What are the Most Common Plumbing Issues and How to Fix Them

Plumbing problems can be a real nuisance, from leaky faucets and toilets to low water pressure and clogged drains. The most common plumbing issues are clogged drains and toilets, leaky faucets and pipes, problems with the water heater, low water pressure, and a functioning toilet. Leaky faucets are annoying, wasteful and expensive, and can be caused by a worn washer or o-ring, corrosion or even improper installation of the faucet. A leaky hose bib is very common in spring and summer, and can be avoided by investing in a frost-proof hose bib.

A single leaky faucet can waste up to 5.7 gallons of water per day, while a small toilet can waste 20 to 30 gallons of water per day. A functioning bidet can waste a dozen tons of water a month. Slow drains are often caused by debris stuck in the pipes, so it's important not to throw objects down the drain that could obstruct. Leaky pipes not only cause enormous waste of water, but they also damage the home.

Pipes can be replaced much more easily than a complete system, and sudden increases in your water bill can be due to a variety of reasons. Low water pressure makes it difficult to use any plumbing system in the home, and is often caused by the accumulation of calcium and sediment in the aerator. Leaky showers can be caused by a variety of issues, from the water valve being out of place to the entire shower head being poorly installed. To fix these plumbing problems, you should first check the water pressure in your hot and cold faucet if you have low water pressure. If you have a leaky faucet, it may be as simple as installing new o-rings or replacing the entire faucet depending on the type of faucet you have.

If you have a leaky toilet pipe or any other pipe in your home, it may need to be replaced due to wear and tear over time. If your toilet is working but won't stop running with a couple of quick movements of the handle, then you should call a plumber. To fix slow drains, you should find the root cause of this problem and avoid throwing objects down the drain that could obstruct. If you have a leaky shower, call a plumber unless you know the exact reason for the shower leak.