Common Water and Plumbing Problems

Regardless of your home’s age, there are widespread problems that can occur with its internal plumbing system. S a homeowner, if you know what...
a close-up of a faucet

Regardless of your home’s age, there are widespread problems that can occur with its internal plumbing system. S a homeowner, if you know what to look for, as well as when it’s time to call in a professional technician, both your plumbing and water temperature systems should last for many years. Here is a brief list of some of the most common issues that could occur and what fundamentals to look for in serious situations.

Clogged Drains

If you’ve been emptying a sink or shower and have seen the water backing up, and obstruction with the plumbing is the most likely culprit. Knowing how to clear the blockage can usually restore the water level fairly quickly unless the piping age has caused a leak somewhere in the house. More serious clogs or issues may require s visit from a professional plumber, avoiding further damage to the pipes.

Leaky Faucets and Pipes

img

Second, only to clogged drains as the most common plumbing problem is a leaky faucet or pipe. To the surprise of many, even a small, ignorable leak can add-up financially, as fixing it could save to 10 percent on your monthly water bill. Leaking faucets are easy to spot; as soon as water drips while in the off position, you know there’s a leak. As long as you notice the leaky facet early, you should be okay and not suffer too many costly dames, although most people don’t notice the issue until they see a puddle below the pipes.

Most leakage issues tend to occur in either the kitchen or bathroom. Although leaking faucets are eventual, due to the pipe’s wear and tear, there are ways to make your faucets last longer. Simply turning your facets gently during use and avoiding harsh pressure on the handles should add some longevity to their lifespan. Even if you have some knowledge of plumbing or the fundamentals of online learning have provided you with some information on home repair, for major issues having to do with your house’s pipes, a professional plumber is definitely needed.

Water Heater Issues

Unlike the previously mentioned potential water issues, anything having to do with your house’s air systems require serious attention. Irregularities with your hot water and cold water can be the biggest indication of a heater problem. If, for example, your hot water turns cold after a few minutes, it may be time to give both your shower head and water unit a thorough inspection. If you’ve happened to notice any leakage or dripping, seen discolored water, or if your water heater has been making strange noises such as rattling or clunking, it is definitely time to call in a professional HVAC technician, either for the AC unit or the heater system.

Whether a traditional furnace, a water heater, a gas water heater, or an electric water heater, homeowners should know potential danger. One common reason for problems with the heater is that mineral deposits, such as sediment, can cause the rattling. Be sure to give the pressure valve regular assessments, and flush the tank a year times a year to get rid of sentiment build-up.

Low Water Pressure

img

Low water pressure is another common problem in many homes. In more serious cases, a water main break can reduce pressure within your water unit, although a smaller pipe is leaking within your home is easier to fix. If a water main ever breaks, be sure to immediately turn off all the taps in your home and check your water meter for irregularities. If the water meter changes, you likely leak. Having a professional technician install a filtration system to keep minerals out of your pipes can go a long way in preventing future blockage problems.

Keith Bell is the Creative Director for Urban Tulsa. He has been with UT since 2018, and manages the creative department designing every issue from concept to web production.
SHARE THIS