Common House Plumbing Issues You Should Be Aware Of 

Every homeowner encounters plumbing issues from time to time. Arming yourself with basic troubleshooting tactics can help you save gallons of water from leaking pipes and money from costly repairs. 

If you live in an older home with copper piping, or have experienced strange noises, smells, or repeating clogs, your house plumbing may need some help. Read on for advice from the pros to handle common house plumbing problems. The best advice is to seek professional help. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ will provide you with a lot of resourceful information. 

Leaky taps 

A drip-drip-drip might seem insignificant, but over time those drops can add up and drive up your water bill. Leaks can also cause other problems, like rust and degradation of fixtures or water damage to walls and floors. 

A leaky tap usually starts with a worn-out washer, O-ring, or valve seat. These parts can be easily replaced at a hardware store, and the repair process is not difficult for someone with basic plumbing knowledge. A leaky tap can also be caused by loose components, which can be fixed by tightening or replacing them. 

Water from leaks seeps into crevices and cracks, compromising wooden materials like beams and flooring over time. This moisture also invites the growth of mold, a health and safety concern that can require costly remediation. If left unchecked, mold can even spread to other areas of the home. Water from leaks can also seep into walls, causing paint to peel and contributing to structural damage. 

Clogged Drains 

Clogged drains are a homeowner’s worst nightmare, especially when it comes to toilets and sewer lines. They can lead to overflow, sewage backups, and serious plumbing damage. 

You can help avoid drain clogs by using a plunger regularly and being mindful of what you put down your drains. It’s also a good idea to install a drain strainer over your sinks and tubs. 

Grease, fats, and oils can stick to the inside of your pipes, causing them to clog. To prevent this, be mindful of what you pour down your drains and don’t use chemical drain cleaners (they can damage pipes over time). 

Keep an eye out for signs of a clogged drain or toilet, such as: 

Sewer Backups 

Sewage backups are a major nightmare for homeowners, creating serious health hazards and property damage. They are also extremely difficult to clean up and require professional water damage restoration services. To prevent sewer backups, it is important to dispose of garbage properly and keep a close eye on your drains for signs of blockages. For example, flushing non-biodegradable items like wipes or

diapers is a big no-no. Additionally, you should avoid pouring grease down your drains and use a strainer in your kitchen sinks to catch food particles. 

Sewer backups are typically caused by a clog in your primary or secondary line. Secondary lines are usually located in individual drains within your home, while main line backups are a sign of a bigger problem with the municipal sewer system. Since they are underground, the pipes that make up a residential sewer system are susceptible to a variety of problems, including cracks, ground movement, and tree roots. 

Frozen Pipes 

Frozen pipes are a homeowner’s worst nightmare because they can prevent water from flowing and create extensive property damage if they burst. As water freezes into ice, it expands by up to 9%, which can increase pressure within the pipe until it eventually ruptures. This issue is most common in older homes with uninsulated or poorly insulated pipes located in unheated areas such as attics, garages, basements, and crawl spaces. 

When temperatures dip, look for signs of frozen pipes such as limited water flow from taps; banging or gurgling noises; and cold spots in your home. Frozen pipes are a serious problem that can cause significant damage to your property and your family. 

To thaw a frozen pipe, apply heat gradually to the affected area. Avoid using open flame devices such as blowtorches, kerosene heaters, charcoal stoves, or propane heating pads, which pose a fire risk. Instead, use an electric heating pad, an electric hair dryer (kept 3 feet away from flammable materials), or a portable space heater.