8 Most Common Plumbing Problems

Most homeowners will face the often frustrating, yet common, home Plumbing repair issue; however, knowing how to repair basic plumbing problems can save you money and possibly unnecessary frustration.

Most of us don’t think much about our plumbing until there’s a problem. And then, many panic. By becoming aware of the most Common Plumbing Problems, you may be able to save costs by repairing the problem yourself, or at least know how to head off a plumbing disaster until a professional plumber arrives.

Here are the 8 most common home plumbing repair problems our technicians see on a daily basis and tips for what to do should you encounter these issues in your home:

1. No hot water or not enough hot water

If an issue with your hot water arises, there are a few steps you can take to determine if the hot water problem can be repaired without calling a professional:

• If you have a gas water heater with a pilot light, this may seem obvious, but check to make sure the light is lit.
• Make sure the temperature setting on the water heater is set high enough to provide adequate amounts of hot water. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends setting to 120 °F (49 °C).
• You may find, especially as your family grows, that you simply need a larger hot water heater to meet your hot water needs.

2. Clogged drains

Clogged drains should be prevented if possible. Be careful about what you put down drains—paying special attention to the kitchen sink drain, the most used and therefore, most often clogged drain in the house.

3. Dripping faucets

Washers in faucets simply wear out over time. Most homeowners will face this common annoyance as washers in faucets wear out. Never use force to turn the water off, which will help extend the life of faucet washers.

4. Leaking pipes

Leaking pipes can cause extensive damage to your home including walls, floors, ceilings, and your belongings. Be sure to regularly check your plumbing pipes for white lime deposits or rust, both of which may indicate the beginnings of a leak.

5. Leaking water heaters

If you have a leaking water heater, more than likely, it will need to be replaced. Leaks from the water heater typically indicate a problem with rusting in the bottom of the water storage tank, and unfortunately, there is no repair for this problem.

6. No heat

A broken furnace or boiler can result in extremely uncomfortable winter nights. Always have your heater checked to ensure it’s working properly before the weather turns cold.

7. Running toilets

This issue is usually indicated by a constant humming noise or the toilet continues running after flushing. Toilet parts can wear out over time. Fortunately, this type of problem can be fixed by replacing the part of the toilet that is out of order and rarely will you need to replace the entire toilet.

8. Leaking toilets

A leaking toilet can become quite expensive – adding more than $100 to your annual water bill if the problem isn’t addressed. To repair a leaking toilet, it is often necessary to call a professional.

9. Garbage disposal malfunction

Garbage disposal problems can be a messy and frustrating problem to fix. Always run cold water before, during, and after putting food in your disposal. Prevent problems by avoiding putting the following in your disposal:

• Fibrous foods such as celery, potato and carrot peels, onion skins, and lettuce.
• Grease, fat, oils
• Eggshells
• Pasta, potatoes, beans, and rice
• Non-food items

When in doubt about how to properly fix home plumbing repair problems, it is always best to seek the help of a licensed plumber. The professionals at Hemphill Services in Birmingham, Alabama, can quickly diagnose your plumbing problem and provide an estimate for how much the problem will cost to repair.

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