Common plumbing problems in Aussie homes can be avoidable, but there are some that can occur unexpectedly.
A regular maintenance checklist is ideal in ensuring your plumbing is in optimum condition to service your home.
Plumbing problems can be an inconvenience and costly to fix when they occur suddenly. However, if you know what they are, you can be better prepared.
Here are the 12 most common plumbing problems in Aussie homes.
1. Burst Flexi hoses
Burst flexi hoses are one of the most common leaks in Aussie homes. Flexi hoses can be found connected to mixer taps to your kitchen sink, laundry tub and vanity basin. They are also commonly used connecting water to your toilet cistern and to various fixtures in your home. There are ways to prevent your home being vulnerable to a burst flexi hose by checking them regularly and replacing them if you see any fraying, kinking or dark rust spots on the hose.
Blocked drains
Blockages are another common reason for a plumbing call out. Blockages can occur on any of the drainpipes in your home. While the blockages can be avoided, if a number of fixtures take a while to drain away, it could be a sign of a bigger blockage on the main sewer line.
Dripping taps
Dripping taps can be a drain on your water bill and they can cause unnecessary drain on your water usage. In most cases a dripping tap can be repaired by replacing the washers, jumper valves or cartridge. Depending on the age of the tap and the problem, a new tap may need to be installed.
Leaking showers
Water damage from a leaking shower can be a common occurrence due to the breakdown of the waterproofing membrane or a leak in the water or waste drainage pipes. A plumber won’t be able to fix a waterproofing issue, but they can certainly test the shower walls and base to confirm the cause of the leak.
Trickling toilets
If a toilet has a leak on the cistern, it’s a clean water leak and may need to have a few parts replaced in the cistern.
However, if the toilet leaks each time it’s used and there is water around the base of the toilet pain, this is a health hazard as its sewer water escaping from the pan collar.
Your licensed plumber will be able to look over the toilet to identify the leak and repair the issue. It may not always require a new toilet suite but sometimes, this may be the only option depending on the type of leak.
Leaking roof
Roof leaks can be avoidable through regular maintenance. There comes a point when a roof will need to be restored or replaced if there are broken tiles or rusted roof sheets.
Penetrations through the roof can also be the cause of water leaks if the flashings have deteriorated. A licensed roof plumber will be able to advise on the cause of the water leaks and how to fix.
Water hammer
Water hammer is a loud thudding sound in the pipes when there is a change in pressure. It is more common in copper pipes and can occur when they haven’t been clipped correctly. There are various causes of water hammer and your plumber will be able to investigate and provide a solution to your property.
Poor water pressure
Poor water pressure is common in houses with gal pipes as the internal orifice of the pipe can accumulate with sediment over time, causing low water pressure. The most recommended repair is to replace the gal pipe with copper or PEX, but this will need to be done by a licensed plumber.
Faulty hot water unit
No hot water can be an inconvenient problem – especially when you’re used to having hot water at the turn of a tap. It can be a sign your hot water unit needs to be serviced or may require replacement.
Backflow
If you notice a backflow of sewerage outside through a grated drain known as the overflow relief gully or you notice backflow of sewerage up the floor waste or shower drain in your home, this is a sign of a potential major blockage. A CCTV camera inspection and jet rodding or blasting equipment will be needed by your plumber to investigate and fix the problem.
Carbon Monoxide leaks
If you have gas appliances in your home, it can be difficult to detect carbon monoxide leaks before it’s too late. There is no visible colour or odour to carbon monoxide and it can be deadly to all members of the household if exposed too long. It is recommended all gas appliances are tested regularly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from occurring.
Storm water drainage issues
Storm water drainage blockages or lack of discharge points around the home can cause water ingress. To prevent internal water damage during a heavy downpour, it’s important to maintain the following:
- the gutters are in good condition and have adequate fall.
- there are the correct number of downpipes connected.
- each downpipe discharges rainwater to a storm water drainage system.
If you notice water overflowing the gutters or your yard fills up with water lapping at the external walls of your house, the storm water drainage needs to be looked at asap.
