Plumbing

11 Wallet Draining Plumbing Issues

Plumbing problems are always a nuisance. Sometimes you just do not feel like dealing with a seemingly small plumbing problem; so you let it go and procrastinate getting it fixed. Some plumbing issues that seem insignificant can secretly be draining your wallet! Don’t let a clogged pipe rob you of your hard-earned money! Learn which plumbing issues you should get fixed as soon as they occur.

  1. Clogged Toilet– The decisions you make in the moments after you realize your toilet is clogged are major. You must NOT try to double flush in hopes that it will go down, as this could cause the toilet to overflow and damage your floors possibly causing a flood! Instead, let the water sit and see if the water level drops. If it does, put towels around the toilet in case any water overflows and plunge the toilet. See how to do this properly by watching this “How To” video.
  2. Running Toilet– If you notice your toilet is running there are a slew of problems that could be causing this issue unbeknownst to you. The most common issues of a running toilet are a faulty overflow valve, broken flush valve, cracked flapper seal, leaky fill valve, broken flapper chain, or a disconnected toilet handle. A leak that causes a toilet to constantly run can waste 250 gallons of water per day. You will probably want to call a professional to diagnose the issue.
  3. Low Water Pressure– Low water pressure may seem like a harmless, albeit annoying, issue. But, low water pressure is often caused by a clog or a leak in your pipes! As we have read previously, clogs and leaks can cost you money. Before you call a professional you can try to troubleshoot the issue on your own. If you cannot pinpoint the leak, simply call an expert!
  4. Dripping Faucet– A dripping faucet can be an extra thousand gallons of water per year that shows up on your water bill. That’s absurd! You can try to fix a dripping faucet on your own but if you are not confident, call a plumbing professional.
  5. Slow-Draining Sinks– Chemical-free alternatives for a slow-draining sink include using a hair-clog tool, cleaning the stopper, and combining baking soda and vinegar to help clean accumulated gunk off the pipes. If you have multiple slow drains in the house, or drains smell bad or make gurgling sounds, this could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a partially clogged sewer line.
  6. Clogged Bath/Shower Drain– Hair and soap scum are the usual culprits of a clogged bath or shower drain. There are a plethora of remedies you can try yourself including pouring boiling water down the drain or using a plunger. The severity of a clogged drain, as well as how deep down the clog is in the pipe, will determine whether you need professional plumbing service. Try using drain stoppers to prevent this potentially expensive hassle!
  7. Faulty Water Heater– If it’s leaking, rumbling, or running cold, your water heater may need fixing or replacing. Water Heaters generally last 10-15 years so if yours is getting to that point, it is more cost-effective to just buy a new one instead of spending thousands on repairs.
  8. Garbage Disposal Jam– When a disposal is clogged or overheats, it can shut down automatically. Find the reset button and try resetting it first and foremost! If this does not work, you might be able to clear a jam by inserting a hex wrench into the underside of the disposal. The right size hex (Allen) wrench should come with the disposal and, if not, you can buy one at your local hardware store.
  9. Leaky Hose Bib– A leaky hose bib can be very expensive because if you run water through the hose and you have a leaky hose bibb, you’re paying extra on your water bill. You can fix a leaky hose bib yourself, or you can call a professional.
  10. Sewer Backup– If it’s not clogged with hair or soap or something of that nature, a sewer backup could be caused by a collapsed pipe or the intrusion of tree roots. Signs that you may have a sewer backup include
    • Sewage-Like Odors Coming From The Drain
    • Bubbling Drains Or Toilets
    • Slow Draining in Multiple Fixtures
    • Clogs In Multiple Drains At Once
    • Sewage Coming Out Of a Cleanout Pipe
  11. Leaky Pipes– Pipes that are leaking can be caused by corrosion, fixture cracks, bad seals, joint damage or a number of other factors. The leaks can create a mess and damage your home and wallet, so the repairs are often best left to a professional plumber.
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