5 Most Common Plumbing Problems

CLOGGED DRAINS AND TOILETS

You can spot clogged drains when you see water backing up as you empty a sink or take a shower. For a toilet clog, the signs are often more immediate. Instead of flushing normally, the water backs up in the toilet bowl and may even overflow. Clearing the blockage typically restores your drains or toilet back to normal with a little DIY work or a visit from a plumber.

LEAKY FAUCETS AND PIPES

Leaking faucets and pipes are common plumbing problems in apartments and houses. Dripping faucets are more of a nuisance and a waste of money than a plumbing emergency, but those drips add up quickly — fixing the leaks in your home could save up to 10 percent on your water bill. A faucet leaking one drip per second adds up to over 3,000 gallons every year — the equivalent of 180 showers.

WATER HEATER ISSUES

Water heater issues are usually easy to spot. You go to take that nice warm shower but instead get doused by freezing cold water. Dripping water, puddles of water, discolored water and noises coming from the water heater unit are other signs of a problem. In some cases, you can troubleshoot the issues yourself, but many water heater issues and repairs require professional help due to the complexity and potential for danger.

LOW WATER PRESSURE

Common plumbing problems in old houses often revolve around low water pressure, but the issue can happen in new homes as well. Low water pressure can come on suddenly or slowly get worse over time, depending on the cause. Whatever the reason, low water pressure makes it difficult to rinse things and shower, so resolving the issue is a priority to get back to normal water use.

RUNNING TOILET

Toilet plumbing problems come in many forms, but a running toilet is one of the most annoying. The toilet still works, but it constantly runs, wasting water and causing an annoying sound.