4 Common Plumbing Problems

Plumbing problems are an inevitable part of owning a home. Some problems come with aging while others are just due to improper usage and maintenance. The main issue with plumbing-related problems is that most of them go undetected until it is too late and then end up costing you. Undetected water problems also cause a lot of water wastage, according to one study an average household wastes 9400 gallons of water annually.

Plumbing problems can be of all sizes and types from relatively minor and inexpensive issues, such as a dripping faucet or a running toilet, to huge issues with the sewer system backup or a major pipe leak capable of causing severe structural damage to property. In this blog post, we will discuss 4 common plumbing problems that you may face.

Dripping Faucets

The sound of a dripping faucet is annoying. A drippy faucet can also cause a spike in your water bill and cost you money. One drip per second wastes 2600 gal of water per year. A drippy faucet typically occurs when the washer that forms the seal on the tap gets damaged. Apart from this a drippy faucet can be caused by erosion or improper installation.

Leaky Pipes

Leaking pipes are a common plumbing problem, a bulk of plumbing problems are caused by pipes. This leaky problem is more common in winter, because water freezes, expands, and causes the pipes to burst. Leaky pipes can be more than just a nuisance. A leaky pipe can cause damage to your floors and furniture and the wall of the house. The dampness caused by the pipe leakage will make way for bugs and cockroaches in your house. Most leaks happen at the pipes joints. Fillers, tape, and compound are often used to provide a temporary fix, but for something more permanent, you will need to replace the pipe piece or the related fittings. To solve this problem you will need the help of a professional plumber.

Running Toilet

Up to 200 gallons of water may be lost each day due to a running toilet. The main culprit of a running toilet is a faulty flapper valve. This flapper controls the water that passes from the tank to the bowl. Therefore damage to the flapper causes the water to leak. Other potential causes include an imbalanced float, loose-fill tube, or a leak.

Toilet leaks can also be caused by sediment affecting the flushing and filling. If your water bill is skyrocketing, you need to check for silent leaks. Silent leaks can be detected by putting food coloring in the upper tank and seeing if it makes its way to the bowl without flushing. You can fix a toilet leak with a toilet repair kit available at any hardware store but it’s always better to call a professional.

Low Water Pressure

Common plumbing problems in old houses often revolve around low water pressure, but the issue can happen in newly constructed buildings as well. If the water in your home trickles out of the tap rather than gushes, then this may be a symptom of low water pressure. This problem is caused by a number of issues, a common one being that your pipes have become corroded, broken, and worn out over time.

Another issue can be low water pressure in the shower, this is usually caused by a build-up of sediment and mineral deposits on the aerators. To fix this problem you can soak the aerator in vinegar to clean it. But if this does not fix the problem then there might be a problem with your shower head.

Final Word

Plumbing problems are a common issue faced by many people. The aforementioned plumbing problems are just some of the more common problems faced by an average household. You can fix these problems yourself but it’s always better to call for a professional plumber.

About Jack’d Up Plumbing

Jack’d Up Plumbing is a fast and affordable plumbing service company in Calgary. We offer affordable and professional plumbing services in Calgary and surrounding areas. We specialize in drain cleaning and other plumbing-related services such as water and gas leak repair, bathroom and kitchen plumbing repairs and installations, water heater and furnace repair/installs, and more. Contact us here for more information.