Common Plumbing Issues And How To Fix Them
Owning (and even renting) your own home is an exciting adventure. You’ve got a space to call your own. You’ve got independence. And then you’ve also got to be responsible for wear and tear issues and see to it that small problems around the home don’t become much bigger ones, over time.
You don’t have to be a master plumber or builder to be aware of what common plumbing issues are in the context of a home (or even an office). While a geyser is a long-term investment, and isn’t something likely to give you regular hassles… it is one of the most affecting plumbing problems, and once problems start, it can be a big deal and should be seen to as timeously as possible.
What is the most common household plumbing problem?
Leaking Geysers:
Geysers often leak (drip) through the pressure control valve overflow pipe — which is par for the course as the geyser heats and cools. Dripping is relative though, and anything more than a litre usually indicates that the pressure control valve is faulty.
What to look for?
The dripping will come from the thicker white 50mm PVC pipe and/or you may discover watermarks on the ceiling. In a perfect situation, there should be no water contact with your ceiling boards, so the sudden appearance of new spots or patches is a sign of trouble. Also, dirty, brown, or rusty water coming out of your hot water taps is another warning sign that you should not ignore.
What to do?
- Shut off the water at the mains
- Turn off the power to the geyser
- Open the hot water taps to relieve the pressure of the geyser
- Limit the damage as much as possible using buckets and towels
- Call your plumber and insurance company and get the process started with both with the relevant steps for a repair/replacement.
It’s easy to panic when plumbing problems occur (and you won’t be the first person to do so). It might be a good idea to print these steps out and put them on the fridge or next to your electrical board for quick reference.
Blocked drains
A blocked drain is definitely one of the most common plumbing issues in a home (or office).
Did you know? The 6 most common causes of blocked drains are:
- Foreign Objects Flushed Down the Toilet
- Leaves and Other Outdoor Debris
- Grease and Fat from Cooking
- Hair and Soap Suds in the Bathroom
- Tree Root Intrusions
- Food Remnants and Waste
For some of the smaller blockages, there are things you can try before getting to the point of calling a plumber.
If you have a blocked drain in the bathroom or kitchen, you can dry pouring hot water down the drain, then follow it with one cup of bicarbonate of soda and a cup of vinegar. Leave it for ten minutes, then chase it with more hot water.
Blocked drains
A blocked drain is definitely one of the most common plumbing issues in a home (or office).
Did you know? The 6 most common causes of blocked drains are:
- Foreign Objects Flushed Down the Toilet
- Leaves and Other Outdoor Debris
- Grease and Fat from Cooking
- Hair and Soap Suds in the Bathroom
- Tree Root Intrusions
- Food Remnants and Waste
For some of the smaller blockages, there are things you can try before getting to the point of calling a plumber.
If you have a blocked drain in the bathroom or kitchen, you can dry pouring hot water down the drain, then follow it with one cup of bicarbonate of soda and a cup of vinegar. Leave it for ten minutes, then chase it with more hot water.
The combination of hot water and natural products often helps to break blockages up.
A more serious issue is however going to require you to call a plumber. He will have the experience and the tools to best address the problem. Sometimes the blockage is more severe and deeper in the pipes, which requires a more robust pipe clearing and cleaning process.
Other common plumbing problems may include:
Low Water Pressure
This can be a result of sediment buildup. If you notice that mineral deposit on the aerator is the primary issue, soak it in vinegar and do the same with your showerhead. Simply dismantle it and clean off any dirt or soap (use a toothbrush that’s soaked in vinegar to scrub and loosen mineral deposits or soak it overnight).
If your water pressure issue continues after this exercise, it may be a symptom of more complicated issues like hidden water leaks at home, blocked sewer lines, and pipe corrosion.
Dripping taps
This is one of the most common plumbing issues that most of us have come across in time. This not only leads to water wastage and costs you money, but it’s also just annoying! Usually, the issue arises due to worn-out washers or O-rings that can be easily replaced. However, corrosion or even improper installation of the faucet can lead to dripping. Determine how serious the cause is before deciding whether it’s a job you can tackle yourself or whether you should call a professional.
How to fix a plumbing problem?
- Ensure you fully understand the problem and what is required to resolve it. If you’re confident that — with the right parts from BUCO — you can complete the job, then go ahead! But if you aren’t 100% sure then rather call a professional
- Secure all the supplies and tools needed for the entire project from BUCO. You don’t want to get started and realise you need something else. Ensure all components you buy are an exact fit and will work in your plumbing system
- Shut off the main water supply to the house to prevent major water damage
- Wear old clothes — plumbing work gets messy!
- Have a plumber in mind in case the project takes a turn for the worse. Don’t be afraid to call the plumber if things get difficult.
BUCO means many different things to different people. With our expansive, extensive ranges, you can go from DIY building and alterations to arts and crafts, cleaning, gardening, and — as with this category — sorting all your most common plumbing issues too.
Find your nearest BUCO store now.
BUCO - let’s build together, safely.