Common Plumbing Problems Every Homeowner Should Know

As a homeowner, there are a plethora of home issues that may pop up at any point. Plumbing problems are likely to jump straight to the top of your to-do list.

Effective plumbing is essential to daily life, and even small issues, like leaky faucets or low water pressure, can turn into bigger issues if left unaddressed.

In this guide, we’ll discuss troubleshooting plumbing problems at home and how to know it’s time to call a professional plumber. Read on for a guide to how to handle common plumbing problems.

The Most Common Plumbing Issues

A home plumbing system is complex and features dozens of connections, fixtures, and moving parts that all work together to serve your home. When one piece isn’t working right, it can quickly impact the whole system. Here are the plumbing issues homeowners most commonly run into.

Dripping Bathroom & Kitchen Faucets

A leaky bathroom or kitchen faucet is not only an inconvenience but can drive up your monthly water bills. Faucet drips are typically caused by a worn-out washer, O-ring, or valve seat inside the fixture. Tightening a loose handle may temporarily ease the issue, but if the leak continues, internal parts likely need replacement.

Drains Not Clearing

If you have drain or multiple drains that are slow to clear, it’s generally a sign that the drain is clogged by hair, grease buildup, soap scum, or food scraps. For minor clogs, a plunger or drain snake may work, but recurring blockages, especially in multiple drains at once, point to a deeper clog down the line.

Constantly Running Toilets

If you notice your toilets won’t stop running, it usually means there’s an issue with the flapper valve. Flappers can wear out or shift out of place over time, preventing a proper seal and allowing water to continuously flow into the bowl. This requires a simple and inexpensive fix but can waste hundreds of gallons of water a year if left unaddressed.

No Water Pressure

Low or no water pressure is often a sign that you either have mineral buildup in your pipes or fixtures, a hidden leak, a partially closed shutoff valve, or municipal water supply issues. If the low water pressure issue is isolated to a single fixture, the problem is probably local. If you are having issues with water pressure throughout your home, it points to a main line problem.

Leaking Pipes

Pipe leaks can be caused by corrosion, high water pressure, shifting pipe joints, or temperature changes that cause pipes to expand and contract. Small hidden leaks can quickly lead to water damage, mold growth, and higher water bills, so you should call a plumber as soon as you notice a leak.

Not Getting Hot Water

No hot water means that your water heater is likely failing. Water heaters can fail from sediment buildup, a broken heating element, or a tripped thermostat. If your water heater is over 10 years old and does not provide consistent hot water, it may be time for a replacement unit.

Sewer Line Issues

Tree root intrusion, pipe collapse, and blockages in your sewer line can all cause backups, slow drains, and foul odors. Sewer line repairs often require specialized knowledge and equipment, so if you suspect you have sewer issues, call a licensed plumber.

Sump Pump Failure

Sump pumps are some homes’ first line of defense against basement flooding. However, sump pumps can fail due to a clogged intake, a stuck switch, power loss, or aging components. Be sure to test your sump pump regularly, especially before rainy seasons, to catch failure before it causes basement flooding.

How to Prevent Plumbing Problems

There are a few methods for preventing common household plumbing problems that all homeowners should know, including:

• Watch what you put down drains: Do not dump grease, oils, fats, or coffee grounds down your drains. All of these can cause stubborn clogs. Additionally, install a removable strainer in your tubs and shower drains to catch hair and soap scum. Avoid flushing anything but toilet paper down your toilets. Most plumbing systems are not designed to handle wipes, even if they are marketed as “flushable.”
• Monitor water pressure: Keep tabs on your home’s water pressure since it is a sign that you may have main line issues.
• Address leaks before they get worse: As soon as you notice a leak, whether it's a dripping faucet or a leaky pipe, you should address it immediately. Call a local plumber to avoid increased water bills from wasted water and damage to your home.
• Insulate pipes: It is important to properly insulate exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting during winter. Use pre-slit polyethylene foam or rubber tubes for the easiest option.

When Should You Call a Plumber

If you’ve troubleshooted a plumbing issue with little to no success, call a licensed plumber for professional repair services. Calling a plumbing company, like G&G Heating and Air Conditioning, provides several benefits, including:

• Safe & code compliant work: Licensed plumbers have the training and expertise needed to complete repairs correctly and safely.

• Proper diagnosis: Professional plumbers will pinpoint the root cause of the plumbing issue instead of treating the symptoms to prevent the same issue from happening again.

• Professional tools & equipment: Licensed plumbers possess specialized tools and equipment, such as drain cameras and hydro jets, that homeowners don’t have.

• Long-term savings: Professional repairs can offer long-term savings instead of relying on DIY methods that could make issues worse.

• Warrantied work: A reputable plumbing company stands behind their work, so if any further issues arise from the repair, you can call them to address it.

Contact Us

G&G Heating and Air Conditioning offers professional plumbing repair services to homeowners in Olympia and Tumwater, WA. Call us today at (360) 499-6604 for swift and effective plumbing services from licensed professionals.