Signs of major plumbing problems in your home
Dripping tap
In many cases, a leaking tap is a plumbing problem that almost any homeowner can fix. In most cases, only a washer or gasket needs to be replaced. For some models, you can unscrew the part from which the water is leaking, clean it of debris, replace the washer with one of the same size and screw it back on. In other cases, you may need to remove the tap handle itself and replace the cartridge or tap stem that regulates the water flow.
Leaking pipes
A leaking pipe not only wastes water and costs money, but may also be a sign of a larger problem in the plumbing system. If it's a leaky pipe in a wall or ceiling, the small discolouration you can live with for a while will quickly become an eyesore with a hefty repair bill. If you own an older home, you most likely have old galvanised pipes that are prone to corrosion and leaks. Call a plumber.
Rattling pipes
Rattling pipes are particularly common in older houses. In most cases, the pipe is not properly secured to the wall, and when water flows through the pipe, it vibrates and rattles. Of all the plumbing problems that can occur, this is more of an annoyance than a sign of a serious problem that you can simply ignore. If the noise is driving you mad and it's coming through closed walls, you can try removing the drywall and reattaching the pipes yourself if you're particularly handy.
Slow drainage in the bathroom
The most common reason for a slow bathroom drain is a blockage caused by hair build-up in the shower or, in the case of the sink, toothpaste. This is easy to fix. Remove the drain cover and use a straight hanger to remove debris and clear the blockage.
Low water pressure
Low water pressure can have many causes. Check the shower head for mineral deposits when showering. Cleaning or replacing the shower head could help. However, if the water pressure drops throughout the house when more than one tap or point of use is used at the same time, it may mean that the pipework system is not designed to cope with such high demand.
No hot water
No hot water indicates a problem with your water heater. Over time, deposits and corrosion can build up in a water heater. It is therefore best to service the water heater regularly and once a year. This includes draining the water heater to remove any deposits that have settled at the bottom of the tank to prevent build-up. If you have hard water, water treatment is advisable.
Blocked or running toilet
If the toilet is not flushing properly, there is a blockage, which is most likely due to the fact that you have put something other than toilet paper in the toilet. Usually the blockage can be cleared by plunging the toilet and/or using a snake. If the problem persists, you may have a more serious problem in the pipes. Call a plumber to investigate the problem.
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