You never realise how much you rely on plumbing until you start having issues. As your home ages, it’s more likely to have plumbing issues. Some of these issues can be resolved with basic DIY, while others might require the help of a professional plumber Melbourne locals can trust.
If you’ve ever had a blocked drain or leaking tap, leaving you with an expensive plumber’s bill, you may have wondered if it was something you could’ve sorted out yourself. In this article, we’ll discuss basic plumbing problems, how to avoid them, and how to know when you need a plumber.
What is Considered a Plumbing Issue?
There are several plumbing issues that can occur in the average home. Some are related to your water system, including faucets, toilets, pipes and the water heater. But remember that plumbers can also look at issues with gas, such as a gas leak, as well as appliances connected to your water system, for example your washing machine’s installation.
How do You Detect a Plumbing Issue?
Noisy pipes or pipes with odours are clear signs that something is wrong with your plumbing system. Leakages often lead to mould that can even be visible if you know where to look. This can cause serious health issues like asthma and allergies. Any leakages—water or gas—should be treated seriously and sorted out as soon as possible.
Plumbing Issues—Who do You Call?
Using a plumber that is not professional will lead to further expenses if the job is not done properly. Therefore, if you find yourself in need of a plumber it’s important that you choose a reliable local plumber with the appropriate credentials for the task at hand. Look at reviews and ask friends which plumber they suggest you use.
3 Most Common Plumbing Issues in Melbourne & What to Do in Each Scenario
Yes, some plumbing issues you can resolve yourself. For more serious issues, you’ll need a professional plumber. Here’s a list of the 3 most common plumbing issues and how you can resolve them.
Leaky Faucets and Pipes
Leaking pipes can cause serious damage to your property. That is why it’s vital to know when you have a leak and get it repaired as soon as possible. Some of the major causes of leaking pipes:
- Lack of maintenance. Keeping your plumbing system well-maintained will ensure fewer plumbing issues.
- Tree roots pushing the pipes out of alignment also cause leaks. Have a look around your drains for an increased number of insects, and thoroughly study your water bill. If you suspect your leak is caused by tree roots, you’ll need to have the tree removed or relocated and call a plumber to realign and repair the pipes.
- Rust is another factor causing leaks, which you’ll have to discuss with a plumber.
Leaking faucets are usually caused by wear and tear and are more of a nuisance than an emergency problem. However, a drip per second can easily add up to over 2,000 gallons a year. Replacing the washers can be a simple DIY job, but as seen above, some scenarios do require the help of the professionals.
Low Water Pressure
Although low water pressure issues are usually found in older houses, they do occur in newly built residences too. Some low water pressure issues can happen suddenly while others occur slowly and worsen over time.
A build-up of sediment or minerals can cause a reduction in water pressure. This can be resolved by pouring some drain cleaner down your faucets and checking outside drains for leaves and other obstructions. However, if your neighbours are experiencing the same problem, it is likely caused by a water main break. This should be resolved by your local council.
Another cause of lower water pressure is leaking pipes. One way to detect this is to shut off your water supply and check your meter after a few hours of no water usage. If the meter changes, chances are you have a leaking pipe. This would be the time to contact an emergency plumber Melbourne based to solve the problem quickly and prevent more wastage.
A Running Toilet
A running toilet is not only a nuisance but also wastes a lot of water. A constantly running toilet is often caused by:
- An imbalanced float
- Loose fill tube
- Leak
- When the flapper valve no longer fits properly, letting the water run continuously
If you have a running toilet, each component needs to be checked to find the root of the problem. Ensure that the chain attached to the flapper valve is the correct length and not tangled. Adjust the float to ensure the valve shuts off properly and check that the fill tube and thin flexible tube inside the tank are still intact.
Toilet repair kits fit most models and are easy to use yourself by following the provided instructions. If you’ve replaced all the components and the toilet is still running, you may have to phone a plumber.
Summary
As this article proves, many plumbing issues could be sorted out yourself or avoided altogether. If you keep your plumbing system well-maintained, it could save you a lot of money in the long run.
Should you have an irreparable plumbing issue that you need to get a plumber out for, be sure to use a reputable vendor and ask what guarantees they offer on their work. If you find yourself a good plumber, chances are that issue won’t occur again soon.
