Plumbing issues in the home are more common than many people realise, and often go unnoticed until the task of repairing what was once a simple problem becomes difficult and expensive. Homeowners can save themselves a lot of money and anxiety if they keep an eye on potential plumbing hotspots and bring in professionals such as Capital Plumbing before it is too late. Here a few common household plumbing issues to monitor and avoid future shock bills.

Leaking taps

The constant drip from a tap in the night is not only annoying; it can be extremely costly as the continued flow of water sends your utility bill through the roof. Most household leaks develop due to faulty or rotting washers or as a result of a damaged tap seat caused by people tightening the tap too hard. With the correct tools and a little instruction, it is relatively easy to change a washer and stop the drip. Repairing a damaged seat is a little trickier and might need advice from a plumbing professional.

Plumbing Issues
Plumbing Issues

Blocked drains

There is nothing more infuriating than pulling the plug from a kitchen, bathroom or laundry sink, only to find the water remains in the tub. More often than not, the problem is caused by hair, grease or other foreign objects resting in the s-bend and blocking the water flow. These can usually be removed by pouring products designed to break up the blockage down the drain or dislodging it by creating a vacuum with a plunger. If these methods fail to clear the blockage, there may be something more serious such as a collapsed pipe or damage from tree roots.

Running toilet

The sound of your toilet continuing to run long after you have flushed it is rather unsettling, and if left unaddressed can cost you a lot of money in excess water bills. Many people are wary of taking the top of their toilet system, mostly due to its inner workings being an alien world many would rather not know about. There are a number of moving parts in the cistern and these can wear out with use and age. The good news is that many of the worn parts can be easily repaired or replaced. However, if you find that parts are continually breaking or malfunctioning, age may be playing a role and it might be time for a new toilet.

Hot water systems

If you want a peaceful existence and no screams and complaints resulting from cold or tepid showers, it might be a good idea to keep an eye on your hot water system. Like many electrical products, hot water systems can become less effective with age and it gradually takes longer to heat the water in the tank. On average, most householders should consider replacing their hot water system every 10 to 15 years, depending on the brand and its usage. Of course there are a number of maintenance activities, such as checking seals and looking for leaks, that if undertaken regularly will prolong the life of your system.

A little attentiveness and a quick response to any plumbing issues you might encounter at home will in the long run save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in maintenance and repairs. But if you have any concerns at all, call a plumber before the issue gets out of hand and major work needs to be done.