Common Plumbing Issues

9 Most Common Plumbing Problems.

DRIPPING FAUCETS

EMERGENCY SHUT OFF VALVES NOT WORKING

LEAKY PIPES

RUNNING TOILETS

LEAKING HOSE BIB

SLOW OR CLOGGED DRAINS

WATER HEATER REPAIR

SUMP PUMP FAILURE

LOW WATER PRESSURE

Sewer Line Issues

Water Hammer Issues

Maintenance and Prevention

Emergency Situations

Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets are annoying and wasteful. A faucet often drips because of worn-out washers, which are a common cause of leaky faucets, or due to a misalignment within the faucet assembly caused by corrosion or other issues. Dripping faucets are a common problem that can waste hundreds of gallons of water and drive up your water bill.

If your faucet is dripping:

A dripping faucet sounds like no big deal, but over time, the cost adds up.

  • Use a leak calculator to find out how much that drop may be costing you.
  • If your problem persists after a simple washer or O-ring replacement, let our expert Plumber in Seaford diagnose the problem for you.

Emergency Shut Off  Valves Not Working

The safety of your home and family is important to us; that’s why we recommend that you test your emergency shut-off valves. Shutoff valves are how you shut off the water to your home, and they’re also how our repair technicians do it. If there’s an emergency, your safety depends on building components functioning properly. Accidents can happen, but without knowing where your water shutoff valves are located, the damage could be disastrous. It’s easy to take a few moments to locate where your valves are situated around your home, because that knowledge could save you thousands of dollars or even your life if you’re ever in an emergency.

Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes can be caused by a variety of problems, including:

  • Stubborn clogs
  • Incorrect pipe laying
  • Pipe corrosion
  • Pipe joint damage
  • Cracked seals or cracked pipes
  • Excessive water pressure

Minor leaks are a common issue in household plumbing systems and should be addressed early, as ignoring them can allow the problem to escalate into more serious plumbing issues.

The longer you ignore leaky pipes, the more damage they can cause—both to your plumbing system and to your home itself. Leaky pipes are a huge hassle and can do major damage to your home, but you don’t have to suffer with a dripping, leaking faucet or rusty pipes any longer! We offer emergency plumbing services 24/7, so we’re always ready to fix your leaky pipe problems. Give us a call at 516-506-1695 for fast, professional repairs.

Running Toilets

Most running toilets waste up to 200 gallons a day – that’s a lot of wasted water! Issues within the toilet tank, such as a faulty fill valve or toilet valve, are common causes of running toilets and can lead to continuous water flow and water wastage. Running toilets are created by a variety of factors, including a worn-out flapper seal or flush valve, corroded toilet handles, problems with refill tubes, and malfunctioning fill valves. Our Plumber in Merrick can inspect, test, and repair all components of your toilet, including, but not limited to, the refill tube, worn-out flapper seals or flush valves, flapper chains, handles, fill valves, and toilet valves. It’s best to have these issues addressed as soon as possible before any serious damage is caused. Our staff has a wide range of experience and expertise, so you can count on them to correctly diagnose and solve any problem that may arise and get your toilet or plumbing fixtures back up and running in no time.

Leaking Hose bibs

A hose bib is a faucet located outside of your home. This specific type of faucet comes in two forms: an unprotected hose bib (which can be found near the edge of your basement or on the exterior of your home) or a protected hose bib, which is usually located about 6-8 inches below ground with just a round piece of metal that you can turn. A leaking hose bibb is very common in the spring and summer. After a long, cold winter, many hose bibs that aren’t protected can crack and begin to leak. We advise our customers to invest in a frost-proof hose bibb, which can reduce the chances of having future leaks. If you have a hose bib that is leaking, it’s probably time to consider a replacement before it becomes a major problem. The cost of a new hose bib is less than the cost of an additional water bill. We can help you remove and replace your hose bibb, so you don’t have to deal with a leaky hose bibb again!

Slow or Clogged Drains

Problems with slow or clogged drains are common issues for residential buildings, which can cause health hazards and even plumbing disasters if they’re not addressed quickly! Proper draining is essential to prevent water backup and plumbing issues. In general:

  • A clogged drain is a common issue and can happen for a variety of reasons, including build-up from soap, hair, grease, and other foreign objects. Soap scum is a frequent cause of clogs, as it accumulates in pipes and restricts water flow. Routine drain cleaning is an ideal way to address these issues. Slow-draining sinks are often caused by buildup in the drain and can be a sign of partial blockage. For stubborn clogs in drains or the drain line, a drain snake can be used to clear the obstruction.
  • Clogged drains are an all-too-common problem in most homes, but when you have multiple drains that are slow or clogged all at once, it may not just be a simple clog. Multiple drains being affected often indicates a blockage in the main drain line or sewer line, a problem that will only get worse with time and can cause raw sewage to back up into your home.

