Water is life. Its distribution is extremely important in every home. Right from the kitchen, bathroom to other interior and exterior areas in a home, there are a number of activities that would come to a standstill if water was unavailable. For a home to feel and look like a home, it must have a good plumbing and heating system.

These days, there are various types of plumbing pipes used in homes but the common ones include ABS, PVC, PEX, copper and galvanized. Before you purchase these pipes, it’s important to consult an expert because not every type of pipe is suitable in every situation. Consider consulting a professional to help you choose the best plumbing and heating system for your home. You can consider Proficient Plumbing & Heating which is a trusted service provider in their area.

A good plumbing and heating system supply both cold and hot water to their respective places at the required time. However, if the system is not well-maintained, then higher chances are, it won’t do this for long. If you don’t want to deal with frustrations of lack of water among other major plumbing issues in your home, then the information contained here will help you to keep your plumbing system in good working condition all year around.

Common plumbing problem every homeowner should know

To maintain your home’s plumbing and heating system in good working condition, you must be aware of common plumbing problems that require instant repair before they get worse. Doing so can save you hundreds of dollars and the trouble of dealing with a poorly working plumbing system. Here are some of the most common plumbing problems in an average home.

Discoloured pipes

Most people will probably not give discoloured pipes any attention. But do you know it could be a sign of something serious such as a slow leak along the supply line? Every time you get an opportunity to poke under the kitchen sink or your basement, ensure you check those pipes for any sign of discolouration especially around a union. In case you notice any, then beware there is the presence of moisture caused by dripping from a drain line or the sink. Please note that plumbing systems are usually pressured and therefore, a slow leak can turn out to be messy within a very short time. You need to solve the problem before things get out of hands.

Low water pressure

Dealing with low water pressure can be very frustrating. While the problem can present itself in different ways, some signs to look out for may include:

  • Faucets may take too long to fill a sink or a bathtub
  • The dishwasher or washing machine may take longer than it should to run a cycle
  • You may no longer experience that strong spray from the showerhead

If you are experiencing all these issues, this could be serious and it’s important you get to the root cause of the problem. In fact, get a professional to deal with the problem because there could be several issues such as pressure regulator failing or other serious issues leading to this.

If you are experiencing low water pressure in just one location, then this is an easy problem to fix. You just need to focus on fixing the pipes supplying water to that area.

Slow draining sink/tub

A slowly draining sink is a common plumbing problem often caused by trapped hair or debris over time. The sink must be cleaned out and the debris removed to get the drain flowing smoothly again. If this problem occurs, remove the pop-up and clean it thoroughly. Most pop-ups are placed under the sink. Unscrew it by hand or get a pair of pliers to make the task easier. Once you remove the pop-up, clean it and reinstall it back.

The same goes to a slow draining tub. Get a needle nose pliers and use it to clear the debris inside the drain. In fact, don’t wait until you notice the tub is draining slowly, make it a routine to clear the debris often. Leaving the debris for so long can clog the drain completely and lead to expensive plumbing repairs.

Running toilet

Most probably, you have dealt with a running toilet in your home before. It is a common plumbing problem caused by various issues. To solve this problem fast, find out the cause. If it’s one or more parts of the toilet that is not working, then replace or repair it immediately to stop the running.

Increased water bills

Not unless you have done something such as watering your lawn more than usual or filled up the pool to justify increased water usage, don’t assume everything is alright if there is a sudden jump on your water bill. Spiking water bills could be an indication that something in your plumbing system is wrong and needs to be fixed immediately. Hence, begin to find out where the problem could be and begin with the toilet. Never underestimate the amount of water a toilet uses. A running toilet can waste a lot of water. Before looking for other issues. Ensure you rule out the possibility of a running toilet.

Top tips to keep your plumbing system in working condition

Keeping your plumbing and heating system in good working condition can save you costly repairs and replaces. Plus, it can give you peace of mind. Hence, equip yourself with these care tips today and forget about dealing with emergency plumbing issues.

Maintain your kitchen sink

Kitchen sinks do a lot of work but unfortunately, they are the most neglected areas in most homes. If you want your sink to serve you well for long, ensure you take good care of it. You don’t have to pour everything in the sink. How about you use a strainer to take greasy substances and dispose them in the dustbin instead of allowing them to run down the drain? You should also form a habit of running hot water down the sink drain at least once in every two days to clear out any existing soap of grease build-up.

Always check the water heater

Always ensure your water heater is properly maintained. A leaky heater can be a costly affair. To avoid this problem, drain the heater every season. This will reduce the formation of sediment that may block the heater from working efficiently. Also, ensure the water pressure around the home is what the plumbing can handle without getting damaged.

Don’t allow hair down the bathroom drain

Your hair is among the things that can cause plumbing issues in your bathroom. Never allow it to get down the drain. Instead, use a wet-dry vacuum to grab those hairs and other messes before they get in the drain and cause plumbing issues that could have otherwise been avoided.