Common plumbing problems that homes in Ireland experience can often be avoided. Some problems are caused by actions you take, or even actions you neglect to take. With a little forethought, you can avoid the most common plumbing problems, but remember that a professional plumber is always just a call away (for Boiler Repair – Common Boiler Problems & Solutions)
Here are some of the most common plumbing problems you will likely experience.
1. Clogged Drains
One of the most common plumbing problems is a clogged drain. This usually happens when people pour grease down their sink or too many food particles get washed away. To avoid this problem, you should never pour grease down your drain and be careful when washing plates and other items – however, once the drain is clogged, the only way to fix it may be with the assistance of a plumber. You can try to clear your drains regularly with a plunger or a drain snake.
2. Leaky Taps
Another common plumbing problem is a leaky tap. This can be caused by various things, such as a worn-out washer or O-ring, old taps that don’t work quite as well as they used to, or even by simply not turning the tap tightly enough. No matter what the cause, a leaky tap can waste a lot of water and money, so it’s important to fix it as soon as possible. In most cases, you can simply replace the washer or O-ring to fix the problem – but if your taps are old, you may need to replace them entirely.
3. Toilet Clogs
Toilet clogs are another common plumbing problem, particularly if you have small children in the house. Toilets can become clogged by a variety of things – from too much toilet paper to toys that have been flushed down. It’s amazing what children think will flush away! The best way to avoid this problem is to be careful about what goes down your toilet. Tell children early on what the toilet is for, and while you don’t want them to be afraid of the toilet, make sure they treat it with respect! Clogs can sometimes be moved with a plunger or a plumbing snake to dislodge or retrieve whatever is causing the blockage, although it may not be a task for the faint-hearted.
3. Leaky Pipes (Common Plumbing Problems)
Leaky pipes are another common plumbing problem. This can be caused by several things, such as a crack in the pipe or a loose fitting. To fix this problem, you will need to repair the cause of the leaky pipe with a new length of pipe, a new connector, or by replacing rubber rings or whatever part has failed. Leaky pipes requiring an emergency plumber are often easy to spot early on, so take action as soon as you notice the problem.
4. Burst Pipes
Burst pipes are a much more serious problem than leaky pipes and can often lead to extensive water damage in your home. Burst pipes are usually caused by cold weather – as water freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the pipe, which can cause it to burst. To avoid this problem, you should ensure all your pipes are well insulated, particularly if you live in an area with cold winters. Put your heating on when necessary, and if a pipe does burst, you will need to call a plumber to come and fix it as soon as possible.
5. No Hot Water
If you suddenly find yourself without hot water, it’s one of those common plumbing problems with many potential causes. It could be that your pilot light has gone out or your thermostat is set too low. In some cases, you will be able to fix the problem yourself – but if you can’t, then you will need to call a plumber. Don’t mess around with gas pipes – ever. A professionally trained plumber will identify the problem quickly and rectify it safely.
6. Your Shower Stopped Working (Common Plumbing Problems)
If your shower suddenly stops working, there could be a problem with the water pressure, the shower head, or even the pipes. Keeping your shower clean and free from limescale can help keep the water flowing properly, but other problems may include a faulty heat transfer plate. If that is the case, you will need to call a plumber. Just as it is unsafe to interfere with gas pipes, electricity and water don’t mix well either.
7. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can affect taps, showers, the speed your toilet refills, and many other aspects of the plumbing in your home. It is caused by anything from water leaks to a build-up of limescale. Sometimes, you can fix low water pressure by descaling your pipes or adjusting the water pressure regulator. However, if you can’t find the problem or rectify it, it’s best to call a plumber, as they will have the experience to identify and fix the problem quickly.
8. Water Heater Issues (Common Plumbing Problems)
If you have an electric water heater, one common problem is that the heating element can burn out. This usually happens because the water temperature is set too high. If this happens, you will need to call an electrician and a plumber to come and fix the problem. If you have a gas water heater, common issues include the pilot light going out or a build-up of sediment in the tank. Both of these problems will require the services of a plumber to come and fix them.
9. A Running Toilet
Just when you think the toilet has refilled, it keeps going…and going…and going…
A running toilet is one of the common plumbing problems that seem more irritating than anything else. Still, it indicates that something is not quite right inside the toilet mechanism and could increase your bills if you are on a water meter. In most cases, the problem is a faulty flapper valve – which can be easily replaced by a plumber.
10. Noisy Pipes (Common Plumbing Problems)
If you have noisy pipes, it is often due to air being trapped in the pipes. This is not a serious problem, but it can be not very pleasant. The good news is that it is usually an easy fix – all you need to do is bleed the pipes to release the trapped air. If you are not sure how to do this, then you can always call a plumber, and they will be able to do it for you.
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