The Top 5 Most Common Plumbing Repairs (And How to Prevent Them)

Plumbing problems can ruin your day fast. A clogged drain or a leaky faucet might seem small at first. But left unchecked, they can lead to bigger and more expensive disasters. Fortunately, there’s still some silver lining to these troubles—many of these problems are preventable.

Here are the five most notorious plumbing woes and the ways you can prevent them from showing up.

1. Clogged Drains

A clogged drain slows everything down. Water sits in your sink, shower, or tub instead of flowing out. Hair, soap scum, food scraps, and grease are common culprits. If ignored, clogs can cause backups and even pipe damage.

Prevention is key. Use drain covers to catch debris before it goes down. Never pour grease down the sink—it hardens inside pipes. Flush drains regularly with hot water and baking soda to break down buildup.

If you already have a stubborn clog, a plunger might do the trick. If that doesn’t work, a plumber can use a drain snake or hydrojetting to clear it out. Avoid chemical drain cleaners; they can damage pipes over time.

2. Leaky Faucets

That slow drip might not seem like much, but it wastes water and raises your bill. In fact, small drips can pile up into hundreds of gallons of water in one month. Leaky faucets usually happen because a washer or O-ring inside the fixture wears out. The longer you wait, the worse the leak gets.

To prevent leaks, check your faucets regularly. If you notice a small drip, replace the washer or cartridge before it worsens. Hard water can also wear down parts faster. Installing a water softener can help.

If a leak persists, a plumber can inspect the faucet and replace worn-out components. In some cases, it’s better to upgrade to a newer, more efficient model.

3. Running Toilets

A toilet that won’t stop running wastes gallons of water every day. The problem usually comes from a worn-out flapper, a faulty float, or a broken fill valve. These parts control the water flow inside the tank.

A quick way to check is by adding food coloring to the tank. If the color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Replacing the flapper is a simple fix, but if that doesn’t work, a plumber can check for deeper issues.

Regular toilet maintenance helps. Check for leaks and test the flush mechanism every few months. If you hear running water when no one is using the toilet, don’t ignore it. A plumber can stop the problem before it gets worse.

4. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure makes showers frustrating and dishwashing a chore. The cause could be a buildup in your pipes, a faulty pressure regulator, or even a hidden leak.

If pressure is low in just one fixture, the problem is likely in that fixture. Cleaning the aerator can help. If the whole house has low pressure, check with your water supplier first. If it’s not their issue, it could be a clog or leak in your plumbing.

Regular pipe maintenance can prevent mineral buildup that restricts water flow. A plumber can inspect your system, clean out blockages, and adjust the pressure regulator if needed.

5. Burst Pipes

Every time you lay your eyes on a burst pipe, you know you’re in for a major head-scratcher. This dreaded emergency plumbing situation can flood your home, cause major damage, and cost a fortune in repairs. Pipes usually burst due to freezing, corrosion, or excessive water pressure.

Prevent freezing pipes by insulating them in winter. Let faucets drip slightly during cold weather to keep water moving. Regularly check for rust or weak spots in exposed pipes. If your water pressure is too high, a plumber can install a pressure regulator to protect your pipes.

If a pipe does burst, shut off your main water supply immediately. Then, call a plumber to repair the damage before more water leaks out.

Dodge Plumbing Headaches without the Hassle—Call Transou’s Plumbing & Septic for Expert Help

Plumbing problems don’t have to take over your life. With regular maintenance and fast action, you can prevent a costly plumbing repair. At Transou’s Plumbing & Septic, we offer expert plumbing services to keep your plumbing running smoothly. Our team handles everything from small leaks to major pipe repairs with skill and efficiency.

We use the latest tools and techniques to get the job done right. With decades of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we’re the trusted choice for homeowners.

Call us today for reliable plumbing solutions and peace of mind!