Something every homeowner knows is that plumbing problems are going to happen. Therefore, learning about the most common plumbing issues and how to deal with them can be useful and beneficial for homeowners.
8 Common plumbing issues and how to deal with them
Let me give you the lowdown on the eight most common plumbing issues in Adelaide—and a few tips on how to prevent them from getting worse.
1. Blocked drains
Now, blocked drains are one of the most frustrating issues you’ll face in your home. Whether it’s a slow drain in the kitchen sink or a backup in the shower, a blocked drain is a very common issue. The usual culprits? Hair, grease, soap scum—basically anything that shouldn’t be going down your drain. Over time, these things build up and restrict the water flow.
But sometimes it’s a much bigger issue, like tree roots getting into your pipes. This is especially true for older Adelaide homes where this issue can be quite common.
You might think grabbing a drain cleaner from the shops is an easy fix, but I’d advise against it. While those chemicals may clear the blockage temporarily, they can damage your pipes over time, eating away at them and causing long-term problems. It’s always better to get a professional plumber on the case.
A local plumber in Adelaide will have the right tools to help, such as professional cameras to inspect the inside of the pipes and figure out what’s really going on. This way, they can clear the blockage properly and prevent it from happening again.
2. Leaking taps
Ah, the old leaking tap. It seems minor at first, right? Just a little drip. But that drip can waste hundreds of litres of water a year—and show up on your water bill before you know it. What starts as a tiny annoyance can end up costing you more than you think, not just in water costs but in potential damage to your tap and sink area from the constant moisture. Nine times out of ten, it’s just a worn-out washer, O-ring or valve seat.
These parts can wear out over time, especially with Adelaide’s hard water, which accelerates the wear on plumbing components. Now, sure, you could tackle it with some DIY spirit, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s best to let a plumber sort it out. Why? Because a small issue like this, if not fixed correctly, can lead to bigger problems—like corrosion or water damage around your sink.
Plus, if you’re not experienced with plumbing, you could end up over-tightening the tap or damaging a component, turning a simple fix into a bigger job. Getting a plumber early means you’re less likely to face major headaches (and bigger bills) later on.
3. Toilet problems
Whether it’s a blocked toilet or one that just keeps running, this is another common call I get. A running toilet usually comes down to a dodgy flapper valve or fill valve—easy enough to fix but can waste a heap of water if left unchecked.
Blocked toilets? That’s often the result of flushing things that shouldn’t go down there (yes, I’m looking at you, wet wipes and sanitary products). My advice: Stick to toilet paper and keep the other stuff out of the bowl.
4. Low water pressure
Low water pressure is a real pain, especially when you’re trying to rinse shampoo out of your hair. This can happen for a lot of reasons, but in Adelaide, the most common issue is mineral build up in the pipes. Hard water can cause limescale to form in showerheads and taps, restricting the flow of water.
However, if it’s affecting your whole house, then it could be a bigger issue like a leak or problem with the water supply. Either way, if cleaning the fixtures doesn’t help, then a plumber can figure out what’s going on.
5. Burst pipes
Burst pipes are a homeowner’s nightmare. While Adelaide doesn’t get the freezing temperatures that cause pipes to burst elsewhere, old or poorly maintained pipes can give out due to pressure build-up or corrosion. Burst pipes can cause serious damage to your home, and the key is to catch the problem early.
If you notice damp spots on walls or ceilings or a drop in water pressure, shut off your water supply and get a plumber out ASAP.
6. Gurgling drains
If you hear gurgling coming from your drains it’s a sign of trouble. Gurgling is caused by air getting trapped in the pipes due to a blockage. It may seem like a small problem, but it could be a sign of a bigger issue, such as a blockage in your main sewer line. Left untreated, it could become a full blockage or, worse, sewage backing up into your home. If you hear those gurgles, don’t ignore them—call a plumber to come take a look and clear out the blockages before things get ugly.
7. Hot water system failures
Nothing ruins your morning like stepping into a cold shower because your hot water system’s on the fritz. Adelaide’s hard water can cause sediment to build up in the tank, which messes with your hot water system’s efficiency. Thermostat issues or broken heating elements can also be the culprit.
Regular maintenance can help prevent a full system failure, but if your system is old and keeps causing you grief, it might be time to upgrade to something more reliable and efficient.
8. Discoloured tap water
Brown water or discoloured tap water can be a bit freaky, especially when you turn on the tap and brown or yellow water comes out. This is often a sign of rust or sediment in your pipes, which is more common in older Adelaide homes with older plumbing systems. While it’s not always bad news, it’s definitely not something to ignore. Brown water could be an early warning sign your pipes are corroding, and it’s best to get a plumber to take a look before it becomes a burst pipe or other costly problems.
How to Prevent Plumbing Problems: 5 Tips
So, how do you prevent these problems from becoming a part of your life? Here are five simple tips:
- Make time for regular inspections: Get a plumber to come out once a year to check your system. If you’re in an older home, this is even more important.
- Clean out your drains: Clean out your drains regularly, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, to prevent blockages. A simple hair catcher for the shower drain can work wonders.
- Watch what you flush: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Keep wipes, sanitary products and anything else out of the toilet.
- Keep an eye water pressure: If you notice a sudden drop in water pressure, don’t ignore it. It could be a sign of a leak or a bigger problem.
- Check for leaks: Regularly check under sinks, around toilets and near your hot water system for any signs of leaks.
Know when to call a plumber
Plumbing problems are just part of owning a home, especially in Adelaide, where hard water and older homes make certain issues more common. But the good news is that most problems can be fixed quickly and easily if caught early. Don’t hesitate to call a plumber, whether it’s a leaking tap or a burst pipe.
The longer you wait, the worse the problem gets, and nobody wants to deal with a big repair bill or water damage. So keep an eye on your plumbing, stay on top of maintenance, and if in doubt, call your local Adelaide plumber. We’re here to help keep things running smoothly!
“The opinions expressed by BizWitty Contributors are their own, not those of BizCover and should not be relied upon in place of appropriate professional advice. Please read our full disclaimer."
