When it comes to home inspections, plumbing issues are some of the most common problems that can catch homeowners by surprise. Whether it’s a dripping faucet, leaky pipes, or a slow-draining sink, these seemingly small problems can lead to significant repairs if left unchecked. The good news? Many plumbing issues can be identified and even fixed with a little DIY knowledge.
Before diving into the specific problems, it’s helpful to understand how to perform a DIY plumbing inspection. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to inspecting your home’s plumbing system, helping you spot potential issues early and save money on costly repairs.
Common Plumbing Issues No. 1 – Dripping Faucets
If you’ve ever been kept awake by the steady drip, drip, drip of a faucet, you know how annoying it can be. But beyond being a nuisance, a dripping faucet can waste a lot of water—literally gallons over time. In fact, did you know that a single dripping faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons a year? That’s a lot of water going down the drain!
- Causes: Most often, the issue is a worn-out washer or O-ring inside the faucet. Over time, these parts wear down from constant use, leading to those annoying drips. Corrosion or faulty valve seats can also cause leaks.
- How to fix: Usually, fixing a dripping faucet is as simple as replacing the washers or O-rings. You’ll need to shut off the water supply, disassemble the faucet, and replace the worn parts. If the valve seat is corroded, you might need to clean or replace it as well.
- Long-term effect if left unresolved: If you let a dripping faucet go unchecked, it’s not just your water bill that will suffer. Over time, leaks can cause rust or wear on the surrounding fixtures, leading to bigger (and more expensive) repairs.
Common Plumbing Issues No. 2 – Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes are one of those sneaky problems that can do a lot of damage before you even know what’s going on. They can happen anywhere in your home—behind walls, under floors, or in the ceiling—and they often go unnoticed until the damage is done.
- Causes: Leaky pipes can occur for various reasons: corrosion, high water pressure, or even loose pipe joints. If you live in an older home, corrosion is a common culprit as pipes wear down over the years.
- How to fix: First, you’ll need to locate the source of the leak. This can sometimes be tricky, especially if it’s behind a wall. Once found, the solution might be as simple as tightening the joint, or you may need to replace a section of the pipe. For minor leaks, plumber’s tape can work wonders.
- Long-term effect: If left unchecked, leaky pipes can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and skyrocketing water bills. Trust me, you don’t want to find mold hiding behind your walls—been there, done that, and it’s expensive to fix!
Common Plumbing Issues No. 3 – Low Water Pressure
Ever try taking a shower only to be hit with a trickle of water instead of a nice, relaxing stream? Low water pressure is not only frustrating, but it can also be a sign that something is wrong with your plumbing system.
- Causes: Mineral deposits in aerators, leaks, or blockages in the pipes are the most common causes of low water pressure. In some cases, it could be due to a problem with your municipal water supply, but if the issue is isolated to certain fixtures, it’s likely in your home’s plumbing.
- How to fix: Start by unscrewing and cleaning the aerators on your faucets. If the pressure issue is isolated to one fixture, this simple fix might do the trick. For more widespread low pressure, check for leaks or call a professional to flush your system if necessary.
- Long-term effect: Ignoring low water pressure can make daily activities like showering and washing dishes more difficult. Over time, mineral buildup can damage pipes and fixtures, leading to more costly repairs.
Common Plumbing Issues No. 4 – Slow-Draining Sinks
You turn on the faucet, only to watch water slowly swirl down the drain at a snail’s pace. Sound familiar? Slow-draining sinks are incredibly common and often the result of minor blockages.
- Causes: The main causes are usually debris like hair, soap scum, or grease buildup clogging the drain. Over time, these materials collect and slow the flow of water.
- How to fix: First, try using a plunger. If that doesn’t work, a drain snake or chemical cleaner can often clear the clog. I’ve had success with both methods—though I recommend a snake for tougher clogs. Regular maintenance, like using a drain cover to catch hair and debris, can prevent future clogs.
- Long-term effect: Left untreated, slow drains can become fully blocked, which might require professional help or, in severe cases, pipe replacement.
Common Plumbing Issues No. 5 – Running Toilets
A running toilet can waste an enormous amount of water—up to 200 gallons a day! Not only is it wasteful, but it can also cause a spike in your water bill.
