material. Older homes were often outfitted with copper pipes that don’t hold up well under extreme temperatures. When temperatures become too hot or cold, the pipes will expand and contract, which can lead to the copper breaking.

This type of piping can also corrode over time. If you have a leak in copper pipes, you can either ask a professional plumber to fix it or request full repiping services, the latter of which allows you to upgrade to PEX. No matter the type of piping you have in your home, repairs should be handled by a plumber.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains and pipes are also common among homeowners. When a toilet clogs, you may be able to fix the problem with a plunger. Stubborn clogs might require a professional or pipe snake. When the clog occurs in a drain or sink, consider pouring a combination of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. You could also use a chemical drain cleaner. Keep in mind, however, that these are typically temporary solutions. If the drain is filled with soap, hair, or toilet paper, you might need to call a professional.

Running Toilet

One of the more expensive plumbing problems to deal with is a running toilet. If your toilet doesn’t stop running, there’s a good chance that it will use hundreds of gallons of water every day.

This issue often occurs because of a rubber flapper that’s no longer sealing the tank correctly. It’s possible that the chain that’s connected to the flapper has become twisted. Even though this is a costly problem, it’s a simple fix. A replacement flapper can be bought for $20 or less.

Weak Water Pressure

Weak water pressure is among the more frustrating plumbing problems. When your water pressure is weak, it’s more challenging to wash dishes or take a shower. You may be able to fix this problem by purchasing a new faucet or shower head. If this doesn’t work, it’s possible that one of the pipes is leaking or a valve is malfunctioning. If you don’t know the source of the problem, it’s best to call a professional plumber.

Bad Faucets

Over time, faucets can start deteriorating in quality. For example, you may be unable to fully turn off your faucet, which might lead to constant dripping that ends up costing you a lot of money every year. There are many causes of a faulty faucet, each of which has its own fix. For example, it’s possible that the O-ring is worn. This rubber item is situated on the stem screw and is designed to keep the handle in its proper place.

Because of how often you push and pull a handle, the ring may become worn, which can cause leaking. Additional causes of malfunctioning faucets include a bad washer or an old cartridge. You may need a plumber to tell you what’s causing the problem. The fix is usually as simple as replacing the faulty component.