Common Plumbing Issues and How to Fix Them

Plumbing issues can turn into a source of annoyance for homeowners. These problems disrupt routines, incur heavy repair costs, and cause stress. That’s why understanding the warning signs and taking preventive measures for your plumbing systems is essential. In this blog, we’ve covered the five most common red signs in plumbing systems while emphasising ways to tackle them effectively in time.

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Understanding Plumbing Problems Better

When anyone thinks of matters related to plumbing, they have two pictures in mind– burst pipes and no water from taps. All other issues about boilers blocked drains, and overflowing toilets are nightmares that nobody thinks of in the first instance. However, such worst-case scenarios can be aggravated over time.

To help you diagnose problems with plumbing, below are the five most common issues in plumbing you’re most likely to encounter at your place:

Issue 1: Dripping Taps

“Plink”- if you’ve heard this sound even when taps are off, it signals a leak. While the dripping taps’ sound does annoy your ears, it leads to water wastage and an unnecessary rise in utility bills. According to waterwise, it is believed that a single dripping tap can waste approximately 5,500 litres of water per year.

Fix a dripping tap in four steps:

Usually, this problem occurs when cartridges or O-rings loosen.  So, here are four steps to fix it before water droplets start ringing the “Plink” sound:

1. Locate the water shut-off valve and turn it clockwise to stop the water supply.
2. Remove the tap handle carefully with a screwdriver.
3. Inspect the O-ring for wear and tear. If damaged, replace it with a new, correct-sized one.
4. Reassemble the tap, turn on the water supply, and check for leaks.

Issue 2: Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are frustrating. They smell, overflow, and can ruin floors. The worst part is that it can happen anywhere from your bathroom to kitchen sinks.

Mostly, accumulated hair strands, soap scum, or food particles clog the drains. You can easily remove such drain issues at home with a plunger drain snake or by removing waste from the sink or drain. Using vinegar or baking soda can also help. However, consider contacting a professional plumber if the clogged sink plumbing issue persists.

Issue 3: Running Toilets

Another common bathroom plumbing issue is a running toilet. As leaky as it seems, it sounds more annoying in the middle of the night and after it raises your utility bills. Why does it happen? When the flapper between the bowl and the tank, that is, the flapper, gets compromised, water begins to leak from the tank to the bowl.

Fixing a running toilet is simple. Here are two ways to do this:

1. Replace the tank’s internal parts, including the fill valve, flush valve, gasket, washers, nuts, and bolts.
2. Adjust the chain length attached to the flapper.

Irrespective of how easy these steps seem, they require precision. Hence, when undoing the existing plumbing issue in the toilet becomes difficult, feel free to call a plumber.

Issue 4: Low Water Pressure

Weak water pressure can make daily chores like showering or dishwashing a troublesome experience. While disrupting your routine tasks is only one problem, it may also indicate an underlying plumbing fault, such as pipe corrosion, water leaks, clogged drains or lines.

Sometimes, the problem is because of low pressure from the utility or when you try drawing too much water at once, like washing dishes, watering the lawn, and expecting tremendous pressure in the shower. In such situations, check the pressure gauge and try limiting water usage. However, if the problem persists, the following steps will help.

How do you check water pressure issues?

1. Check for visible leaks: Leaks can reduce water pressure to a significant level. So, look for wet spots, mould, or water stains anywhere on ceilings or walls.
2. Clean tap and shower aerators: If the problem is not throughout the home and the water valve, it’s time to check for sediment build-up. For this, individual tap and shower heads should be run, the flow analysed, those with low-pressure aerators should be cleaned, and their aerators should be used.

If the issue persists, it’s time to seek professional help. The plumber will investigate the main supply line or plumbing system for other issues.

Issue 5: Heating System Issues

Getting inconsistent or no hot water after turning on the tap signals a problem in Heat Interface Units (HIU). It can result from improper maintenance, corrosion, or poor plumbing. Unlike other plumbing problems, HIUs require a plumber’s help. They inspect the heating system for corrosion, rust, or sediment deposits if you are living in an area with hard water.

After this, they clean the tank to restore water circulation, and HIU works fine. In case of leaking issues in HIU, replacement is considered a better option. Ideally, HIUs must be serviced at least once a year to maintain optimal functioning and prevent damage.

Let Citywide Plumbers Solve Your Plumbing Issues!

We’re here to assist you if you have any further enquiries about plumbing systems and related issues. Our team offers bespoke plumbing, electrical and heating services in London. Whether you’ve been struggling with water heating system failure or sewer line issues, our prompt action plan will surely help.

Call us on 020 3892 8545 or email us at info@citywideplumbers.co.uk for more information.