The 5 most common plumbing problems we see in Newcastle homes
Throughout our 10 years in the industry, we have seen a vast variety of repair problems, here is a summary of the top 5 and how the solutions to fix them
1) Dripping Taps
As one of the most common plumbing problems in the UK, most of us will have experienced a dripping tap. It’s not just a source of irritation; the waste of water can also increase your bill. Over the course of a year, a single faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water, and in this we are all looking to save money where we can.
Causes & Solutions
In many cases, an internal washer that has become stiff, detached, torn or worn out over time is the root of a dripping/leaky tap. If this is the issue, it can usually be resolved quickly and efficiently.
The water supply to the dripping tap is switched off, then disassembled and replaced and reassembled. Whilst this plumbing problem is not classed as an emergency, it is wise to call local plumbers in order to prevent further dripping and water bills.
2) Slow Draining Sink
Another common plumbing problem, slow draining sinks can indicate a variety of underlying issues with your water flow. If you know that your sink is not draining as efficiently as normal, it’s important to act on the issues quickly as it can lead to more severe and costly problems down the line.
Causes & Solutions
This issue is often brought on by a blockage that prevents water from flowing freely. Congealed fat and food waste might be present in your kitchen sink drain. Whereas the blockage in a bathroom sink is more often brought on by tangled hair and soap.
Using a plunger, chemical clog remover, or even using a local plumber’s expertise and equipment for unclogging a sink are all viable options for preventing a fully blocked sink
3) Low Water Pressure
If your water trickles out of the tap rather than gushes, that may be a symptom of low water pressure. If there is a quick dripping after turning the tap off, it is likely that there is an issue with the tap. Rapidly decreasing pressure in part of the house could be a sign of rusted pipe. A sudden loss of pressure throughout the property, however, could indicate a water main break which is common in older homes. In this instance, it is important to call an emergency local plumber as soon as possible.
Causes & Solutions
Low water pressure can be caused by a number of issues. A Common one being leaking pipes that have become broken or corroded or worn over time. If there is a problem with low water pressure in the shower, sediment and mineral deposits on the aerators are typically the cause. The aerators can be cleaned in chemicals or even vinegar, which again should be carefully done by a plumbing expert. If the shower itself is the issue, you should either take the actions above or have it replaced entirely to avoid a low water pressure in the future.
4) Clogged Bath or Shower Drain
Is water taking longer than usual to drain in the shower or bath? Or is water rising to your ankles when taking a shower? Furthermore you may notice an odour in your bathroom. It’s important to attend to these bathroom plumbing problems ASAP, to prevent costly problems down the line.
Causes & Solutions
Hair and soap clogs frequently cause bath and shower drains to become blocked, as is the case with bathroom sink blockages. Clearing the blockage may require the use of a plunger or a plumber’s snake depending on the severity.
If the issue is left unattended, it usually gets worse over time. By Purchasing a drain guard to trap the hair, the problem can be avoided or the risk of it occurring again can be reduced.
5) Clogged Toilet
You get a clog when the toilet bowl fills up and fails to empty, which is fairly common and easy to spot. Most common toilet plumbing problems can be easily identified by yourself, however the prevention or solution should always be carried out by a certified plumber.
Causes & Solutions
An obstruction is typically brought on by a combination of paper and human waste. A plunger can usually unclog a clogged toilet. If that doesn’t clear the clog though, then a sewer snake or drain auger can be used instead.
