5 Common Home Plumbing Issues and Their Solutions

Plumbing issues are among the most common household problems that homeowners face. From dripping taps to blocked drains, these issues can range from minor annoyances to major emergencies that can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. At Letnyaya Kapusta, our home repair specialists regularly help customers resolve these problems and prevent them from recurring.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore five of the most common home plumbing issues, explain their causes, and provide practical solutions to help you address them effectively.

1. Dripping Taps and Leaky Faucets

A dripping tap may seem like a minor nuisance, but it wastes a surprising amount of water over time and can lead to increased water bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a tap dripping at the rate of one drop per second can waste over 5,000 litres of water per year.

Common Causes:

• Worn-out washers or O-rings
• Corroded valve seats
• Loose parts within the tap assembly
• Improper installation
• High water pressure

DIY Solutions:

1. Turn off the water supply: Locate the isolation valve under the sink or turn off the main water supply.
2. Disassemble the tap: Remove the handle by unscrewing the decorative cap and loosening the screw beneath.
3. Inspect the washer: Remove the valve stem and check the condition of the washer or ceramic disc.
4. Replace worn parts: Replace any worn washers, O-rings, or cartridges. These parts are inexpensive and available at most hardware stores.
5. Reassemble and test: Put everything back together and turn the water back on to test.

When to Call a Professional:

If you've replaced the washers and the tap still drips, or if you have an older or complex tap system, it might be time to call in a professional. A plumber can determine if the valve seat is corroded or if there are other issues that require specialized tools or expertise.

2. Clogged Drains and Slow Drainage

Slow-draining sinks, showers, or bathtubs are a common frustration in many households. Over time, hair, soap scum, food particles, and other debris can build up in pipes, causing blockages that impede water flow.

Common Causes:

• Hair and soap buildup in bathroom drains
• Food waste and grease in kitchen drains
• Foreign objects flushed down toilets
• Scale buildup in pipes
• Tree root intrusion in outdoor drainage pipes

DIY Solutions:

1. Use a plunger: A good-quality plunger can create enough pressure to dislodge many clogs. Ensure there's enough water to cover the rubber part of the plunger, and create a tight seal before plunging vigorously.
2. Try a drain snake: A manual drain snake (or auger) can physically break through or retrieve clogs. Feed the snake into the drain until you encounter resistance, then rotate and push to break through the blockage.
3. Use natural cleaners: A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help dissolve many organic clogs:
   • Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain
   • Add 1/2 cup of baking soda and let it sit for a few minutes
   • Pour in 1 cup of vinegar mixed with 1 cup of hot water
   • Cover the drain for 5-10 minutes
   • Flush with more boiling water
4. Clean the P-trap: For sink drains, you can place a bucket underneath the P-trap (the curved pipe section under the sink), unscrew it, and clean out any debris manually.

Prevention Tips:

• Install drain guards or strainers to catch hair and food particles
• Never pour grease or oil down kitchen drains
• Run hot water after using the sink to flush away residue
• Use a drain cleaner monthly as preventative maintenance
• Only flush toilet paper and human waste down toilets

When to Call a Professional:

If you've tried the above solutions and still have drainage issues, or if multiple drains in your home are backing up simultaneously, it could indicate a more serious problem in your main drainage line. Professional plumbers have specialized equipment like motorized drain snakes and hydro-jetters that can clear stubborn or deep clogs effectively.

3. Running Toilets

A toilet that continues to run after flushing not only creates an annoying noise but can waste thousands of litres of water. A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons (757 litres) of water daily, significantly increasing your water bill.

Common Causes:

• Faulty flapper valve that doesn't seal properly
• Improperly adjusted float
• Defective fill valve
• Corroded flush valve seat
• Crack in the overflow tube or tank

DIY Solutions:

1. Check the flapper:
   • Turn off the water supply to the toilet
   • Flush to empty the tank
   • Inspect the flapper (the rubber valve at the bottom of the tank) for wear, warping, or debris
   • Clean or replace if necessary (take the old one to the store to find the right replacement)
2. Adjust the float:
   • If the water level is too high and spilling into the overflow tube, adjust the float
   • For ball floats, bend the arm slightly downward to lower the water level
   • For cup floats, usually there's an adjustment clip or screw to change the height
3. Check the fill valve:
   • Listen for hissing sounds indicating a leak in the fill valve
   • Replace the fill valve assembly if it's leaking or not shutting off properly
4. Inspect the flush valve and overflow tube:
   • Look for cracks or damage
   • Replace if necessary (usually requires replacing the entire assembly)

When to Call a Professional:

If replacing the internal components doesn't resolve the issue, or if there are signs of cracks in the porcelain, a professional plumber should be consulted. Additionally, if you're not comfortable working with plumbing fixtures or if your toilet has an unusual or complex mechanism, professional assistance is recommended.

4. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can make everyday tasks like showering and washing dishes frustrating and time-consuming. When water trickles rather than flows from your taps, there could be several underlying causes.

Common Causes:

• Mineral buildup in pipes or taps
• Partially closed shutoff valves
• Leaks in the water line
• Corroded pipes
• Municipal water supply issues
• Faulty pressure regulator

DIY Solutions:

1. Check the shutoff valves:
   • Ensure the main water valve is fully open
   • Check individual fixture shutoff valves under sinks and behind toilets
2. Clean aerators and showerheads:
   • Unscrew tap aerators and showerheads
   • Soak them in white vinegar for several hours to dissolve mineral deposits
   • Scrub gently with an old toothbrush
   • Rinse thoroughly and reinstall
3. Check for leaks:
   • Inspect visible pipes for signs of leaking
   • Check your water meter, then wait two hours without using any water; if the meter changes, you likely have a leak
4. Ask neighbors:
   • If neighbors are experiencing similar issues, the problem might be with the municipal water supply
   • Contact your water provider if this is the case

When to Call a Professional:

If you've ruled out simple causes and the problem persists, you should consult a professional plumber. Low pressure could indicate serious issues like corroded pipes, major leaks inside walls, or problems with the pressure regulator. These issues typically require specialized tools and expertise to diagnose and repair safely.

5. Leaking Pipes

Leaking pipes are among the most serious plumbing issues, as they can cause significant water damage, promote mold growth, and lead to structural problems if left unaddressed. Even a small leak can waste a considerable amount of water and potentially damage your home.

Common Causes:

• Frozen pipes that have thawed and cracked
• Loose pipe joints
• Corrosion in older pipes
• High water pressure
• Blocked pipes causing increased pressure
• Poor installation or inappropriate materials

Temporary DIY Solutions:

1. Turn off the water supply: Locate and shut off the main water valve immediately to prevent further damage.
2. Apply a temporary patch:
   • For small leaks, apply plumber's epoxy putty to the leak site
   • Allow the putty to harden according to the manufacturer's instructions
   • Alternatively, use a pipe repair clamp or pipe repair tape as a temporary measure
3. Dry the affected area: Use towels, a wet-dry vacuum, or fans to thoroughly dry the area around the leak.

When to Call a Professional:

Leaking pipes almost always require professional attention for a permanent fix. A qualified plumber can:

• Correctly identify the cause of the leak
• Replace damaged sections of pipe
• Ensure proper materials and techniques are used
• Check for other potential issues in your plumbing system
• Provide advice on preventing future leaks

Prevention Tips:

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing in winter
• Maintain consistent indoor temperatures during cold weather
• Consider having a pressure regulator installed if your water pressure is too high
• Schedule regular plumbing inspections, especially if your home is older
• Know the location of your main water shutoff valve for emergencies

When to DIY vs. When to Call a Professional

While many minor plumbing issues can be resolved with DIY approaches, it's important to know your limits and recognize when professional help is needed.

Consider DIY When:

• The issue is minor and well-defined (like a dripping tap or running toilet)
• You have the necessary tools and parts
• You have some experience with basic plumbing repairs
• There's little risk of causing further damage
• No permits or code compliance issues are involved

Call a Professional When:

• Multiple plumbing fixtures are affected simultaneously
• There's sewage backup or foul odors from drains
• You suspect a hidden leak inside walls or under floors
• Water pressure issues affect the entire house
• Your home has older pipes (lead, galvanized steel, or polybutylene)
• DIY attempts haven't resolved the issue
• The repair would require opening walls or accessing difficult areas

Conclusion

Addressing common plumbing issues promptly can save water, prevent property damage, and extend the life of your plumbing system. While DIY solutions can be effective for minor problems, don't hesitate to call a professional when faced with complex issues or if you're unsure how to proceed.

At Letnyaya Kapusta, our experienced plumbers are equipped to handle all types of home plumbing issues, from simple repairs to complex system replacements. We provide transparent pricing, reliable workmanship, and practical advice to help you maintain your plumbing system in optimal condition.

Need assistance with a plumbing issue in your home? Contact our team today for prompt, professional service throughout the UK.