6 Most Common Plumbing Problems

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase “plumbing problem”? If you’re like most homeowners, you probably see money going down the drain faster than water from a broken pipe. But here’s a crucial piece of advice: don’t ignore plumbing repairs. The longer you wait, the more it will actually cost you in the long run. Plumbing is the unsung hero of our daily lives. It’s responsible for those hot showers that wake you up in the morning, the flushing toilets that keep your home sanitary, and the clean water that’s essential for cooking and drinking. Any small issue, if left unaddressed, can quickly escalate into a full-blown calamity.

Our experienced plumbing team understands the urgency of these situations. We can provide cost estimates over the phone and, in emergencies, get to you as quickly as possible. But before you pick up that phone, let’s explore the six most common plumbing problems and some free advice that might save you a call (and some cash).

1. Leaky Taps More Than Just an Annoying Drip

Leaky taps don’t sound like a major problem but left unchecked they add $$$ to your bill every year. There can be a few reasons your tap is dripping or leaking.

Incorrect tap washer size
Tap washer has worn out or broken
Jumper valve is worn out
Valve seating corroded or damaged
Poor tap washer installation
O-ring is worn out or loose

It is ok to attempt DIY plumbing on a leaky tap if you have the confidence. Just make sure you have the correct plumbing tools like correct size washers, wrench, spanner, o-ring, jumper valve, pliers and even tweezers. And remember to turn off the water mains before you start. That persistent drip-drip-drip isn’t just irritating – it’s wasteful. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a leaky tap that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. That’s enough to take more than 180 showers!

DIY Solution: Often, a leaky tap can be fixed by replacing the washer or O-ring. Turn off the water supply, disassemble the tap, and inspect these parts. If they look worn, replace them and reassemble them. If the leak persists, it might be time to call in the professionals.

2. Blocked Drains – A Clog in the System

Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face. They can range from a minor inconvenience to a major headache, depending on the severity and location of the blockage.

DIY Solution: For minor clogs, try a plunger first. If that doesn’t work, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can sometimes do the trick. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and let it sit for an hour, then flush with hot water. For more stubborn clogs, a plumbing snake might be necessary.

Pour baking soda down the drain (amount varies but usually a cup)
Pour vinegar over the powder (try half a cup)
Wait 30 minutes and then pour a cup of boiling water down the drain
Use a plunger and check if the sink or drain is now clear
If less blocked but still not completely clear then repeat the process.

The chemical reaction between the two products will aid in loosening any debris and food causing the clog in the shower drains or sink drains. If after a few attempts the drain is still blocked then it’s time for a Plumber.

Or you can try and fix the sink drain in your kitchen or bathroom by taking off the pipes under the sink and giving them a good clean. It could be a build-up of hair, food or grease blocking. It’s pretty simple to do. Take a picture on your mobile before you detach the two pipes so you can refer back to it when reattaching. Generally, it’s just a process of turning the plastic and loosening the pipe. Remember to put a Tupperware or ice cream container under the pipe as water will come out as you are loosening.

For more info click here to read our blog on drain-cleaning tips

3. Hot Water Problems – When Your Shower Turns Cold

ou deserve to take a nice, hot shower every day. Unfortunately, if your water is not supplying the heat, you need it can be more than frustrating. Turning on the shower and having cold water flowing is quite a shock to the system! This is one of the most common plumbing problems we get callouts for we specialise in replacing old hot water systems.

We do not recommend any DIY plumbing of hot water systems as they are an important and expensive plumbing item you do not want to break. We will give you the options of costs for fixing or replacing. If your system is old getting a new one will bring savings on your bills as new hot water systems are much more energy-efficient.

Our Hot Water Repairs or Replacement Services Include:

Any new valves required
Change over
Certificate of compliance
Install and removal of units
Operate and Test

4. Low Water Pressure – When the Flow Becomes a Trickle

Is your water pressure not what it used to be? Leaky pipes can lead to low-pressure problems. For you to solve the problem of low water pressure, there are a few options. One is to call in an expert plumber who will come and take care of leaking pipes that may have become broken or corroded over time. Another option would be to install an inline flow regulator that can help maintain steady levels of incoming water when needed by altering its rate. If that sentence makes no sense to you – then don’t bother with DIY plumbing just save time and call us.

Low water pressure can turn a refreshing shower into a frustrating experience. It can be caused by various factors, from mineral buildup in pipes to more serious issues like leaks.

DIY Solution: Start by checking if the issue affects all faucets or just one. If it’s isolated, the problem might be with the aerator. Unscrew it, clean out any debris, and reattach. If the problem persists or affects multiple faucets, it’s best to consult a professional.

Low water pressure can turn a refreshing shower into a frustrating experience. It can be caused by various factors, from mineral buildup in pipes to more serious issues like leaks.

5. Gas leaks – A Silent but Serious Threat

While not strictly a plumbing issue, gas leaks often fall under a plumber’s purview. They’re one of the most serious problems you can encounter, posing significant health and safety risks.

DIY Solution: There is no DIY solution for gas leaks. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, evacuate immediately and call your gas company or emergency services. Never attempt to locate or fix a gas leak yourself.

A gas leak is a serious life-and-death situation. Gas leaks can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and it can be silent and undetectable to smell. We always perform carbon monoxide testing when we repair your heater. Using state-of-the-art technology we check your heater to ensure that no dangerous fumes are escaping into your home.

We clean and service the unit to ensure it is tuned for optimal heating. This in turn will reduce energy bills. We can even help with explaining to you how best to operate the heater. It only takes a few minutes to give you peace of mind and ensure your family’s safety.

6. Clogged Toilet – A Bathroom Nightmare

Clogged toilets are no joke. When the toilet bowl fills up and doesn’t drain away, it’s typically a result of a mixture of paper and human waste that has accumulated in the pipes, or as some would say, “clogs.” You can always fix blocked toilets with a plunger, but if not, you’re going to need something more robust like a sewer snake or drain auger. These are tools of the trade for plumbers not usually on hand in your tool collection so it’s time to contact us and we will get back to you asap.

A clogged toilet is more than just an inconvenience – it can quickly become a messy and unsanitary problem if not addressed promptly.

DIY Solution: Start with a plunger, ensuring you have a good seal around the toilet bowl’s drain. If that doesn’t work, try a toilet auger. For more stubborn clogs, you might need to use a chemical drain cleaner, but be cautious as these can damage your pipes if used too frequently.

DIY or Plumber

While these DIY solutions can often resolve minor issues, some plumbing problems require expert attention. If you’re unsure about tackling a problem yourself, or if your attempts haven’t solved the issue, it’s time to call in the professionals.

Our team of experienced plumbers is ready to tackle any plumbing challenge, big or small. We pride ourselves on prompt service, fair pricing, and high-quality workmanship.

Don’t let plumbing problems escalate – address them early to save time, money, and stress.

Book Your Plumbing Service Online Now

Remember, when it comes to plumbing, an ounce of prevention is worth a gallon of cure. Regular maintenance can help you avoid many common plumbing issues and extend the life of your plumbing system. So don’t wait for a problem to occur – be proactive about your home’s plumbing health!