Whether you’ve recently bought a home or are just renting one, you probably have a general idea of what kinds of maintenance will be required. Your home’s plumbing system won’t break easily, but it’s important to check in from time to time to make sure everything is in good working order. Problems with your plumbing can turn into expensive and inconvenient problems very quickly if left untreated. If something goes wrong with your plumbing system, it’s best to know the most common issues and how to avoid them in the future. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way towards keeping your home’s plumbing system running smoothly and efficiently all year long.

Basics of Plumbing

First, let’s start with some basic terminology that applies to all types of plumbing systems.A plumbing system is a series of pipes, fittings, and other components that are used to transport water from a source to a destination. Each plumbing system has its own set of standards that it must meet in order to be approved for occupancy in a residential or commercial building.The primary components of a plumbing system are pipes, fittings, fixtures, drains, and valves. Pipes are used to transport water throughout a home or business. Fittings are the connections between pipes, and fixtures are the devices that are attached to a pipe. Diversion and trap valves are also part of a typical plumbing system.The pipes that make up the plumbing system in your home or business are usually made from either cast iron, copper, or PVC. The fittings that join these pipes together are usually made from copper. Fittings and fixtures are often made from either plastic or metal.Drain cleaning systems are the primary maintenance responsibility for most homes.

Clogged toilets

This is probably one of the most common plumbing problems that occur in homes. Clogged toilets are annoying and can be messy, but they don’t have to be a serious issue. The most effective way to prevent this problem is to make sure you have the right amount of toilet paper in the bowl. This means using just enough toilet paper to make it through the entire flushing process, without leaving any excess behind.If you’re using the wrong type of toilet paper, or if you’re using more toilet paper than is necessary, you can run the risk of clogging your toilet. Be sure to read the packaging labels on toilet paper to see if it’s the right type for your toilet. If it’s not the right type, you can use baking soda or a plunger to try to unclog the toilet.

Toilet leaks

Toilet leaks are another common plumbing issue that can become a major headache if ignored. While a small toilet leak might be annoying and cause damage to the surrounding area, a large one can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in repairs.The best way to prevent toilet leaks is to install a water-saving device, such as a low-flush toilet or dual-flush toilet. These devices use less water than standard toilets, so they’re less likely to leak. You can also install a toilet trap cover, which is an inexpensive device that will help trap water in the bowl, reducing the damage and preventing leaks.If you do experience a toilet leak, you should turn off the water supply at the main valve and then flush the toilet to remove as much water as possible.

Hot water issues

Hot water issues can occur in any part of a home, but they are particularly common in basements. Basement plumbing systems are often much more complex than other parts of the house, so they’re much more likely to experience problems.Some of the most common problems with a hot water system include a broken or faulty boiler or water heater, a plugged or leaking water pipe, or a faulty thermostat. Broken or leaking water pipes are usually a result of tree roots growing into the pipes and causing damage. You can stop tree roots from growing into your water pipes by installing a root barrier around your home’s foundation and installing a sump pump to remove any water that seeps into your home.

Leaking faucets and sinks

Leaking faucets and sinks are another common plumbing issue that can quickly turn into a big expense if left untreated. The best way to avoid this issue is to regularly check for signs of a leak. The most common signs of a leaking faucet or sink include water spots on the floor or wall, condensation on the inside of the cabinet, or a bad smell.If you do notice a leak, you should first try to find the source of the problem by turning off the water and using a soapy brush to check for leaks. If a leak is found, you can repair it by replacing the faucet or repairing the leaking pipe. If you can’t find the source of the leak, you should call a plumber to help you repair the problem.

Blocked drains

Blocked drains are another common plumbing problem that can quickly become very inconvenient. A clogged drain is most common in areas of the home that are prone to having food and other items washed down the drain and is usually caused by a build-up of hair, soap scum, or other debris.If you experience a clogged drain, the first thing to do is look for the source of the problem. Check the traps located near the sinks, toilets, and shower to make sure there isn’t a build-up of hair or other debris that could be causing the issue. If you find a build-up of hair or soap scum at the trap, you can use a drain cleaner to unclog the system.If you still can’t unclog the system after using a drain cleaner, you should call a plumber to have the system unclogged.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different plumbing issues that can occur in homes. The best way to avoid these problems is to be aware of their signs and take action immediately. If you notice any of the above problems, the best thing to do is to get in touch with a professional plumber as quickly as possible. If you ignore these problems, they can quickly become much more expensive and inconvenient.

Frequently Asked Question

Plumbers usually charge for their work by the hour, and the national average cost is about $100 per hour plus a service fee or minimum charge. Overall, hourly rates for plumbing can range from $25 to $200, depending on the experience level of the plumber and on the repair needed.
When it comes to plumbing, it's usually best to hire a professional, certified plumber. Even a small mistake can lead to leaks that can cause wall, floor, and ceiling damage and require costly repairs. Many people don't think about hiring a plumber until they have a problem, but plumbing maintenance is important, too.
Professional plumbing requires a set of unique skills and knowledge that come more naturally to some people than others, and when you hire a plumber, you're paying for their expertise in their field.

For entry-level plumbers, the average annual base salary is $47,500, or $22.84 per hour. For intermediate plumbers with 2-4 years of experience, the average rises to $55,800, or $33.37 per hour. At the senior level, defined as 4-6 years of experience, the average is $62,200, or $29.90 per hour.
Furthermore, sometimes (but not always) plumbers have some negotiating room on their flat rate. If you don't like the price, try haggling. The worst that can happen is he says “no.” But if a plumber is having a slow day, he may be willing to drop his rate somewhat to get the job.
It's reasonable for a plumber to require a deposit in advance for large jobs, or in pre-arranged payments as the job progresses. But, always reserve a percentage of the total cost until the work is completed as promised.
The best and most reliable plumbers don't give free quotes on routine plumbing repairs and services since these smaller jobs only often take one to three hours to be completed. This means that you will only pay for what you see.
You can rely on an experienced, trained professional to fix your plumbing issues. Their extensive training means they can handle a multitude of plumbing problems. Their prior experience could save you valuable time, too. They won't spend hours trying to detect the issue.
Most plumbers work to 30 day payment terms. That's fine, but when setting that out it needs to be made clear that late payment is not acceptable.
Plumbers install, repair and service almost anything relating to plumbing equipment: that means water pipes, fixtures, central-heating system, drinking-water systems, and waste-disposal systems (or toilets, as you might know them better).