Common Plumbing Problems & Solutions

Plumbing problems are seemingly inevitable. However, there are simple ways to address some plumbing issues. It’s usually better to hire a professional when something goes wrong. They can accurately diagnose the problem and quickly repair it. 

At Hansen Super Techs, we feel the more you know, the better. Here are some tips from the pros to help you understand common plumbing problems and potential solutions that can work in an emergency.

Clogged Drain

We’ve all had a clogged drain at one time or another. Food, hair, soap, toothpaste, and other materials can get stuck in drain pipes. Grease and oil can harden inside them. Over time, the buildup prevents water from draining as easily. A complete stoppage will occur if nothing is done about it.

Solutions to the problem include: 

• Install a Drain Catch: This is a simple plumbing tip. A drain catch is a barrier that traps objects and materials that could otherwise clog a sink.
• Plunge the Drain: A sink plunger can help resolve the occasional clog. But if the drain clogs repeatedly, call a plumber to determine the reason.
• Avoid Drain Cleaners: Chemical drain cleaners are toxic and can cause damage to the drain and the pipe it’s connected to.

If multiple drains back up, the main line is likely clogged. A plumber can snake the line (this may require disassembling the P-trap or accessing a cleanout) or use high-pressure equipment to clear the line. They may also perform a pipe camera inspection to locate the source of the problem.

Leak

Plumbing leaks aren’t uncommon, especially in older homes with aging pipes. Copper pipes are susceptible to corrosion and stress due to temperature changes. If you have expanding water stains on walls and ceilings, see pools of water, or hear water rushing inside walls, call a plumber.

It also helps to know where your main water valve is. Turning it off can stop the water from flowing and minimize the damage until the problem is fixed. Try to find where the leak is located. For example, if the shower is leaking, is the leak coming from the showerhead, tub spout, or from under the tub? Is there water on the floor or a ceiling stain on the level below after you shower, or haven’t used the shower at all? 

The more concisely you explain the issue, the quicker a plumber can assess it and find a solution.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can signal various issues. You may not need plumbing help if only a single fixture is affected. Unclogging an aerator or cleaning or replacing a sink cartridge can restore normal water pressure. Or, perhaps you need a new faucet or showerhead. 

However, if water pressure is low at multiple fixtures or throughout your home, call a plumber. The pressure-reducing valve may have to be adjusted or replaced. A water filtration system, well pump, or the water service line may be the source of the problem. Whether the plumbing issue is caused by faulty equipment or a leaking pipe, a professional must repair it.

Faucet Problem

Faucets have a few parts that can go bad. A dripping tap is extremely irritating to some. Others ignore it. Nevertheless, this isn’t a problem worth procrastinating to fix. It can waste thousands of gallons per year and increase your water bill. 

Turning the faucet as tight as possible won’t resolve the issue. Instead, it can make the problem worse. Putting more pressure on the tap can wear out the seal. If a faucet is dripping, there are a few parts to look at, including the following:

• O-Ring: This small rubber ring easily wears out due to the motion of the handle. However, it’s simple and inexpensive to replace. Change the O-ring if the base of the handle is leaking.
• Valve Seat/Washer: The valve seat and washer sit between the faucet and spout. Mineral deposits can corrode the valve seat, loosening the connection. Or, if the washer is the incorrect size, water can leak. 
• Cartridge: A faucet cartridge includes an aerator, which is a mesh filter that can get clogged with mineral deposits. It should be replaced every couple of years, along with small seals and gaskets that can wear out.

Running Toilet

A running toilet means water is leaking from the tank into the bowl. Water won’t pool on the floor (unless the toilet is cracked), but this plumbing issue can waste hundreds of gallons a day. It’s usually caused by a faulty rubber flapper. Replacing the part can fix the problem. Adjusting the length of the chain that moves the flapper can also help.

If these simple solutions don’t work, your toilet may need new parts such as a flush valve, fill valve, or gasket. Various nuts, bolts, and washers can wear out, causing a leak. Whether you need to replace them, or the entire flush mechanism, depends on the source. 

A toilet leak test can be performed by adding food coloring to the tank. If you see color in the bowl within a few hours, the tank is leaking. Call a plumber if you can’t find the source or aren’t sure how to resolve the problem.

Clogged Toilet

The occasional clogged toilet can be resolved with a plunger. It can also be prevented by being careful about what you flush, which should only be toilet paper and human waste. Never flush paper towels, cotton balls, hygienic products, “flushable” wipes, or other items. Toilet drains aren’t designed to handle them.

If you follow our plumbing tips and still have flushing issues, you may be using too much or the wrong toilet paper. Try using less or switch brands. Other potential causes include:

• Not enough water in the tank.
• An issue with the ventilation pipe.
• Deposits from hard water minerals.
• A seal damaged by chlorinated water.
• The toilet is poorly designed.

No Hot Water

If there’s no hot water when turning on the faucet, the problem is usually with the water heater. The solution depends on what’s causing this plumbing issue. You may not need a plumber if doing the following resolves it:

• Reignite the water heater’s pilot light.
• Set the unit’s thermostat to the correct temperature.
• Reset the water heater’s circuit breaker if it has tripped.

A buildup of minerals and sediment can also prevent the unit from producing hot water. Call a plumber to flush the tank. This can get the water heater working again and prevent damage. They can also check the anode rod for corrosion and replace the part if necessary. If the water heater appears corroded or cracked on the outside, makes unusual noises, or leaks from the base, it’s time to replace the unit.

Frozen Pipes

Locate the frozen pipe if you can. It may feel cold, have frost on the outside, or appear to bulge. Frozen pipes occur most often in basements, attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. They can also happen under sinks. If you have a frozen pipe:

• Open faucets (not the hot taps) to relieve pressure.
• Thaw the pipe with a heating pad, hair dryer, or warm towel.
• Apply heat until water pressure returns to normal.

Call a plumber immediately if you can’t thaw the frozen pipe or find it. Preventing your plumbing from freezing can also save you from trouble during the winter. These plumbing tips can avoid frozen pipes:

• Maintain good air circulation in your home.
• Insulate plumbing lines in exterior walls.
• Drain the garden hose and valve before the first frost.

Worn Hose Bibb

Most hose bibbs don’t last very long. A cold winter can take a toll, causing cracks. If you have a leaky hose bibb, it can waste hundreds of gallons a month. Replacing the bibb will save water, but if you find the need to frequently, consider one that’s heavy-duty and frostproof.

Clogged Sewer Line

A clogged sewer pipe can cause plumbing problems throughout your home. It can also produce foul odors and health hazards. Food, facial wipes, and grease are some common culprits that clog sewer lines. Tree roots can cause problems too. 

A sewer line clog isn’t something you can fix yourself. You need an experienced plumber to diagnose the issue and provide a solution, which may include hydrojetting, snaking, or replacing a damaged pipe.

Is DIY Plumbing Repair a Good Idea?

Our plumbing tips and tricks can help resolve minor issues. But don’t do more than you can handle. Plumbing work is complicated and a DIY repair can easily make things worse. Your best bet is to hire a licensed plumber who has the proper tools and experience to accurately find the problem and promptly repair it.

Call Hansen Super Techs for Plumbing Help

We hope our plumbing advice and tips help you understand how to address small issues.
When you need a plumber, our technicians quickly find the problem and provide a lasting solution. Are you experiencing common plumbing issues like those we’ve mentioned? Call or contact us today.