4 Of The Most Common Plumbing Problems Plus Avoidance Advice
The plumbing system in your home is an integral and essential part of your daily life. However, it is generally invisible and overlooked until you have an issue.
Once you encounter a plumbing problem the best approach is to get a professional plumber Sydney to handle the issue for you. However, by having regular inspections and understanding the most common problems with plumbing, you can avoid most of them.
- Blocked Drains
Blocked drains are one of the worst things you can encounter. You’ll usually have a warning that they are going to happen as the water will start draining slowly in all your appliances. Once the blockage is complete the water and waste products have nowhere to go, meaning they will come backward, into your home.
If you have blocked drains you’ll want to use a sewer camera to locate the blockage and then drain rods to shift it.
Most blockages are caused by incorrect items going down the drains. If you only allow wastewater, human waste, and toilet paper down the drains you should avoid any issues.
- Leaks
Leaks are annoying and, if large, can be costly. Unfortunately, they are also highly likely if you have dated plumbing. Leaks tend to start around valves and at the base of the water heater. That’s because these are the most vulnerable spots for corrosion.
In many cases, the leak can only be stopped by replacing the relevant section of pipe and associated valves. You’ll want professional assistance for this.
You can help avoid leaks by regularly inspecting your pipes for signs of corrosion. Finding corrosion means you can act before the leak starts, saving yourself a lot of hassle.
- No Hot Water
No hot water is a surprisingly common issue but that doesn’t stop it from being frustrating. Water heater problems often stem from a lack of maintenance. Most heaters have a sacrificial anode which prevents the heating elements from being damaged by corrosion. If this isn’t replaced regularly the heating elements will start to corrode, making them less efficient until they eventually fail.
Of cause, age can also cause issues with water heaters as they start to corrode and leak.
Regular servicing and visual monitoring of your water heater are essential.
- Reduced Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be frustrating, especially when you’re used to a certain pressure. There are several reasons why this could happen, ranging from the water board doling work on the pipes to blockages in the pipes. Even valves that are not fully open can reduce the pressure.
In addition, many homes have pressure regulators. If this becomes faulty it could cause the pressure to fluctuate, potentially going from low to high and vice versa. This can cause strain on your other plumbing components and even create blown valves and leaks.
You’ll need to identify the cause of the low pressure in order to rectify the issue. It’s likely to be something you’ll want professional help with.
