7 Common Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them

When you own your own home, it certainly helps to have a basic understanding of the most common plumbing problems you'll likely encounter. What is even more beneficial, however, is knowing how to diagnose them. It can save you from costly repairs, water waste and a multitude of other hassles.

From leaking taps and blocked drains to a running or severely clogged toilet, minor plumbing issues can quickly become major plumbing emergencies if you don’t nip them in the bud quickly.

Recognising the signs early means you can fix problems before they affect your water supply or your water bill. Whether it’s sediment in water heaters or a sudden loss of water pressure understanding your plumbing system is key.

While a DIY fix here and there will work for some problems, others will likely need professional help to avoid further damage. Let’s take a look at 7 of the most common plumbing problems in the home.

1. Leaking Taps

Ever been kept awake at night by an incessant “drip drip” sound coming from the kitchen sink? Sounds like you have a slight leaky tap problem.

Leaking taps are one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face. While they may seem like a small issue in the grand scheme of things, they can add up to a lot of water waste and higher water bills. Whether it’s a shower leak or it’s coming from the bathroom, the leak is often the result of a worn out washer or loose fittings.

Luckily, a leaky tap is one of the easiest of the common plumbing problems to identify. You can do so by either:

• Listening for the dripping sound
• Checking for water around the base of the tap
• Inspecting for constant friction that causes wear and tear

Delaying repairs, or ignoring them completely, can place unnecessary and unwanted strain on your plumbing system over time. It will also see repair costs potentially skyrocket if the initially minor problem snowballs into a major issue.

2. Clogged Drains

One of the most annoying and inconvenient plumbing issues is the dreaded blocked drain. It’s an all-too-common problem that leads to standing water, strange noises and even bad odours. There are many reasons for a clogged drain; among them are:

• food particles
• foreign objects
• coffee grounds
• hair and soap build-up in the drain pipes

For drain clogs, the most common tell-tale signs are slow water flow or water backing up in the sink or bathtub. For minor blockages, you might get away with trying simple DIY fixes like using a drain snake, boiling water or a mix of baking soda and vinegar. Just remember to remove the drain cover first. But if you’re finding a problem with multiple drains in your home, you could have a more serious issue in the sewer line that requires a professional plumber.

3. Blocked Toilets

When we talk about the most common plumbing problems in the home, it makes sense that the household toilet will feature. So here’s the first of two toilet-related problems.

One of the biggest sources of stress and frustration in the home is the thought of a blocked toilet. Particularly as they always seem to happen at the most inconvenient time. Blocked toilets are typically caused by:

• people using too much toilet paper
• foreign objects finding their way down the hole
• food scraps being flushed away instead of thrown in the bin

Common signs of a blocked toilet include water rising close to the rim, slow drainage, or standing water that won’t clear away.

The easiest way to diagnose this problem is to check the water flow after flushing. You’ll often be able to temporarily fix the problem with a toilet plunger. However, if it persists, you may need a drain snake or professional help to clear the blockage in the sewer lines. Ignoring the issue will turn it into a messy and costly plumbing emergency.

4. Burst or Leaky Pipes

Burst pipes are one of the most severe plumbing emergencies; they can cause significant water damage to your home and blow out to expensive repairs if you don’t address them quickly.

Plumbing pipes can burst for various reasons, including sudden temperature changes, constant friction or just age/wear and tear. The common ways to diagnose a burst or leaky pipe include looking for visible or audible indicators:

• damp walls
• standing water
• strange noises like gushing or hissing from within walls or ceilings
• reduced water pressure

You’ll be able to reduce potential damage with a temporary fix like turning off the water supply. For a long-term solution, though, you’ll need to call an emergency plumber ASAP to prevent further damage and health hazards.

5. Hot Water Heater Issues

Hot water heater problems can disrupt your daily routine, particularly when your morning shower turns cold unexpectedly. If you’re partial to a cold plunge you’ll probably deal with the sudden chill. For most of us though, it’s the last thing we want first thing in the morning.

Issues with water heaters often arise from sediment build-up in the tank, a broken heating element or a faulty pressure relief valve. Tankless water heaters can also experience issues ranging from gas leak to intermittent temperatures.

Diagnosing these plumbing woes starts by checking if the pilot light is on or if there are strange noises like rumbling from the tank. Check the pressure relief valve or temperature settings to see if there’s an underlying issue. If the water flow from the hot tap is inconsistent it might be a bigger plumbing system problem that needs professional assistance to fix.

6. Running Toilets

The second of the toilet-related troubles is the constantly running toilet.

More than a mere frustration, a running toilet wastes a lot of water and will increase your water bills over time. That wasted water could range from 4000L a year from a barely visible leak to more than 96000L a year for constant water leaks. They’re typically caused by issues with the fill valve, flapper or other worn-out parts inside the toilet tank.

Diagnosing this common plumbing problem involves listening for continuous water flow or hissing sounds and seeing if the toilet bowl has a steady trickle after flushing. Sometimes adjusting the float or replacing the worn flapper in the cistern will fix the issue.

Much like a clogged drain, ignoring a running toilet will put unwanted strain on your plumbing system and lead to more complex plumbing problems that require a professional plumber.

7. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is both annoying, especially in the shower, and a telling sign of deeper plumbing problems. Common causes of low pressure include:

• sediment buildup in plumbing pipes
• clogged drains or
• a faulty pressure-reducing valve

Aside from the obvious feeling when standing under the shower, identifying low water pressure problems involves checking individual fixtures for flow consistency and listening for strange noises that indicate a possible blockage. Check the pressure regulator or your showerhead for mineral deposits to see if it’s a quick fix.

If low water pressure affects multiple taps rather than just a particular fixture, or the water flow is dropping throughout the house, it might be pipe leaks or a bigger issue in the water service line. In that case, you may need professional help to avoid exorbitant repair costs.

Always Call a Licensed Plumber

While many plumbing problems have temporary fixes that can get you by in a pinch, you’ll need to call a licensed plumber if necessary for bigger issues. They have the tools and know-how to diagnose and fix plumbing problems quickly and efficiently so your home’s plumbing system works perfectly.

Regular maintenance by a licensed plumber is also one of the most effective preventive measures you can put in place to avoid recurring plumbing problems and the potential health hazards that come with them.

When faced with emergencies like burst pipes, sewer system issues or low water pressure, professional help gets the job done and also protects your home from further damage.

That’s Your Plumbing System Know-How

Being able to identify the most common plumbing problems and recognise their tell-tale signs will save you a heap of time, money and stress.

From clogged drains and running toilets to leaky pipes and various water heater issues, plumbing woes come in a plethora of ways. While some DIY fixes are good for minor issues, bigger plumbing problems like burst pipes or low water pressure often need a licensed plumber’s help.

Regular maintenance and quick action will prevent plumbing emergencies and costly repairs. Remember professional help will extend the life and efficiency of your plumbing systems and protect your home from surprises.

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