- Causes: The most common cause is a faulty flapper valve that doesn’t seal properly, allowing water to keep flowing from the tank into the bowl. Other causes include worn-out seals, improper float height, or a leaky fill valve.
- How to fix: Usually, replacing the flapper will fix the issue. Adjusting the float or replacing the fill valve might be necessary if the problem persists.
- Long-term effect: Ignoring a running toilet can lead to significant water waste, which not only affects your water bill but is also harmful to the environment.
Common Plumbing Issues No. 6 – Clogged Toilets
Few things are more unpleasant than a clogged toilet, especially when it happens at the worst possible moment (because of course it does).
- Causes: Clogs are often caused by flushing non-flushable items, such as wipes or too much toilet paper. Sometimes, the toilet itself could have a design flaw or a narrow drain, making it more prone to clogs.
- How to fix: A good ol’ plunger usually does the trick. For tougher clogs, a toilet auger can be more effective. If clogs are a regular problem, you might want to inspect your plumbing system for bigger issues.
- Long-term effect: Frequent clogs can eventually damage your toilet and pipes, leading to the need for more extensive repairs or replacements.
Common Plumbing Issues No. 7 – Water Heater Issues
Nothing ruins a morning like stepping into a cold shower. Water heater problems are a common issue in home inspections, and while some problems are minor, others can signal the need for a new unit.
- Causes: Sediment buildup inside the tank, a faulty thermostat, or rust can all cause water heater issues. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan.
- How to fix: Flushing the tank every year can help remove sediment buildup. If the thermostat is the issue, it may need to be replaced. For rust, check the anode rod and replace it if necessary. In some cases, you might need to replace the entire unit.
- Long-term effect: Left unaddressed, water heater problems can result in inefficient heating, higher energy bills, or even a flooded basement if the tank starts leaking.
Common Plumbing Issues No. 8 – Sewer System Backups
This is one of the most dreaded plumbing problems and often requires immediate attention. A sewer system backup can create serious health hazards and property damage.
- Causes: Tree roots, blockages from debris, or collapsed pipes are the usual culprits behind sewer backups. Homes with older plumbing systems are more prone to these issues.
- How to fix: If tree roots are the issue, a professional plumber can use a sewer snake or hydro-jetting to remove the blockage. In more severe cases, pipe replacement may be necessary.
- Long-term effect: Sewer backups can lead to significant property damage, contamination, and health risks if left untreated. It’s not something you want to ignore.
Common Plumbing Issues No. 9 – Faulty Sump Pumps
If you live in an area with frequent heavy rains, you know how important a sump pump can be. Unfortunately, sump pumps are prone to issues, especially during times when you need them most.
- Causes: Power failures, clogged discharge pipes, or float switch problems are the most common reasons a sump pump might fail.
- How to fix: Clean out the pump and discharge pipe to ensure there are no blockages. Check the float switch to make sure it’s operating properly. Consider installing a backup power source to avoid issues during power outages.
- Long-term effect: If your sump pump fails, it can lead to basement flooding and extensive water damage.
Common Plumbing Issues No. 10 – Leaky Water Heaters
A leaking water heater is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. While some leaks are minor, others can signal that your water heater is about to fail completely.
- Causes: Corrosion, a malfunctioning pressure relief valve, or a damaged tank can all cause leaks.
- How to fix: Replacing the pressure relief valve can often solve the problem. If the leak is coming from the tank itself, you’ll likely need to replace the entire unit.
- Long-term effect: Water heater leaks can cause significant water damage, especially if left unchecked. They can also lead to higher energy costs as your heater becomes less efficient
FAQs
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What’s the most common plumbing issue found in home inspections?
Dripping faucets and leaky pipes are the most common issues found during inspections.
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How serious are leaky pipes in a home inspection?
Leaky pipes can lead to water damage, mold growth, and higher repair costs if not addressed promptly.
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Can low water pressure be fixed without calling a plumber?
Yes, low water pressure is often caused by a blocked aerator or pipe. You can try cleaning the aerator or checking for leaks.
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How often should you inspect your plumbing system?
It’s recommended to perform an inspection at least twice a year, or after extreme weather conditions.
Plumbing issues are some of the most common problems found in home inspections. From dripping faucets to leaky pipes, identifying and fixing these issues early can save you a lot of money and headaches. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will keep your plumbing system running smoothly and prevent minor issues from turning into major disasters.
