8 Most Common Plumbing Problems

Whether you rent your property or own your own home, upkeep and maintenance of wiring, plumbing and other household essentials can be stressful. Many problems are unpredictable, however, having some knowledge of the kinds of challenges you may face can better prepare you both mentally and financially. Some problems like a dripping tap are relatively minor and not very costly. However, bigger problems like leaking pipes may cause thousands of dollars in secondary damage to your property if not dealt with correctly.

If you’re a bit of a handy andy yourself then you may be quite adept at dealing with small problems. However, it’s a more severe issue or you simply don’t have the time or interest to deal with it, then rest assured that you have reliable professional help at hand. Murphys Plumbing are always available to deal with your plumbing problems.

1. Dripping Taps

This is a very common plumbing issue. Not only can the drip-drip drive you insane, but the water wastage can also weigh heavy on your conscience and rack up your water bill. It is easy to grow accustomed to a dripping tap sometimes, but it is important that it is dealt with swifty. A single dripping tap and amount to hundreds of liters of water waste over the course of just a few months. The problem is usually simple. An internal washer probably needs replacing, or your tap may just need changing due to wear and tear. 

2. Slow Draining Sink

Fat build up or food residue can cause blockages in your kitchen sink. This in turn restricts the speed at which the water drains from your sink. In bathrooms, it is usually caused by hair and soap remnants. You can use simple home DIY solutions to deal with this problem. You can try a plunger or use baking soda and vinegar. If that fails, a plumber’s snake can also help remove anything causing the blockages. If these methods don’t work, it may be time to call in the professionals, since a slow draining sink can quickly result in complete blockages, rendering your sink unusable.

3. Running Toilet Water

This is one of the biggest culprits of water waste, and you can lose a high volume of water in just one day. It is usually caused by a faulty valve which usually controls the water in the tank. It can be fixed easily with a home tool kit. Sometimes, the water may be running silently and you may not realise. A good way to check is to put dye in the water tank and see if it makes its way into the toilet bowl without flushing. 

4. Clogged Toilet

A clogged toilet can be everyone’s worst nightmare. It can be caused by a combination of toilet paper or tissue and waste. You can use a sewer snake or an auger to loosen anything causing the blockage. If you don’t want to deal with this issue, then you can of course call in professional help. 

5. Faulty Boiler

It can be annoying being in the shower and find the water suddenly turn cold. There can actually be multiple reasons for this to happen. The pilot flame could have gone out, which needs a simple ignition. Other problems, however, will need a trained professional. A broken thermostat, or a build up of residue in the boiler tank can all cause changes in the way your water is heated. To avoid this problem, consider having a professional plumber inspect your boiler from time to time. 

6. Leaking Pipes

Leaking pipes can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home. They are more common in the colder months since water can freeze in the pipes, therefore expanding and causing them to burst. If the water from a burst or leaking pipe gets into your floorboards, carpets, walls and furniture, it can cause rot and mold that can be costly and time consuming to treat. Damp environments are particularly inviting to household pests too. To avoid a whole cascade of potential problems, it is important to deal with leaking pipes swiftly. 

Summary

Some common household plumbing issues like a dripping tap or blocked toilet can be dealt with at home. However, some issues will need trained and professional help to prevent further damage. If you find yourself on a tight schedule or you simply don’t have the right tools, then don’t worry, Murphys Plumbing is your go-to for all your plumbing problems. Whether its leaking pipes or broken boilers, we offer a friendly and professional service to take care of your plumbing needs.