Common Plumbing Problems
Jump to Sinks, Tubs, Taps, Showers and Toilets
Read about Hot Water Tanks, Water Softeners, Dishwashers, Humidifiers
Go to Leaky, Frozen or Burst Pipes, Slow Drains
Learn about Hydronic Heating, Garbage Disposal Units, Sump Pumps, Plumbing Rough-Ins
Plumbing problems with Gas BBQ Lines, Gas Appliances, Pool Heaters, In Floor Heating
Common Plumbing Problems with
Sinks, Tubs, Taps, Showers and Toilets
Sinks
- Clogged Drains: Often caused by food particles, grease, hair, or soap scum buildup.
- Leaky Faucets: Worn-out washers, O-rings, or gaskets can cause dripping.
- Low Water Pressure: Mineral deposits or blockages in the aerator can reduce water flow.
- Slow Draining: Partially clogged drains can cause water to drain slowly.
- Leaks Under Sink: Loose connections, worn-out seals, or damaged pipes can cause leaks.
Tubs
- Clogged Drains: Hair, soap scum, and debris can accumulate, causing slow drainage or complete blockages.
- Leaking Faucets: Similar to sinks, worn-out washers or seals can lead to drips.
- Cracked Tub: Aging tubs can develop cracks, leading to water leaks.
- Mold and Mildew: Moist environments can promote mold and mildew growth, especially in grout lines.
- Faucet Malfunction: Worn-out valves or diverters can cause issues with water flow.
Showers
- Clogged Showerhead: Mineral deposits can block water flow.
- Leaky Showerhead: Drips caused by worn-out washers or seals.
- Poor Water Pressure: Blockages or issues with the shower valve can reduce water flow.
- Leaky Shower Pan: Cracks or improper installation can lead to water leaking onto the floor below.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Issues with the mixing valve can cause water temperature to fluctuate.
Toilets
- Running Toilet: Faulty flapper, fill valve, or flush valve can cause continuous running.
- Clogged Toilet: Excessive toilet paper or foreign objects can cause blockages.
- Leaky Base: Worn-out wax ring or loose bolts can cause water to leak at the base.
- Weak Flush: Partial blockages or low water levels in the tank can result in weak flushing.
- Tank Issues: Cracks or internal component malfunctions can cause leaks or poor performance.
Common Plumbing Problems with
HOT WATER TANKS, WATER SOFTENERS, DISHWASHERS, HUMIDIFIERS
Hot Water Tanks
- No Hot Water: Can be caused by a malfunctioning heating element, thermostat, or a tripped circuit breaker.
- Leaking Tank: Corrosion or cracks in the tank can cause water to leak.
- Rust-Colored Water: Indicative of corrosion inside the tank or rusty pipes.
- Strange Noises: Rumbling or popping sounds can be caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank.
- Pilot Light Issues (Gas Water Heaters): A faulty thermocouple or gas control valve can prevent the pilot light from staying lit.
Water Softeners
- Salt Bridges: Hard crusts of salt form in the brine tank, preventing proper operation.
- Resin Bead Issues: Worn-out or fouled resin beads can reduce the softener’s efficiency.
- Water Leaks: Leaks from the brine tank or control valve can cause water damage.
- No Soft Water: A malfunctioning valve or timer can lead to untreated hard water.
- High Water Usage: A malfunctioning system can cause excessive water consumption.
Dishwashers
- Poor Cleaning: Can result from clogged spray arms, a faulty pump, or a dirty filter.
- Leaks: Damaged door seals, hoses, or a cracked tub can cause water to leak.
- Water Not Draining: A clogged drain hose or faulty drain pump can prevent water from draining.
- No Water Entering: A malfunctioning water inlet valve or a clogged inlet screen can prevent water from entering the dishwasher.
- Strange Noises: Can be caused by a worn-out pump or motor, or debris caught in the spray arms.
Humidifiers
- White Dust: Mineral deposits from hard water can create white dust in the air.
- Leaks: Cracks in the water reservoir or issues with the water line can cause leaks.
- Mold and Mildew: Poor maintenance and cleaning can lead to mold and mildew growth.
- Not Producing Mist: A clogged or malfunctioning misting element can prevent the humidifier from working.
- Strange Odors: Bacterial or mold growth inside the humidifier can cause unpleasant smells.
Common Plumbing Problems with
LEAKY, FROZEN OR BURST PIPES AND SLOW DRAINS
Leaky Pipes
- Corrosion: Over time, metal pipes can corrode, leading to small leaks or pinhole leaks.
- Loose Joints: Connections between pipes can loosen, especially in areas with frequent temperature changes, causing leaks.
- High Water Pressure: Excessive water pressure can strain pipes and fittings, leading to leaks.
- Cracks and Holes: Physical damage to pipes from external sources, such as accidental impacts, can create leaks.
- Worn-Out Seals: Seals around pipe joints or fixtures can wear out, causing leaks.
Frozen Pipes
- No Water Flow: When pipes freeze, the water inside them can no longer flow, cutting off water supply to faucets and fixtures.
- Burst Pipes: Water expands when it freezes, potentially causing pipes to crack or burst, leading to significant leaks once they thaw.
- Frost on Pipes: Visible frost or condensation on pipes can be a sign they are starting to freeze.
- Strange Noises: Gurgling or banging sounds can indicate that ice is forming inside the pipes.
- Bulging Pipes: Swelling or bulging in pipes is a sign that ice is forming inside and putting pressure on the pipe walls.