We’ll assess your drainage problem to determine the best solution, including repair or replacement of your old pipes and drains.

Find Quick and Reliable Drain Repair in the Long Island Area Call Now

 

516-506-1695

Water Heater Repair

Hot water is a necessity in any home, and water heater issues are a common plumbing problem. Usually, water heater problems are caused by issues like:

  • Failures of heating elements
  • Sediment buildup or corrosion in water heaters can lead to various water heater issues
  • Electrical connections loosened or broken.
  • Water heater not installed properly.
  • The wrong size or type of system to meet the requirements of a house

Regular maintenance of water heaters can help prevent many common issues.

Sump Pump Failure

The causes of sump pump failure can include power outages, clogged discharge lines, and improper installation. If your sump pump is experiencing a failure, the problem may be related to the unit or an external issue. Usually, failed sump pumps are caused by one of the following issues:

  • Faulty Float Switch – The float switch is designed to assist the pump in turning on and off automatically. If the float switch is not working properly, it can cause the pump to work or not work enough.
  • Clog in the Discharge Pipe – The discharge pipe allows water that has been pumped out of your sump pit to be redirected elsewhere. If there is a clog in this line, it can cause your sump pump to run more than it should Slow-draining, which could result in a failure.
  • Unit Overheated – Another reason that sump pumps fail is from overheating if they are constantly running.
  • Unit Not Re-Setting – Sometimes a sump pump will not automatically reset after power goes out. This can happen if there was an electrical disturbance that caused damage or if the unit was unplugged while it was still running.
  • Improper sump pump installation
  • Aging, sump pumps about 10 years old may fail.

Low Water Pressure

Weak water flow and reduced water pressure are common complaints in many households. Weak water pressure can make it difficult to use your plumbing system. Often, water pressure issues are a symptom of bigger plumbing problems, such as mineral buildup in pipes and fixtures, pipe corrosion, hidden water leaks in your home, drain or sewer clogs, or cracked or blocked sewer lines.

Sewer Line Issues

Sewer line problems are among the most disruptive and unpleasant plumbing issues a homeowner can face. Common causes include invasive tree roots, grease buildup, and aging or damaged pipes, all of which can lead to blockages, leaks, or even a complete sewer line collapse. Warning signs of sewer line trouble include slow drainage throughout the house, gurgling sounds from toilets or drains, foul odors, and unexplained wet patches in your yard. Ignoring these symptoms can result in a full sewer backup, causing extensive water damage and serious health hazards. To avoid these major problems, it’s important to schedule regular sewer line maintenance, inspections, and cleanings, ensuring your plumbing system remains in top condition and your home stays safe.

Water Hammer Issues

If you’ve ever heard a loud banging noise coming from your pipes when you turn off a faucet or appliance, you’re likely experiencing water hammer. This common plumbing issue occurs when the flow of water is suddenly stopped, creating a shockwave that rattles pipes, fittings, and valves. Water hammer can lead to leaks, pipe damage, and even water damage if left unaddressed. Causes include loose or faulty pipes, high water pressure, or the abrupt closure of a valve. Solutions range from installing a water hammer arrestor to adjusting pipe fittings or reducing water pressure. If water hammer persists, it’s best to consult a professional plumber to prevent further damage to your plumbing system.

Maintenance and Prevention

Preventing major plumbing problems starts with regular maintenance and a proactive approach to your plumbing system. Homeowners should routinely check for leaky faucets, running toilets, and slow drains to catch issues early. Inspecting appliances and plumbing fixtures for leaks or signs of wear can help you address minor plumbing problems before they become costly repairs. Avoid overusing your garbage disposal and clean your drains regularly to maintain proper water flow and prevent clogs. Scheduling routine plumbing inspections with a professional plumber ensures that hidden issues are detected and resolved, reducing the risk of plumbing emergencies and keeping your drains and toilets functioning smoothly.

Emergency Situations

Plumbing emergencies, such as burst pipes, severe leaks, or sudden flooding, require immediate action to protect your home and family. In the event of a plumbing emergency, quickly turn off the water supply to the affected fixture or the main water line to minimize water damage. Documenting the plumbing problem with photos or videos can help plumbers assess the situation more efficiently. If the damage is extensive or poses health hazards, evacuate the area until it is safe to return. Prompt repairs are crucial to prevent further damage, such as mold growth or structural issues. Water damage restoration can cost an average of $3,773, while mold removal ranges from $1,125 to $3,345. Emergency plumbers may charge between $70 and $400 per hour for after-hours or holiday service, but acting quickly can save you from even greater expenses and long-term problems.