10 Most Common Plumbing Problems and How to Avoid Them

A man with blue gloves replacing a pipe in Waldorf, Maryland.

The plumbing in your home may seem like a never-ending source of problems, but most of these issues can be easily avoided by hiring the right professional plumber from Genevie Plumbing to take care of your plumbing needs.

If you are looking for excellent plumbing services in Waldorf, Maryland, you’ve come to the right place! Contact Genevie Plumbing online or call us at (301) 645-1759 to learn more.

Some Plumbing Problems Every Homeowner Should Be on the Lookout For

The plumbing system in your home is complex and can be prone to issues if not properly taken care of through plumbing services. These problems can range from minor issues that can be fixed by yourself to issues that require the help of a professional plumber.

Here are some of the most common plumbing problems and how to avoid them:

  1. Leaky Faucets

Leaky Faucets are one of the most common plumbing problems that can be easily fixed by replacing washers or O-rings with new ones. However, if your faucet still leaks after replacing these parts, you may need to replace your entire faucet fixture instead of just fixing it up with new parts every now and then.

        2. Clogged Drains

Slow-draining sinks or toilets are usually caused by a clogged pipe or drain line. Hair down the drain is often one of the causes of clogged drains, but there are many different reasons. Limiting what you throw down drains is the best way to keep them clear.

       3. Running Toilets

If water constantly runs from the overflow tube when you flush, then adjust the fill valve accordingly. Turn the adjustment screw so that one direction will raise the level of water and the other lower it. The optimal height for a toilet tank is about an inch below where the overflow tube begins to run over.

       4. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure usually comes from issues with your home. It might be as easy as doing multiple things at once. If you’re washing dishes while also watering the garden, your shower pressure will suffer. Try turning off everything in your house first to see if the problem persists after finding the location of the issue yourself.

       5. Sweating Pipes

When heated air becomes dryer and contains less moisture than when cool, a cold pipe touches the hot moist air near it, changing the temperature of both substances dramatically, causing one to reach its dew point sooner than before. Condensation can be avoided by insulating the pipe with enough insulation to keep the air around the pipe from dropping below the dew point.

       6. No Hot Water

Water heater issues are caused by faulty valves, corrosion, and rust clogging up the tank, which prevents circulation or bacteria from entering the water and making it smell bad. These issues may require the services of one or more specialists – a plumber, natural gas expert, or electrician – but can often be remedied without them.

        7. Water Heater Leaks

Make sure that the drain valve is completely shut if you notice water seeping out of the bottom of your hot water heater. If it is still leaking, then you may need to tighten up the valve slightly with a pipe wrench. But remember not to over-tighten the valve because this will just make it leak more.

       8. Frozen Pipes

When you turn on your faucet and nothing happens, this is often an indication of a frozen pipe. Allow cold water to drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes when it is extremely cold outside. Running water through the pipe, even if it’s just a trickle, helps keep pipes from freezing.

       9. Sump Pump Failure

A sump pump prevents basement flooding by pumping water away from your home’s foundation through a discharge line. If the sump pump malfunctions, you’re likely to have expensive water damage and may even experience flooding at some point. In order to avoid these problems, try selecting a sump pump system with the appropriate features for maximum protection against flooding.

       10. Sewer Line Clogs

Over time, the brown sludge you just made may could cause major harm to your pipes. Garbage disposal facilities are only for biodegradable items. The grinder cuts it up into manageable pieces before properly disposing of it. When it comes to clearing clogged sewer lines, some of the most common culprits are potato peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds.

Who to Contact for Excellent Plumbing Services

We at Genevie Plumbing pride ourselves on being able to handle all of your plumbing needs regardless if it’s for a home or business. 

Contact Genevie Plumbing online or call us at (301) 645-1759 to learn more or schedule plumbing services today!

Scroll to Top