Burst Pipes
- Flooding: A burst pipe can release large amounts of water, causing flooding in the affected area.
- Water Damage: Burst pipes can lead to significant water damage to walls, floors, and ceilings.
- Low Water Pressure: A burst pipe can reduce overall water pressure in the plumbing system.
- High Water Bills: Unexpectedly high water bills can be a sign of a burst pipe.
- Noisy Pipes: Loud banging or clanging noises can occur when a pipe bursts.
Slow Drains
- Clogs: Accumulation of hair, soap scum, grease, and debris can cause slow drainage in sinks, tubs, and showers.
- Pipe Blockages: Objects accidentally flushed down toilets or drains can create blockages.
- Tree Roots: Roots from trees and shrubs can infiltrate underground pipes, causing blockages and slow drains.
- Vent Blockages: Blocked plumbing vents can prevent proper drainage and air flow, leading to slow drains.
- Grease Buildup: In kitchen sinks, grease can solidify inside pipes, gradually slowing down the drainage.
Common Plumbing Problems with
Hydronic Heating, Garbage Disposal Units,
Sump Pumps, Plumbing Rough-ins
Hydronic Heating
- Air in the System: Air pockets can form in the pipes, reducing the efficiency of heat distribution and causing uneven heating.
- Leaking Pipes or Radiators: Leaks in the system can reduce pressure, leading to inadequate heating and water damage.
- Faulty Circulator Pump: A malfunctioning pump can fail to circulate hot water properly, resulting in cold spots.
- Thermostat Issues: Inaccurate or malfunctioning thermostats can cause inconsistent heating or no heating at all.
- Corrosion and Rust: Over time, the metal components in the system can corrode, leading to leaks and system failures.
Garbage Disposal Units
- Jamming: Hard objects or fibrous materials can get stuck in the disposal, causing it to jam.
- Leaking: Leaks can develop in the unit itself or in the connections to the sink or drain pipes.
- No Power: Electrical issues, such as a tripped circuit breaker or a faulty switch, can cause the disposal to stop working.
- Bad Odors: Food particles can get trapped and decompose, leading to unpleasant smells.
- Slow Draining: Clogs in the disposal or the drain pipes can cause water to drain slowly from the sink.
Sump Pumps
- Pump Failure: Mechanical failures or power outages can cause the pump to stop working, leading to potential flooding.
- Clogged Discharge Pipes: Debris or ice can block the discharge pipes, preventing water from being pumped out.
- Switch Problems: Float switches can become stuck or fail, preventing the pump from turning on or off properly.
- Continuous Running: A sump pump that runs constantly could indicate a stuck switch, a leak in the basement, or an undersized pump.
- Battery Backup Failure: In systems with battery backups, dead or failing batteries can render the backup useless during a power outage.
Plumbing Rough-Ins
- Incorrect Pipe Slopes: Improper slope in drain pipes can cause slow drainage or backups.
- Leaks: Poorly connected pipes can leak, leading to water damage before walls and floors are finished.
- Improperly Sized Pipes: Using pipes that are too small or too large for the application can cause flow issues and reduce system efficiency.
- Misaligned Fixtures: Rough-in measurements that are off can result in misaligned fixtures, leading to additional work and costs to correct.
- Code Violations: Failing to adhere to local building codes can result in failed inspections and the need for costly adjustments.
Common Plumbing Problems With
Gas BBQ Lines, Gas Appliances, Pool Heaters, In-Floor Heating
Gas BBQ Lines
- Gas Leaks: Leaks in the gas line or connections can pose a serious safety hazard.
- Low Gas Pressure: Blockages or issues with the gas regulator can result in low gas pressure and poor grill performance.
- Connection Problems: Loose or improperly connected gas lines can lead to leaks or inefficient gas flow.
- Corrosion and Rust: Exposure to the elements can cause gas lines to corrode, leading to leaks and potential failures.
- Blockages: Debris or insects can block gas lines, preventing proper gas flow to the BBQ.
Gas Appliances
- Pilot Light Issues: The pilot light may go out frequently due to drafts, dirty components, or a faulty thermocouple.
- Ignition Problems: Faulty ignition systems can prevent gas appliances from lighting properly.
- Gas Leaks: Leaks in gas lines or connections can be dangerous and require immediate attention.
- Burner Issues: Clogged or damaged burners can lead to uneven heating or complete appliance failure.
- Ventilation Problems: Poor ventilation can cause dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide.
Pool Heaters
- Ignition Failure: Issues with the ignition system can prevent the heater from starting.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Faulty thermostats or sensors can cause inconsistent water temperatures.
- Leaks: Corrosion or damage to the heater or its connections can cause water or gas leaks.
- Clogged Filters: Debris and dirt can clog filters, reducing efficiency and potentially damaging the heater.
- Corrosion: Chemical imbalances in pool water can cause internal components to corrode, leading to leaks and heater failure.
In-Floor Heating
- Leaks: Cracks or punctures in the pipes can cause water leaks, leading to reduced efficiency and potential water damage.
- Uneven Heating: Air pockets or blockages in the system can result in uneven heating across the floor.
- Thermostat Issues: Faulty thermostats can cause the system to heat improperly or not at all.
- Pump Failures: The circulator pump may fail, preventing hot water from circulating through the system.
- System Noise: Air in the pipes or faulty components can cause noise in the system, such as banging or gurgling sounds.
Addressing these common plumbing problems promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and maintain an efficient plumbing system. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help avoid these issues and ensure a smoothly functioning system.