The 10 Most Ordinary Plumbing Problems

It is estimated that, on average, most people call in an expert plumber about once every three years for their routine plumbing problems. These problems can range from basic issues, like dripping taps, to major leaks.

Plumbing issues come in all sorts of sizes and shapes, from inexpensive and relatively minor problems, such as a running toilet or a dripping tap, to serious issues like sewer system backups or major pipe leaks, which can cause significant damage to personal property, floors, and walls.

Below are some of the most common issues that may necessitate professional plumbing services. By understanding these common problems, their causes, and potential fixes, you can minimise or even prevent them from occurring.

Here are a few examples of common plumbing problems, their causes, and how they might be addressed. Some issues are relatively straightforward and manageable on your own, while others will almost certainly require the expertise of a professional plumber.

The Most Common Plumbing Troubles Are:

Slow-draining sinks, shower drains, sewer system backups, running toilets, low water pressure, leaky pipes, jammed garbage disposals, faulty water heaters, dripping taps, clogged toilets, and clogged baths.

Clogged Bath or Shower Drain

Slow-draining baths, shower drains, and bathroom sinks often become blocked due to clogs caused by soap and hair. Clearing the blockage typically requires the use of a plunger or a drain snake. Vinegar or bicarbonate of soda can sometimes dissolve these clogs as well. If not addressed promptly, the issue often worsens over time. The problem can be minimised or prevented by using a drain guard to catch hair.

How to Unblock the Shower Drain Using a Plunger:

• Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the edge of the suction pad to improve the seal.
• Ensure there is enough water in the shower so the end of the plunger is submerged.
• Plunge vigorously to remove the blockage.

Clogged Toilet

When a toilet bowl fills up and does not drain away, it means you have a clog. This blockage is usually caused by a mixture of human waste and toilet paper. Clogged toilets are typically cleared using a plunger. If this does not work properly, a drain auger or sewer snake may be used to loosen the blockage.

Dripping Taps

Dripping taps are considered one of the most common issues, to the point where it is very rare to find someone who has not experienced this problem. They are not just a source of irritation; the water waste can significantly increase your water bill and cost you money. A single tap can waste litres of water, amounting to hundreds over the course of a year.

In most cases, the cause of dripping taps is an internal washer that has become dislodged, stiff, torn, or worn over time. Fixing the problem is usually within the capability of an average householder; however, it may require the appropriate tools.

Faulty Water Heater

The problem often goes unnoticed until you are in the shower and the water temperature abruptly turns cold. There are several issues that could cause a water heater to malfunction. The pilot light may go out, requiring you to relight it. Sediment build-up in the tank can also cause problems. At other times, the thermostat may be at fault.

Generally speaking, you may need an expert to inspect, fix, or maintain your water heater, unless it is something very simple, like relighting a pilot light. Low water pressure has a variety of potential causes. If only the hot water pressure is weak, the issue could be related to the shut-off valve on the hot water heater. In such cases, ensure the valve is fully open.

Jammed Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are very useful appliances; however, they can sometimes jam. Running them without water, disposing of certain food particles like potato peels and corn husks, or allowing silverware to get inside can all cause problems.

Your first step in fixing the issue should always be to press the reset button. However, if this does not work, you may need to open it up. If you have lost the key that came with the garbage disposal, a 1/4-inch Allen wrench can be used to free the motor.

Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes are more than just a nuisance; they can cause damage to floors and furniture, and the resulting humidity can attract pests such as cockroaches. Leaks almost always occur at pipe joints. Compounds, fillers, and tape can usually provide a temporary fix, but for a more permanent solution, you may need to replace the damaged pipe section or the connected fittings.

Leaks are particularly common during winter when water can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to rupture.

How to Prevent Pipes from Bursting During Winter:

• When the weather is cold, allow cold water to drip from taps connected to exposed pipes. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent the pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both day and night to avoid sudden temperature changes.

Low Water Pressure

When water trickles out of a tap instead of gushing, this can be a symptom of low water pressure. It is often an issue in older houses.

Low water pressure may be caused by leaking pipes that have become worn, corroded, or broken over time. Typically, it is caused by the build-up of mineral deposits and sediments on aerators. You can soak an aerator in vinegar to clean it. If your shower is the issue, you may need to either replace the showerhead or soak it in vinegar.

How to Clean a Showerhead Using Vinegar:

• Dismantle the showerhead and clean off any soap scum or dirt.
• Use a toothbrush soaked in vinegar to scrub and loosen mineral deposits.
• Use a toothpick or safety pin to remove loose deposits.
• Soak the parts in vinegar overnight to dissolve any remaining deposits.

Running Toilet

A running toilet can be expensive, with up to 200 litres of water wasted every day. The most common culprit is a faulty flapper valve, which controls the water passing from the tank to the bowl. This issue is fairly straightforward to fix using a toilet repair kit, readily available at any hardware store.

Less commonly, toilet leaks can also be caused by sediment affecting the filling and flushing mechanisms. If your water bills seem unusually high, check for silent leaks. Place a few drops of food colouring in the upper tank and observe if the colour makes its way to the bowl without flushing.

Slow Draining Sink

This type of problem is typically caused by a blockage that restricts water flow. In kitchen sinks, blockages are often caused by food remnants and congealed fat. In bathroom sinks, soap and knotted hair are more likely to be the culprits.

Methods for clearing a clogged sink include using a plunger, pouring vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, applying a chemical clog remover, or using a plumber’s snake. If the problem is not addressed, it will likely worsen over time, eventually leading to a completely blocked drain.

How to Unblock a Sink Drain Using Chemicals:

1. Carefully follow all instructions on the product packaging and avoid using too much.
2. Wear goggles and gloves for your safety.
3. Do not mix different chemicals, as this can create poisonous gases.
4. Pour the chemical down the drain as directed.

Important Note:

Chemicals can cause damage to drainage pipes if used repeatedly, so this method should be a last resort and used sparingly.

Shower Drains

Shower drains are prone to becoming clogged by soap or hair. The problem may be especially common for users with long hair, as it can cause large knots. Using a shower drain guard can help prevent issues by catching hair before it enters the drain.

Sewer System Backup

These are, frankly, a total nightmare. They are nasty, smelly, inconvenient, and costly to fix. If you have multiple drains and toilets not functioning properly, or if there is human waste or a foul odour, you are likely dealing with this issue.

Responsibility for fixing the problem depends on the location of the blockage. If it is on your property, it is your responsibility. If it is out on a public road, the water company must fix it. Unfortunately, you may need to hire a plumber to locate the blockage, but it is worth contacting the water company first, as they won’t charge you if it is their fault.

The Three Common Causes Are:

• A Clogged Main Sewer Line
  To minimise this risk, be mindful of what you flush down the toilet. Avoid flushing facial tissues, napkins, and nappies, and do not pour grease down the drain.

• Tree Roots Invading Pipes
  Tree roots can penetrate cracks in the pipes, surround them, and even crush them over time.

• Old Sewer Lines Breaking or Collapsing
  Modern sewer lines are made from durable plastics, but older lines, made from clay or cast iron, are prone to decay over time.

• The 10 Most Common Plumbing Problems

Related Pages:

• Plumbing Knowledge Base
• 5 Common Plumbing Troubles of Old Houses
• Plumbing Codes – The Beginner’s Guide
• Plumbing Tools and Equipment’s