The Most Common Plumbing Problems and Why they Occur

Like your electrical system, your plumbing system is a huge part of your home and allows you to perform everyday functions with ease. Many of us take these fixtures for granted until one of the begin to fail; then, we notice how important they are right away. The best way to keep from dealing with plumbing problems is to know what can cause them and try to stay on top of it the best we can.

Common Plumbing Problems and the Reasons We Have Them

Below is a list of the most common plumbing problems typically seen by professional plumbers on any given workday, along with the reasons these fixtures tend to break down or fail.

Leaking Faucets

Leaking faucets can be very annoying. Not only are you consistently wasting money and water, but you must deal with the dripping sounds all day and night. There are a variety of reasons why your faucets may be leaking, with the most common one being a worn-out washer. Other reasons you might be dealing with consistent drips include:

• A bad O-ring
• Corroded Valve Seat
• Worn Out Seals
• Worn Out Cartridge
• Water Pressure
• Worn Out or Broken Parts

Failing Sump Pumps

Your sump pump is located in the basement and is used to move water from the lowest point of your home to the outside. When a sump pump malfunctions, your basement will flood, causing a lot of damage and tons of stress. Sometimes a sump pump will stop working because it becomes clogged with debris that made its way into the sump pit. Other reasons for sump pump failure include:

• A ton of water at one time (during a rainstorm or broken pipes)
• Clogged discharge pipes
• An old, worn-out Sump pump
• A unit that was installed improperly
• Stuck or faulty switches

Running Toilets

Running toilets can be just as annoying as a leaky faucet and wastes just as much, if not more, water each day.  The most common cause for a running toilet is damage or lose flapper, but that isn’t the only reason for running toilets. Other reason for this issue includes:

• Faulty flush handle
• The water level is set too high
• The floating ballcock gets stuck
• A leaking fill valve
• An old gasket

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues faced by homeowners and can cause the most damage if left untreated.  There are many reasons for clogged drains, with the biggest issue being debris build-up in the pipes (such as food, baby wipes, and other non-dissolving items.). Other reasons include:

• Faulty pipe layout
• Obstructions from tree roots or other natural complications
• A full septic tank

Low Water Pressure

Can you think of anything more frustrating than a shower with low water pressure? We can’t, and there are quite a few reasons for this plumbing issue, with clogs being at the top of the list. Other reasons for low water pressure include:

• A water leak somewhere in the home
• Corroding pipes
• Cracked sewer lines outside of the home

Broken or Faulty Water Heater

Your hot water tank is the sole provider of a nice relaxing bath or clean and sanitized dishes. Unfortunately, these appliances can break down or wear out, leading to little or no hot water in your house.

There are numerous reasons for your water heater to stop working, including,

• Corrosion
• Sediment buildup
• Loose connections
• Broken hardware
• Improper initial installation
• Wrong size for the home

When Should You Call for Help?

It is always best to contact a plumber immediately once you notice you have any type of plumbing issue. Water damage is often catastrophic and can lead to expensive repairs and health issues if left untreated.

Leaking water or pooling water makes the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria which will lead to mold and mildew infestations. This type of damage can be difficult to clean and can be dangerous to your family’s health.

If you have an emergency plumbing problem that requires immediate care, contact Ocean Air Plumbing’s 24/7 emergency service at 631-821-4003 for fast and convenient professional help. If you are interested in a quote or have any jobs that don’t require immediate attention, you can call Ocean Air at your earliest convenience or message them here for a free estimate.

Why You Shouldn’t Try to Fix These Problems on Your Own

Plumbing issues can be very tricky, and each problem can be the result of numerous things. It is always best to leave the work up to professionals who have years of experience, education, and tons of knowledge in the field. Oftentimes, troubleshooting plumbing problems on your own can lead to further damage, resulting in the need for a plumber anyway and racking up a higher bill that wouldn’t have been necessary if you had reached out for help the first time around.

Ocean Air Plumbing – Providing Residential Plumbing Services to:

1. Quogue
2. East Quogue
3. Southampton
4. Westhampton
5. Westhampton Beach
6. Hampton Bays
7. Watermill
8. Sag Harbor
9. Bridgehampton
10. East Hampton
11. Speonk
12. Remsenburg