Every Australian household or business will eventually encounter some plumbing problems. It’s inevitable. Things age and wear out, some materials used might have been second rate and so on. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most common plumbing problems people will encounter, either in their homes or workplace.
#1 – Dripping Taps
This is possibly the most common plumbing problem of all, that annoying dripping tap that refuses to shut off properly. Dripping taps not only waste water, but they can also attract ants and cockroaches due to the sink being constantly wet.
Many times you can simply fix a dripping tap yourself by replacing the tap washer. Once replaced, take care when turning the taps off and don’t turn them off too tightly, as this degrades the tap washer far more rapidly.
#2 – Blocked Drains
Slow or blocked drains are also another extremely common problem when it comes to household plumbing. Blocked drains can occur anywhere within the plumbing’s system of pipes, but is most common in kitchen sinks, bathroom basins and showers.
In a bathroom, long hair is often one of the main culprits, as it forms a net that catches other debris and eventually creates a blockage. Shower drains are particularly prone to being slow or blocked due mostly to trapped hair.
In kitchens, food scraps are the main cause. One way to ensure your kitchen sink never blocks up is to make certain no chunks of food are washed down the drain. Installing an insinkerator is another good idea, as this grinds up food particles into harmless sizes.
#3 – Clogged Toilets
There are not many things more frustrating and annoying than a blocked toilet. In fact, blocked toilets can present a genuine plumbing emergency if you can’t remove the blockage with a plunger.
Imagine a blocked toilet overflowing onto the floor. Not a scenario you want to encounter, and when a toilet is blocked, how is anyone going to use the bathroom?
If you can’t free the blockage, you’ll have to call in a plumber ASAP.
A common reason for a blocked toilet is when anything other than toilet paper has been flushed. Things like paper towel, baby wipes, sanitary napkins and so on should never be flushed down your toilet, as they don’t break down, are heavy, can form clumps in the pipes and then every time someone flushes from then on, the barricade of debris builds up until the pipe is blocked completely.
#4 – Leaking Toilets
Sometimes the water leak from a toilet system is so slight that it’s not even noticeable, but it will add dollars to your water bills. Other times, the water leak is both audible and visible and is usually due to a faulty seal.
Wasting water is not something you want to do for a number of reasons, along with the added expense. Plus, a toilet that leaks excessively won’t flush efficiently.
If your toilet system is really old, you might be better served to have it replaced with a brand new one.
#5 – Underground Water Leak In the Yard
A water leak from a pipe underground somewhere in the yard is not always apparent. It all depends on how severe the leak actually is. One tell-tale sign is an obvious damp or muddy area in the yard. Another could be a patch of, particularly green and lush grass.
In order to determine if you have a water leak somewhere, go inside and make certain no one is using any water, then return outside and take a look at your water meter. If it’s ticking off the numbers, then there is a definite leak somewhere.
Plumbers have underground pipe detection and leak detection equipment, so if you suspect a leak but are not sure exactly where it is, give your plumber a call.
#6 – Hot Water System Issues
Hot water is handy no matter what time of the year it is, but if you suffer problems with your hot water system during winter, then it can become a major hassle. No one wants to shiver their way through a shower on a cold winter’s night.
An old hot water system might completely break down and simply fail to heat anymore. Another issue could be your heater is not heating efficiently and producing a water temperature that is lukewarm at best.
Releasing the PTR valve could help you ascertain whether it is a tempering valve issue or the tank. You can then relay this information back to your trusty plumber which in turn saves him time and you money
#7 – Low Water Pressure Issues
Low water pressure could be the result of someone not completely turning the mains tap on fully. Check this first. If this isn’t the problem, then there may be a water leak somewhere in your house or in the yard. A water leak will definitely reduce the overall water pressure.
In section 5 it was mentioned to turn off all water in the house and then check if the meter is still ticking over, so you’ll want to try this if you’re suffering low water pressure problems. Chances are, a water leak is a likely culprit.
In Conclusion
This article has covered some of the most common plumbing issues in the average Australian household or business premises. To ensure the plumbing in your home is always in great working order, periodically monitor and inspect all the taps, pipes and regularly check the water meter to determine if you have any water leaks.
Another option you should consider is having your plumber perform periodic inspections and maintenance to guarantee you always have efficient and free-flowing plumbing in your place.
If you need more assistance with your plumbing contact Refined Plumbing today.
Original article by Refined Plumbing Sunshine Coast
