Blog

Top 4 plumbing problems

Posted on February 27, 2015 by Melbourne Plumber

Although home plumbing systems can function seamlessly for years on end, when a plumbing problem develops, it can wreak havoc on a dwelling’s occupants. The following will take a look at the top 4 plumbing problems in the home, and some simple steps that you can take to prevent and remedy them.

The first and perhaps most common plumbing complaint in many homes is the issue of clogged drains. This problem typically occurs in kitchen and bathroom drains (including shower drains) as a result of the build-up of foreign matter in the pipes of a drainage system. Depending on the cause of the blockage, there are a few basic steps that you can take to remove the blockage. A plunger can dislodge a blockage close to the top of the drain, while caustic drain cleaner can be used to dissolve a stubborn blockage, although should be used with extreme care due to being highly corrosive.

Another very common and annoying home plumbing problem is that of leaky taps. Although this may not present any significant issues in terms of functionality, a leaky faucet can cause an incredibly high level of annoyance and frustration. Luckily, it is both easy and cheap to resolve most leaky tap issues through the replacement of the rubber washer in the faucet handle.

Blocked toilets can be both messy and a terrible inconvenience. When a toilet blockage occurs, it is almost always due to the fact that something has been flushed into the toilet’s plumbing system that shouldn’t have been. Aside from the obvious, if you are putting anything down your toilet apart from toilet paper, STOP! Sometimes a blockage may also occur due to using too much toilet paper. Although a trusty plunger can often do the trick in terms of unclogging a blocked toilet, more severe blockages may require that the pipes are disconnected. In this case a certified plumber is your best bet for resolving your blocked toilet problem.

Finally, if you are suffering from an inadequate supply of hot water (or in extreme cases, no hot water at all!) then a faulty water heater is the likely culprit. There can be several reasons for a defective hot water system, including a faulty part or a loose pipe or connection. Although it may be possible to rectify problems associated with a defective water heater through DIY measures, it is often safest and easiest to enlist the help of a trained professional. There are many certified plumbers in the Vienna, VA. area who can help get you out of a tight plumbing spot.