6 Most Common Plumbing Problems

Depending on the age of your home, you may find yourself calling the plumber out more than you want to. As our homes age, the plumbing does too. This means that pipes can become brittle, and plumbing problems can arise. There are many potential plumbing problems that any home could suffer from at any time, some of these problems tend to happen more often than others.

When a plumbing problem occurs, it can often send the homeowner into a bit of a panic. Homeowners can resolve some of the most common plumbing problems on their own, but with many it’s best to call in Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical. The longer you leave a plumbing problem, the more damage it could create. Below are some of the most common plumbing problems that technicians are called out for.

● Leaking pipes – Leaking pipes are a lot more common during the winter due to the temperature changes, but they can also occur at any time throughout the year. The pipes tend to begin leaking around their joints, but they can also leak if there are any cracks. If a pipe that is under the floor, in the ceiling or behind a wall begins to leak, you won’t be able to notice it until water is visible. Keep an eye out for any unexplained wet patches on the floors, ceilings or walls. If you spot any, you will need to call out a plumber immediately. If you leave the problem for too long, severe water damage can be caused.

● Dripping faucet – Unless you can hear a dripping faucet while you’re trying to get to sleep, they’re often a problem that goes ignored. If you have a faucet that is dripping, its washer will have worn out and it needs replacing. You may not realize it, but a dripping faucet wastes a lot of water. If you left a bowl under the faucet for a whole night, you would be surprised at how much water can collect. Not only are you wasting water when you have a dripping faucet, but you’re also losing money. Every drip adds up, and you’ll be surprised at how much it can affect your water bill. This can be fixed quickly by yourself or by a professional plumber for a small amount of money, so there’s no excuse to ignore it.

● Leaking hose bib – During the winter, hose bibs can crack due to the cold weather. You may not notice that you have a leaking hose bib until you come to use your hose in the spring or summer. Weatherproof hose bibs are available – this will prevent any leaks in the future and from you having to change the hose bib as often. You or a plumber can easily replace the hose bib.

● Low water pressure – Low water pressure is common in older homes, but it can happen in newer homes too. Low water pressure can be caused by many things such as a leaking pipe, needing a new shower head, corrosion in your pipes and more. A professional plumber will be able to find the cause of the low water pressure and get it fixed for you in no time.

● Slow or clogged drains – If you have a drain that is running slow it could mean you have the beginnings of a clog. Many people use over the counter drain cleaners to try and break up the clog, but professional plumbers do not advise this. Over the counter drain cleaners can be quite damaging as they can cause the plastic pipes to become brittle and crack. Call in a plumber and they will use professional tools to remove the clog.

● Running toilet – A running toilet wastes an enormous amount of water – up to two hundred gallons every day. If you notice that you have a running toilet, then call in a plumber to fix it. A running toilet will be costing you a lot, so it’s best to get the problem fixed as soon as possible.