Common Plumbing Issues In Apartment Buildings

As compared to a townhome or a detached house, apartment buildings have a very intricate plumbing system. According to statistics, an average household of 3 people consumes 630 liters of water per day.

Considering the huge volume of water that flows through the pipes of any given apartment building will give you an idea about the magnitude of the plumbing problems that typically arise in most apartment buildings.

The pipes, fixtures, and fittings have to endure heavy use of water. Moreover, at times, the water pressure can also fluctuate, negatively affecting the plumbing system. Some of the most common plumbing issues that you might face while living in an apartment include:

Clogged Toilets

Clogged toilets are one of the most common plumbing problems that you might face. Drain pipes and sewer lines are designed to handle a certain type of waste. However, sometimes people end up flushing objects that are not water-soluble. Since all the drainage pipes in an apartment are connected, the object can end up in your apartment’s drainage system, leading to clogging.

In addition to this, the accumulation of toilet paper or other sanitary materials in broken sewer lines can cause toilet clogging. If it is a minor clog, you can resolve it by plunging the drain repeatedly or flushing the system four to five times back to back.

However, if this does not fix the issue, you might have to call for professional residential plumbing services.

Clogged Drains

Like clogged toilets, clogged drains are also very common in apartment buildings. This is usually caused by grease build-up or the accumulation of debris such as hair in the drains’ pipes. If the residue is large, it can lead to clogging several sinks in the building. Moreover, if the issue is not fixed in time, it can even lead to flooding in apartments on lower levels.

If you are facing a clogged drain, you can try and use commercial drain opening solutions to fix it. However, there is a high chance that the issue will recur. To fix it once and for all, it is advised that you call a professional for help.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are something that you might have to deal with every year in Calgary. Weather changes greatly affect the health of your plumbing fixtures. In cold weather, the water that runs through the pipes can freeze. When this happens, the pipes around your apartment might crack, or burst in a worst-case scenario.

A cracked water pipe is a ticking time bomb that can burst anytime, which is why you should tend to it immediately. Burst pipes can lead to major damage to the walls and the electrical system of your apartment.

Dripping Faucet

Although dripping faucets are not a hazard, they are quite frustrating and end up wasting a lot of water. If you leave a dripping faucet unfixed, you will end up wasting gallons of water in a matter of a few days. This will not only affect your water bill but is also not healthy for the environment.

Dripping faucets are very common in apartment buildings with older plumbing fixtures. There is no way you can fix this issue at home, so it is best you call a professional plumber for help.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be frustrating especially when you are washing your dishes or taking a shower. It is mostly caused by clogged aerators. If this issue is affecting both your hot and cold water, you might have to get your aerators replaced.

However, if it is only affecting the hot or cold water, there might be some issue with your building’s plumbing. In either case, it is best to ask a professional plumber for help.

What Can You Do About These Plumbing Issues?

The best way to deal with most plumbing issues in your apartment is to call a professional plumbing company. Jack’d Up Plumbing is one of the best plumbers in Calgary. Get in touch with us today.