Top Five Most Common Plumbing Problems

TOP FIVE MOST COMMON PLUMBING PROBLEMS

Almost every homeowner will face a variety of issues with plumbing at one time or another. Handling the smaller plumbing repairs, like changing a toilet handle or changing a washer can be fixed easily. But the more challenging plumbing problems will need the expertise of a professional.

Here is a list of the most common plumbing problems homeowners experience:

Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can happen for a variety of different reasons. It can happen everywhere or only in parts of your house. In older homes steel pipes were used and over time, they may have built up lime deposits, which can limit the flow of water. For newer homes, low water pressure can be caused by constrictions in your pipes or valves. There also could be a hidden leak somewhere in the plumbing as well. Whatever the reason, don’t let a water pressure issue go untreated, as it could lead to bigger plumbing problems.

Running Toilets
This may be one of the easiest issues to resolve. The annoying sound of a running toilet certainly can disrupt your sleep pattern, but it also could waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. Some common causes for a toilet to run include:

Chain is loose or has become unhinged
Broken, dirty or warped flapper
Floater is out of place

Clogged Drains
Human hair, lint and even mineral buildup can cause all drains to clog over time. If your plumbing system is over 20 years old, you should be aware that older pipes are more prone to persistent clogging. Although it seems logical to use them, over-the-counter drain cleaners can be harmful to your pipes. It’s always best to contact a professional to handle unclogging your drains.

Dripping Faucets
A dripping faucet seems like a small problem, but it can add up to a tremendous waste of water over time. Normally, a dripping faucet can be fixed by replacing a washer. If you notice the faucet is still dripping, then the valve seat may be corroded. It could also be a worn-out seal, or something even worse like a broken pipe. It may be time to call a professional to deal with more in-depth problems.

Water Heater
Depending on how frequent you maintain it, the average lifespan of a water heater is anywhere from 8 to 12 years. The most common water heater problems include a leaking tank, not enough hot water, water that is too hot or too cold, and discolored or smelly water.

Hidden leaks and faulty water heaters could end up causing structural damage if left untreated. Following a regular maintenance schedule is one way to combat costly plumbing repairs. A regular inspection of your plumbing system helps catch small problems before they get out of hand. Contact us here at Knieses plumbing for all of you plumbing needs.

SOURCE: http://www.hanoversupply.com/top-five-most-common-plumbing-problems/