As a property owner there will always be common plumbing problems requiring attention. When it comes to plumbing difficulties, some can be traced back to faulty fixtures or equipment that has seen better days. There will be common plumbing issues you will be able to fix, and others that need the services of a plumber.
In this article we have compiled a list of common plumbing problems and solutions. Bookmark our blog or print out for a handy go-to plumbing troubleshooting guide!
Slow or Blocked Drains
Blocked drains are generally caused by the gradual build up of hair, soap, and other foreign materials. This problem can be solved with regular drain cleaning. Localised problems are often indicated by the presence of only one slow or clogged drain in the residence.
What can you do to Clear Blocked Drains?
● Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain.
● Then pour 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain.
● Plug the drain and let sit for an hour or two.
● Lastly, pour a litre of boiling water down the drain.
● Repeat if deemed necessary.
Running Toilets
A running toilet is another problem that many people have encountered with their home’s plumbing.
What can you do to Fix a Running Toilet?
● Turn off your toilet’s water supply
● Carefully remove the ceramic tank lid from the water tank’s top
● Check the Flapper
When the water stops running, push down on the flapper with a stick. If it stops, the flapper isn’t properly sealed. Change it. Then trim the fill tube to 1/2-inches above the waterline. For flapper replacement, first, turn off the water supply valve under the toilet. After flushing the toilet, remove the old flapper. Buy a new flapper of the same type and install it as directed. Hook the flapper chain to the flush lever arm so it goes slack when closed.
● Check the Fill Valve for a leak
Find a leak in the toilet’s fill valve by flushing your toilet. Take a look at the water level in the tank by lifting up on the float arm. Adjust or bend the toilet float arm so that the tank stops filling when the water level reaches the top of the overflow pipe, which is approximately 1/2- to 1-inch below the top. Replace the fill valve if it continues to leak.
● Remove and Replace Old Toilet Fill Valve
Stop the water supply, flush the toilet, and then sponge up any leftover water. Turn it back on and let it air out. Loosen the fill valve locknut and lift the old one out of the water supply line.
● Install the New Fill Valve
The new fill valve should be inserted into the tank and the locknut should be tightened a half turn beyond hand tight. Shorten the overflow pipe with a hacksaw if the fill valve is at its maximum height but the overflow pipe is still higher than the critical level mark on the fill valve.
● Connect the Fill Tube
Attach the new fill tube to the fill valve nipple and the angle adapter. Tape the overflow pipe angle adapter. Attach the flapper chain to the flush lever as indicated above. Turn on the water and try to flush.
Dripping Taps
A dripping tap can be a nuisance as well as a financial drain. A worn-out washer or O ring may be the source of these drops, which may be easily changed. A dripping faucet may be the result of rust or even a faulty installation.
What can you do to Fix a Dripping Tap?
● Turn off the water supply
● Stop the leak with putty
● Apply a pea-sized amount between portions where the seal has worn away. Finger-wipe away any excess. Reconnect your water supply.
● Try turning on your sink and seeing if it helps with dripping.
● Call a local plumber if the problem persists.
Leaky Pipes
Few things in life are as disturbing as discovering a leak in your pipes that appears to be leaking money rather than water. Remember that a small drip can quickly turn into a large problem, costing you thousands of dollars and hours of work. Rather than putting your life on hold while an expert fixes it, use these tips.
What can you do to Fix Leaky Pipes?
● Plumbers Epoxy
An easy-to-use plumbing epoxy that resembles modelling clay is available. The first step is to disconnect the water supply from the faulty pipe, then knead a small amount of epoxy in your hand to soften it. Reopen the faucet and look for leaks after a few minutes.
● Duct Tape
Duct tape is a viable treatment for most leaks, providing they are not too large and a more permanent solution is found shortly after. Turn off the water supply to the problematic pipe and dry the area where the tape will be applied. Apply a couple of layers before turning on the water supply again and checking for leaks.
● Call a plumber
Weak Water Pressure
Using any plumbing system in your home might be difficult if you have low water pressure.
What can you do to Increase Water Pressure?
● Check for leaks in the household.
● Replace the regulator.
Water hammer is caused by water rushing through the pipes, which is why many homes that use public water have a regulator installed at the meter or where the service line enters the house. Your home’s water pressure gradually decreases when the regulator goes bad, resulting in a loss of velocity that affects some or all of your fixtures.
● Clear the clogs.
This can be exacerbated if you have hard water, as mineral deposits can build up over time. Water pressure in a home can be drastically reduced if the pipes’ diameters narrow to the point where they become clogged and no longer allow water to pass freely.
