5 Common Plumbing Issues & How to Prevent Them | Good Guys Home Services

Plumbing issues can range from a minor nuisance to a major disaster, often causing inconvenience and costly damage in your home. As a homeowner, being familiar with common plumbing problems and their prevention is essential to protect your property and avoid unnecessary expenses. In this listicle, we’ll highlight five common plumbing issues and provide you with practical tips and measures to keep your plumbing system in tip-top shape.

From addressing clogged drains and leaky faucets to preventing frozen pipes and sewer backups, Good Guys Home Services has you covered. We’ll help you recognize the early signs of these issues so you can address them before they escalate, ensuring a well-maintained plumbing system and peace of mind. By staying proactive and keeping our expert tips on hand, you can minimize the risk of plumbing issues and help preserve your home’s structural integrity and overall comfort.

Clogged Drains and Pipes

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face, affecting sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets.

1. Causes: Clogs often result from the accumulation of grease, hair, soap scum, food debris, or foreign objects in your pipes. Over time, these materials can build up and block water flow. Tree roots that infiltrate sewer lines can also cause clogs.
2. Prevention: To prevent clogged drains, install mesh drain covers or hair catchers in sinks, bathtubs, and showers to catch debris. Avoid pouring grease or oil down your kitchen sink; instead, let it solidify and dispose of it in the trash. Regularly clean your drain stoppers and dispose of food scraps in the trash or compost, rather than your garbage disposal.

Leaky Faucets and Fixtures

Leaky faucets and fixtures are not only annoying, but they can also waste water and raise your water bill over time.

1. Causes: Leaks often occur due to worn-out washers or seals, corroded valve seats or fixtures, or incorrectly installed or sized components.
2. Prevention: Regularly inspect your faucets and fixtures for signs of wear or damage. Replace worn-out washers or seals, and ensure that all components are installed correctly. If the issue persists, consider consulting a professional plumber for a thorough assessment of the problem.

Running Toilets

A running toilet can waste gallons of water every day, leading to an increase in your water bill and potentially damaging your home’s plumbing system.

1. Causes: Running toilets often result from a worn-out flapper, an improperly adjusted fill valve, or a leak in the toilet tank.
2. Prevention: Perform regular inspections of your toilet’s internal components. Replace any worn-out parts, and adjust the float or fill valve as necessary. If you’re unable to locate the cause, consider reaching out to a professional plumber for assistance.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can lead to significant damage to your plumbing system and even cause burst pipes, resulting in costly repairs and potential water damage to your home.

1. Causes: Pipes can freeze when water inside them is exposed to freezing temperatures, causing it to expand and exert pressure on the pipe walls.
2. Prevention: Insulate exposed pipes, particularly those located in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and vents that allow cold air to enter your home. During cold spells, keep your thermostat set at a consistent temperature, even at night, or open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.

Sewer Backups

A sewer backup can result in unpleasant odors, slow drains, and even raw sewage overflowing into your home, causing damage to your property and posing health risks.

1. Causes: Sewer backups are often caused by blockages in your main sewer line, resulting from tree root intrusion, grease buildup, or flushing inappropriate items down the toilet.
2. Prevention: Properly maintain your plumbing and sewer system to prevent backups. Dispose of grease, oil, and food scraps appropriately, and avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Consider installing a backwater prevention valve to protect your home if the main sewer line becomes clogged.

Water Heater Issues

Common water heater issues include insufficient hot water, fluctuating water temperature, or discolored, rusty, or smelly water.

1. Causes: Water heater issues can result from a variety of factors, including sediment buildup, damaged heating elements, or a corroded anode rod.
2. Prevention: Schedule regular water heater maintenance, including flushing the tank to remove sediment and checking the anode rod for corrosion. Keep an eye on your water heater’s performance and address any issues promptly to avoid further damage.