9 Most Common Plumbing Problems in Your Home

One of the most common household problems is your plumbing system, which can be a major source of frustration and inconvenience. Not only do they disrupt daily routines, but they can also lead to costly repairs and even health hazards if left unresolved. 

However, plumbing issues commonly occur in old homes since most fixtures and plumbing systems are either corroded or filled with rust and waste. But do you know plumbing issues can also happen in newly built houses? A poorly constructed house with sub-standard materials can also lead to plumbing problems in the future.

So before you accept a turnover contract for your new house and lot in the Philippines, be sure you have carefully inspected the entire home. Otherwise, you’ll face some serious plumbing repairs in a few years.

What causes plumbing issues?

As mentioned, there are various factors why you experience problems in your plumbing system. Among these are the following:

Poor installation

If pipes and fixtures are not installed correctly, they can develop leaks, cracks, or other problems that can cause damage to your home.

Tree roots

Tree roots can grow into pipes and cause blockages, cracks, or other damage that can lead to plumbing problems.

Flushing the wrong things down the toilet

Flushing non-degradable items or Tossing objects into your toilet like a garbage disposal can also cause plumbing problems. This includes wet wipes, sanitary products, or paper towels can cause blockages in the pipes.

Grease buildup

Pouring grease down the drain can cause buildup in the pipes, which can lead to clogs and blockages.

Reasons Why Plumbing Problems at Home Need Immediate Repair

Plumbing problems at home can quickly escalate from minor annoyances to major issues that can cause significant damage to your home and lead to expensive repairs. 

For one, plumbing problems can also pose health hazards. Say, a sewage backup can release harmful bacteria and other contaminants into your home's air and water supply, leading to illness or infection.

Second, it can also cause your water bills to skyrocket. A small leak can waste a significant amount of water, which can add up over time and lead to higher water bills.

Lastly, plumbing issues can also affect your home's value. Even if you're selling it as an affordable house and lot, plumbing issues can decrease its value and make it harder to sell. Thus, you’ll also lose your investment.

How to Fix Common Plumbing Problems in Your Home?

Given the following reasons, it's essential to address plumbing problems at home as soon as possible. Although some issues can wait until regular business hours, others may require emergency plumbing services to prevent more damage or health hazards to your family.

Clogged drains

Drain clogs happen all the time, and several factors, such as food remnants, soap scum, and hair, can cause them. The best way to prevent sink or shower drain clogs is to catch hair and food remnants with a drain guard. Then, clean the drain periodically, and avoid pouring oil or grease down the drain. If you experience a clogged drain, a plunger or drain snake can do the trick.

Slow-draining sink

A slow-draining sink is another common plumbing issue caused by a buildup of hair, soap scum, or food particles in the drain. You can try clearing the debris with a plunger to fix this problem. Then, remove the drain stopper and clean it or use a drain auger to remove any blockages.

Clogged toilets

A clogged toilet can really be a messy and unpleasant experience, but it can usually be resolved with a plunger or toilet auger. If the blockage is severe, you may need to use a chemical drain cleaner or call a licensed plumber to avoid future leaks.

Leaky faucets

Leaky faucets are not just a nuisance; they can also waste gallons of water and add to your water bill over time. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is usually a fairly straightforward fix. The most common cause of a leaky faucet is a worn-out washer or o-ring, which can be replaced by shutting off the water supply, removing the handle, and replacing the washer or o-ring.

Running toilets

A running toilet can also waste a significant amount of water and increase your water bill. The most common cause of it is a faulty flapper valve or fill valve, which can be adjusted or replaced. To check if your toilet is running, add drops of food coloring to the tank. For instance, the water in the toilet bowl turns the same color, you have a running toilet. So, it is best to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible.

Leaking pipes

Leaking pipes can cause significant damage to your home and should also be addressed quickly. If you notice leaky pipes, turn off the water supply and call a licensed plumber to fix the problem. In other cases, you may need to replace the entire section of the pipe or repair pipe joints to prevent future leaks.

Low water pressure

Low water pressure is usually caused by a variety of factors, including sediment buildup in the pipes, a faulty pressure regulator, or a restricted aerator. You can try cleaning the aerator or contacting a plumbing expert to diagnose and fix the issue.

Defective water heaters

If you notice that your hot water heater does not provide enough hot water or is not working at all, it could be due to a faulty pilot light, heating element, or thermostat. Before attempting to fix a water heater, be sure to turn off the power supply and consult the owner's manual or a licensed plumber. 

Sewer system backup

A sewer system backup can cause a range of health hazards and should be addressed immediately. If you notice standing water, foul odors, or gurgling sounds from your drains, you may have a sewer lines system backup. Call a plumbing emergency service to diagnose and fix the issue before it worsens.

A single plumbing issue is already a stressful task, especially if you don’t know how to fix it. Such an experience can be avoided if you invest in a home made by a reputable property developer. 

If you want to live and sleep comfortably, look no further than Lumina Homes. All our house models are built with quality construction materials in accordance with the Standard Building Code of the Philippines. Rest assured; you won’t meet plumbing problems with Lumina’s affordable house and lot for sale units.

Come and visit the nearest Lumina community to witness what sustainable living means. Get in touch with our accredited sellers or agents for onsite tripping or house reservations.