Everything wears out over time, especially frequently used things like a home’s plumbing system. As your system wears out, you may notice a few signs that certain fixtures need replacement, such as leaky faucets or damaged pipe systems. Whether you just bought your first home or don’t know how to deal with plumbing issues, you should learn more about the most common plumbing problems for homeowners to recognize.
Leaky Pipes
Both clogged drains and leaky faucets are usually easy to spot and repair. However, you could also have a leak in your pipe, which isn’t as easy to see. You may not be aware of the problem until noticing a spike in your water bill.
Often, pipe leaks occur due to corrosion, improper installation, joint damage, or cracking along the material. The longer you ignore this issue, the more damage you risk to your home. So do a water test to check for a leak. Then, call a plumber right away if you discover there’s a problem.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are another one of the most common plumbing problems for homeowners to recognize. This is because hair, soap, and other materials that wash down the drain build up within the pipe, which may mean slower drainage.
Pro-Tip
Avoid dumping items down the drain and only flush toilet paper. By washing things like grease down the kitchen drain, you increase the chances of clogging it and damaging the plumbing system.
Sewer System Backups
For many homeowners, sewer system backups are worst-case scenarios for several reasons. First, they can smell awful. Also, proper cleanup to keep the area hygienic isn’t cheap. Furthermore, you’ll have to hire a sewer line repair company to fix the pipe. Depending on the location of the break, the contractors may have to dig up your yard. Thus, it’s always best to call for an inspection the moment you suspect something is wrong within your home.
Low and High Water Pressures
Neither overly low nor overly high water pressure is good. Low water pressure often indicates that one of your pipes has a leak. However, high water pressure damages your home since it applies too much force to your plumbing system.
High water pressure could also cause problems with your water heater as the increase in pressure forces it to work harder. In most cases, your water supplier is the reason for increased pressure, as they pump out more water for the residents. Contact a plumber to prevent an at-home emergency if you notice high water bills, leaky faucets, or noisy appliances. It’s always best to be proactive!
