Common Plumbing Problems & How to Fix Them
Plumbing problems in New Zealand can be relatively inexpensive and minor. However, more severe problems such as sewer system backups can be challenging if not handled right away.
It is important for you to understand the common plumbing problems in every home’s plumbing system to prevent damage to floors, walls, and overall personal safety. That will help you find solutions to the problems in no time.
No, we do not mean seeking support from your professional and reliable plumber, at least not for those trivial problems. If you have the proper knowledge and tools, you can resolve these concerns on your own.
On that note, we have carefully written this guide on the most common plumbing problems and their quick fixes. If you’re ready, let’s dive in!
1. No hot water
No hot water can be caused by a number of problems with your water supply and water heating. It all depends on the kind of system you have in your home. This kind of problem needs looking at by an expert plumber in Auckland and must not be attempted as a DIY project.
Trying to fix your heating system or broiler on your own can cause problems such as voiding your guarantee and making worse problems in the end. Many plumbers provide fair and transparent pricing.
Always be safe when making decisions when we talk about making changes to your heating or plumbing.
2. Blocked or clogged drains
Drainage pipes get clogged because of oil or grease accumulation, root infiltration, stuck foreign objects, physical damage, or maybe due to old age or corrosion. When it comes to blocked drains, bends or pipe traps are the most vulnerable areas.
Make sure you check your sewer and drainage system regularly and check for any signs of blockages like wet patches on your lawn atop the sewer line, backed-up toilets, and foul odors.
On the other hand, you can pour an enzyme drain cleaner into the blocked drainpipe and flush it with hot water. Prevent using chemical-based drain cleaners as they may only corrode your pipes. On top of that, they are harmful to your health and the environment.
If none of these DIY tips works, you should call a professional plumber for help.
3. Leaking in-house pipes
Leaking pipes can turn into bursting pipes if they aren’t fixed immediately. Often, leakages happen in weak piping joints. Pipes also deteriorate over time and may begin to leak because of poor quality, corrosion, or old age.
You can begin to see a leak if you puncture a pipe accidentally, fix a hanging unit, or drill holes into the wall. Whatever the cause may be, you must inspect your ceilings, floors, and walls regularly and check for any damp spots that indicate a hidden leakage.
Old pipes must also be changed, and the hidden piping network noted to prevent accidental pipe punctures. Further, slow-leaking pipes must be repaired immediately to prevent a pipe bursting accident.
Incidentally, high water pressure could cause leaking pipes to burst. Make sure you switch off your water supply and contact your local professional plumber for help if that happens. You can call Progress Plumbing and make a request for plumbing repair in New Zealand.
4. Blocked supply pipes
Your home’s water supply piping network is somewhat mysterious and intricate. Normally, water supply pipes are laid under the ground and connected to your home’s plumbing system—either through the walls or under the house.
The supply piping network could get blocked or damaged like any other pipe. The most obvious sign that you have a supply piping issue in your home is when little trickling water comes out of the faucets. That will indicate partial damage or blockage or no water at all, indicating full damage or blockage.
In either case, we recommend that you get in touch with a registered and professional plumber in Auckland as soon as possible.
5. Running toilet
Toilets that keep running after flushed are typical concerns that could break your household’s budget. A single running toilet could waste at least 200 gallons of water in one day if it’s left unchecked.
Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to repair. Often, the problem lies in the toilet flapper being broken and needing to be replaced right away. Many hardware stores offer a kit that anyone can utilize to change their toilet flapper.
6. Dripping faucets
Dripping faucets are the worst nightmare of any homeowner, assuming they could sleep with the dripping spigot’s constant, irregular pitter-patter. There could be different problems that cause your faucet to drip. However, the issue most often leads to internal washers becoming damaged.
You can replace the washer with ease, but other systems such as a ceramic washer might need more work and care than the average rubber flapper.
7. Slow drains
Slow drains come in different sizes and shapes. Whether it is a tub that’s not emptying like it did when you first moved in or a sink that doesn’t drain as fast as it used to, the likely culprit behind that is probably the same: debris in the pipes.
Nonetheless, this problem can be fixed easily. You can utilize one of the many tools accessible to snake the drain, or you can use a chemical plumber to loosen the debris to flush it in extreme cases.
8. Water cylinder problems
Water cylinders are becoming less typical these days that we have combi-broilers. Still, they are necessary for a series of homes that utilize traditional heating systems and system boilers. However, we do find that there are problems when it comes to the boiler heating the water in the tank on some occasions.
It’s an issue that you wish to fix right away. Most cylinders can offer you hot water through an electric immersion road, but you don’t wish to be using electricity to heat the water for too long as it could become costly.
If you are experiencing problems with your boiler not heating water, we suggest you prevent conducting any DIY tasks and call a plumber in Auckland immediately. Trying to fix it on your own will create further problems. Remember that simple fixes could become worse and begin to become costly.
9. The radiator has stopped working
Often, one random radiator within your home doesn’t heat up. That can sometimes be connected to a heating system that needs a power flush or clogged pipes. Nonetheless, it’s just a radiator that no longer works on several occasions.
You can change radiators yourself. You can do that if you are confident of having the tools and knowledge required. However, it’s a job that’s often left best to a qualified plumber. A plumber can fit in a new radiator with minimal fuss and a small timescale. Further, a well-qualified plumber can source high-quality radiators at reasonable prices, keeping your bill low.
10. Blocked toilet
A blocked toilet is by far one of the worst things you can experience in your home. If left untreated, major problems can come, which is something you don’t like when we talk about your toilet.
Are you confident enough to fix your toilet on your own? Then give it a go but ensure you wear protective clothing and gloves in case there’s any backsplash while you perform the task.
Often, blocked toilets can be more challenging to fix than just plumbing. In that case, we recommend that you think first before dismantling the toilet. Plumbers have the needed tools and knowledge to correctly unblock a toilet. Those tools enable them to unblock toilets without risking any damage to your home.
Tips for General DIY Plumbing
Take note that you don’t need to depend on the services of a plumbing company or a commercial plumber to deal with your plumbing problems. Here are some general DIY plumbing tips you can follow every time you notice an avoidable problem that needs your attention.
Make sure you turn off the main water line before trying any plumbing fix.
Plumbing could get really messy. Assume that you will get dirty and wet. Dress accordingly at all times.
Tools and preparation are the keys when it comes to plumbing fixes. Take the correct measurements and guarantee everything you need before starting the repairs.
Things could go wrong even with the right experience and tools. Keep a professional plumber’s contact number in hand.
Bottom Line
Plumbing problems could crop with your plumbing system. Thus, it is highly recommended to keep in touch with a trusted plumber in Auckland like Progress Plumbing. Our state-of-the-art equipment and tools, and years of expertise will help you fix and diagnose any plumbing concern.
Even then, you must know more about the plumbing concerns typical to each household. That will allow you to find the root cause of the problem and allow you to find solutions to the problem.
If you need help with all your plumbing problems in New Zealand, call Progress Plumbing. Visit our website today at https://www.progressplumbing.co.nz to learn how we can help you.