The city’s water system may be the source of the problem. Leaks, clogs, buildup, and corrosion can occur in citywide systems just like they can in your own home. If this is the case, it is suggested to wait for your local government to assess and fix the problem.
Water Heater Fail
Any home would be incomplete without access to hot water. As a result, homeowners may find themselves in the middle of a plumbing emergency if their water heaters aren’t producing enough hot water.
What can you do when your Water Heater Fails?
● Check the water heater’s circuit breaker
To begin, make sure the water heater’s circuit breaker hasn’t tripped on the service panel. Make sure the breaker has been turned off before reactivating it.
● If that doesn’t work, test and replace each heating element.
● Buy a new water heating system when deemed necessary.
Clogged Toilet
The malfunction or clogging of your toilet can cause more than just a small nuisance. Keep in mind that a severely clogged toilet might cause your entire family to come to a grinding halt.
What can you do to Unclog a Toilet?
● Use a plunger
Place the plunger inside the toilet bowl. The first step is to remove the air. Don’t push too hard or you’ll get dirty, gently push it down.
Keep the seal by firmly pumping the plunger down and up. Raising the tool instantly breaks the air seal. The water will then drain.
If the clog persists, repeat the steps until it loosens.
● Hot Water and Dish Soap
While the water is heating, pour some dish soap into your toilet.
Carefully pour hot but not boiling water into the toilet. Leave for 15 minutes to soften the clog. The toilet will then unclog and flush freely.
You can also use hot water and shampoo from the bathroom sink to clean your toilet without leaving the room.
Sewer System Backup
A clogged sewer drain is one of the most inconvenient plumbing problems that may occur. In addition, it is one of the most important topics to address in a home’s construction due to hygiene risks.
What can you do when your Sewer System Backs Up?
● A plunger is the most accessible drain opener. Plungers work well on small to medium clogs in toilets and sinks.
● Liquid Drain Cleaner can be used to unclog a tub or sink, but not on toilets. Liquid drain cleaners eat through the wax seal on the toilet bowl, causing leaks.
● Release pressure by first turning off the main water supply. Locate your sewer cleanout line. It’s a 3-4 inch white pipe with a screw-on cap. After you remove the cap, the sewer line’s pressure should drop, forcing any backed-up water into your home to drain.
Sump Pump Failure
Sump pumps are located at the lowest spot of a property. In Australia, domestic sump pumps are common for use with grey water tanks.
A sump pump collects water around your foundation and directs it away from your home.
If you have trouble locating your sump pump, check the outside of the home for a covered pit that has been installed at a low section of the property.
What can you do when your Sump Pump Fails?
● Check for valve failure.
The check valve prevents water pumped out of the sump pit from flowing back in. As a result, the amount of water removed per cycle decreases as the frequency of cycles increases. This can lead to premature pump failure.
● Stuck float
Check if the float is stuck. If so, unplug the pump and clear the way. Reposition the pump if necessary to prevent float jamming.
● Power failure
Power outages, circuit tripping, and damaged power cords can cause water to back up into your basement. A battery-powered backup pump or generator can prevent this from happening.
● Check for motor failure
A larger motor may be needed if your pump can’t manage the flow. To avoid damage to your pump, the manufacturer recommends that you plug it directly into an outlet and that the circuit breaker only power the outlet.
● Check for casing failure
If you notice any cracks or holes in the bottom of the pump, unplug it and inspect it. Make sure the suction screen at the bottom is clear of any debris. Remove any accumulated trash. If necessary, swap out the impeller with a new one.
Jammed Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal is installed under a sink and is designed to grind up solid food waste into a fine powder for easy disposal. In addition, it also has the tendency of getting jammed.
What can you do when your Garbage Disposal Jams?
● Reset – take a look at your garbage disposal’s reset button, rest it and see if it helps.
● Plug the cord -Plug it into a working outlet or hardwire it into an electrical box to ensure it’s safe to use. If necessary, reset the circuit breaker that delivers electrical power to it.
● Insert a 1/4-inch hex wrench into the hex-shaped hole -The impellers can be freed by turning a 1/4-inch hex wrench in both directions a few times on the underside of the garbage disposal to clear a jam.
There you have the top 10 plumbing problems as experienced by our Local Gold Coast Plumbers. Depending on your location, the problems might be quite different (if you happen to live in Cable Mountain Tasmania frozen pipes might be a common issue in winter, unlike here on the Gold Coast).
For regular plumbing tips, make sure to follow Capital Plumbing on Facebook!
