5 Most Common Plumbing Problems And How To Fix Them

Plumbing issues can come in all sizes and shapes, from the minor and inexpensive, such as a dripping tap or running toilet, all the way up to a sewer system backup or major pipe leak capable of causing massive damage to your home or business.

We have been in the plumbing business for over 20 years and seen almost everything (Something new always crops up) this article lists the most common issues that can require the need for some sort of plumbing work.  Prevention is better than cure, right? And you can minimise problems from occurring or getting worse if you know in advance the problems that will likely surface.

1.Dripping Taps

Dripping taps are so common that’s it rare to find anyone who hasn’t experienced one at some time in their lives, The waste of water will push up your bill and cost you money. A single tap can drip away hundreds of gallons over the course of the year.

The cause of dripping taps in many cases is an internal washer that has become stiff, torn, worn, or dislodged over time. If this is the problem, then you can fix it with little DIY knowhow. Switch off the water supply, dismantle the tap and replace the faulty washer, making sure when you put it back together that there are no parts left over, this isn’t Lego lol

2. Slow Draining Sink

The fault here is typically caused by something blocking or restricting the water flow.

Your sink drain will most likely contain some sort of food waste or congealed fat. In your bathroom sink it most likely is your hair and soap.

The simplest method for clearing a clogged sink might involve a plunger of some sort, pouring baking soda and vinegar down your drain or a chemical clog remover and finally using a plumber’s snake.

If you don’t get this cleared it will worsen over time until the drain is completely blocked.

3. Clogged Bath or Shower Drain.

As with the slow draining sink above, bath and shower drain generally get blocked by clumps of hair and soap. Clearing the blockage may require the use of plunger or snake. Baking soda and vinegar can sometimes clear the clog too.

And again, the problem will get worse over time if not dealt with.

How To Unclog Your Shower Drain With A Plunger

• Adding a little KY to the edge of the suction cup will improve the seal.
• You need to make sure that there is enough water in the shower that the end of plunger is under the water.
• Plunge has hard as you can until the drain is unclogged.

4. Clogged Toilet

When your toilet bowl fills up and doesn’t drain away, you have a clogged toilet. The blockage is normally caused by paper and human waste. Unclogging a toilet can be fixed with a plunger or to help loosen the blockage a plumber’s snake can be used.

5. Running Toilet

A constant running toilet can be costly, up to 200 gallons of water may be lost each day. The most common fault is a faulty flapper valve which controls the water that passes from the tank to the bowl. This is a straightforward fix with a repair kit available an any good DIY shop.

Less commonly, toilets run may also be caused by sediment which in turn will affect the flushing and filling. If your water bill seems too high, check for silent leaks by putting some food colouring in the upper tank and see if it makes its way to the bowl without flushing your toilet.

Leeva can help you with any questions you might have on any of the above issues. Drop us a message on our website here: https://www.leevaplumbing.co.uk or drop us a DM on our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/LeevaPlumbingHeatingLtd/ or call us on (01773) 749 713.