Plumbing problems happen, and in many cases, are avoidable. Scheduling plumbing repairs right away and understanding why the problem occurred are key to protecting your system and home. Whether you’ve experienced issues or not, familiarize yourself with the following guide so you don’t deal with water damage and other complications.

Common Plumbing Issues Homeowners Experience

1. Clogged Drains

Flushing the wrong items clogs the shower, kitchen sink, and other drains. These create blockages deep in your system. Sink water will struggle to pass and drain slowly when grease, coffee grounds, and starchy foods catch and expand in piping.

A toilet won’t flush if diapers and hygiene products are clogging pipes. Over time, pressure collects behind these blockages and may eventually burst a pipe.

First, understand all the items that should never go down the drain. Cooking fats, dental floss, hair, rice, and eggshells are common culprits. Use your garbage disposal to chop up larger debris and apply a drain strainer to catch food particles.

2. Leaks

Leaks come in all sizes and happen in many places around the home. You may notice a faucet continues dripping after it’s off, that water is pooling around your laundry machine, or that drywall and flooring are mysteriously wet. Leaks not only waste water and money—they also cause significant water damage and mold growth.

Many leaks develop from poorly maintained fixtures and damaged connections. Turn faucets on slowly so high water pressure doesn’t blast away seals.

Make sure a rocking washing machine hasn’t jostled its water line loose and avoid playing or working around exposed pipes. It’s not always easy to discover leaks and signs of wear, which is why a yearly plumbing inspection is recommended.

3. Running Toilet

An always-running toilet slowly wastes a lot of water. It happens when the flapper valve and refill system in the tank are broken. Check to see that the chain and lever open the flapper when you push the toilet handle.

Watch that the floater rises atop the water and activates the shutoff valve when the tank is full. If not, you’ll need plumbing repairs to resolve the problem. Check the components inside your toilet regularly and avoid using harsh cleaners that may damage the rubber parts.

Residents of Cincinnati, OH, have turned to Mike Hensley Plumbing and Electric for over 25 years. This 24/7 plumber handles plumbing repairs and installations for residential and commercial clients. Learn about their unique services like water heater repair and bathroom remodeling on their website or call (513) 574-8553 to schedule emergency plumbing repairs.