The Top 5 Common Plumbing Issues and How to Prevent Them

Plumbing problems are more than just inconvenient—they can disrupt your daily routine and even cause significant water damage if left untreated. In this guide, we’ll explore the top five common plumbing issues homeowners face and offer practical tips for preventing them. Whether you’re a new homeowner or looking to improve your plumbing knowledge, this guide will equip you with the know-how to keep your plumbing in optimal shape.

1. Dripping Faucets

Why Dripping Faucets Are a Problem

Dripping faucets might seem like a minor annoyance, but over time, those constant drips can lead to wasted water, high utility bills, and wear on your plumbing fixtures. According to the EPA, a single dripping faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually. Besides wasting water, dripping faucets can lead to mineral build-up and corrosion in your pipes, which can shorten the lifespan of your fixtures.

Common Causes of Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets are often caused by:

• Worn-out washers or gaskets
• Faulty O-rings
• Corroded valve seats
• Loose or damaged parts

Understanding the root cause of your dripping faucet can help you address the issue effectively.

Prevention Tips for Dripping Faucets

1. Check Washers and Gaskets Regularly: Worn-out washers are the most common cause of dripping faucets. Replacing these small components every few years can prevent leaks.
2. Install Faucet Aerators: Faucet aerators can help reduce water flow without compromising pressure, preventing excess water waste.
3. Tighten Parts as Needed: Over time, faucet parts can loosen. Regularly inspect your faucets and tighten any loose screws or components to prevent drips.

2. Clogged Drains

Understanding Clogged Drains and Their Impact

Clogged drains can lead to slow water drainage, unpleasant odors, and even flooding if the clog becomes severe. The most common places for clogs are in the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, and toilet. In severe cases, untreated clogs can put pressure on your pipes, leading to cracks or even bursts.

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

Typical causes of clogged drains include:

• Buildup of hair, soap, and other debris in bathroom drains
• Food particles, grease, and oil in kitchen drains
• Flushing of non-degradable items in toilets

Prevention Tips for Clogged Drains

1. Install Drain Screens: Drain screens act as a barrier to prevent hair and debris from entering your pipes, making them ideal for shower and bathroom sink drains.
2. Dispose of Grease Properly: Pouring grease down the kitchen sink is a quick way to create clogs. Instead, pour grease into a container and dispose of it in the trash.
3. Limit What You Flush: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, and cotton balls, as these can clog pipes.
4. Regular Drain Maintenance: Use a natural drain cleaner, like a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, once a month to help keep drains clear. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can erode your pipes over time.

3. Running Toilets

The Problem with Running Toilets

A running toilet wastes a significant amount of water. Even if it’s a slow leak, running toilets can waste thousands of gallons of water monthly. This issue often results from a faulty flapper valve or a problem with the fill valve. Addressing this issue early can save you money and prevent more significant plumbing problems down the line.

Common Causes of Running Toilets

Running toilets are typically caused by:

• A worn or faulty flapper
• Problems with the fill valve
• Incorrect water level settings
• Mineral build-up in the toilet mechanism

Prevention Tips for Running Toilets

1. Replace Worn Flappers Regularly: Flappers degrade over time, leading to leaks. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, so inspect them regularly and replace them as needed.
2. Adjust the Water Level: Ensure that the water in your toilet tank stays below the overflow pipe. Adjust the float ball or fill valve if necessary to prevent excess water from leaking.
3. Clean the Toilet Mechanism: Mineral deposits can clog the fill valve or flapper, causing issues. Clean the inside of the toilet tank every few months to remove any build-up.
4. Perform Routine Toilet Testing: Drop a few drops of food coloring into the tank and wait for about 30 minutes. If the color appears in the bowl without flushing, it’s time to replace the flapper or check for leaks.

4. Low Water Pressure

How Low Water Pressure Affects Your Plumbing

Low water pressure is inconvenient, and it can be a sign of a more significant problem in your plumbing system. Inconsistent or weak water flow can make showers less enjoyable and tasks like washing dishes more difficult. Low water pressure can be caused by clogged pipes, corroded plumbing, or issues with the municipal water supply.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

Some frequent causes include:

• Mineral build-up or corrosion in pipes
• Water leaks in the system
• Problems with the pressure regulator
• Municipal supply issues

Prevention Tips for Low Water Pressure

1. Clean or Replace Aerators: Aerators often accumulate mineral deposits that can reduce water pressure. Cleaning or replacing them every few months can maintain steady water flow.
2. Check for Leaks: Low water pressure may be a sign of a leak somewhere in your system. Inspect areas around faucets, showerheads, and exposed pipes for any signs of water leaks.
3. Install a Water Softener: If you live in an area with hard water, a water softener can reduce mineral build-up that contributes to low water pressure and keeps pipes in better condition.
4. Inspect and Replace Old Pipes: Older pipes can accumulate sediment or corrode, restricting water flow. If you live in an older home, consider inspecting your plumbing and replacing outdated pipes as needed.

5. Water Heater Issues

The Importance of a Functional Water Heater

Few things are more frustrating than waking up to a cold shower. Water heaters are essential for comfort, but they’re also one of the most commonly problematic plumbing fixtures. Common water heater issues include inconsistent water temperatures, strange noises, or leaks.

Common Causes of Water Heater Problems

Some typical reasons for water heater issues include:

• Sediment build-up in the tank
• Faulty heating elements
• Thermostat issues
• Corrosion or leaks in the tank

Prevention Tips for Water Heater Issues

1. Flush the Tank Annually: Over time, sediment builds up at the bottom of the water heater tank, which can reduce efficiency and cause malfunctions. Flushing the tank once a year removes this sediment and helps the heater function better.
2. Inspect the Anode Rod: The anode rod helps prevent tank corrosion by attracting minerals that cause rust. Inspect this rod every few years and replace it when necessary to extend your water heater’s lifespan.
3. Set the Thermostat to 120°F: Setting your water heater’s thermostat to 120°F prevents overheating and reduces the risk of scalding. This can also help conserve energy and prevent premature wear on the heating element.
4. Check for Leaks Regularly: Leaks are often a sign of a corroded tank or loose connections. Regularly inspect your water heater for any signs of leakage and address them promptly.

Final Thoughts on Preventing Common Plumbing Issues

Maintaining your plumbing system doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the most common plumbing issues and how to prevent them, you can save money, avoid potential emergencies, and extend the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures. Remember, a proactive approach is always more cost-effective than waiting until an issue becomes severe. Simple maintenance steps, such as checking for leaks, replacing worn-out components, and using drain protectors, can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and functional plumbing system.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle minor plumbing issues before they escalate.

Need HVAC & Plumbing Services in Las Cruces, NM?

Established in 1987, B & H Mechanical, Inc. is a contracting company located in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The services we provide include plumbing, air conditioning, and heating repair and maintenance throughout the states of New Mexico and Texas. As a licensed company with over 30 years of experience, we uphold knowledge, quality, and performance as the backbones of our company. Contact us today for your contracting needs!