1. Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes are common problems observed in both houses and apartments. That dripping noise is not only annoying, but it can also result in large quantities of wasted water. The Environmental Protection Agency found that leaks account for 10,000 gallons of wasted water every year, in every home.

Dripping faucets are also a common leak problem. If left untreated, water begins to drip from the faucet. One solution is to allow cold water to slowly drip from your faucet in freezing conditions.  

If you have trouble detecting a water leak, it’s best to enlist the services of trained plumbers near Houston, TX, who can conduct a thorough leak inspection and offer professional recommendations. 

2. Drain Clogs

Have you noticed the water in your bathroom sink or kitchen faucet appears backed up? If so, you have a drain clog on your hands. Most bathroom clogs occur when dirt, skin flakes, and hair bind to the walls of the draining tubs, resulting in reduced water flow.

In the case of kitchens, food waste is a major culprit. Because some of these items are hard, it becomes difficult for water to flow past the blockage and down the pipes. Some homeowners opt for over-the-counter drain cleaners to remove the excessive blockage and allow water to move freely.  

Be sure to only flush dissolvable waste products. Additionally, you can also use a hair catcher to prevent loose strands from pilling up inside your drain pipe.  Addressing drain clogs and stick stoppages ahead of time will help you avoid unexpected hiccups—and extravagant repair costs. 

3. Sewer Stoppage

Most homeowners don’t think twice about plumbing problems occurring outside their homes. However, sewer backup problems can result in thousands of dollars spent to fix damages to floors, electrical systems, and personal property. Statistics show that 400,000 sanitary sewer overflows occur annually in the United States.  

If your sewer line is significantly old, this only adds fuel to the fire. In some cases, a blockage can occur in a city sanitary main, affecting nearby homes and businesses through floor drains. In other cases, a blockage happens when small roots of trees make their way into the sewer’s pipe joints, causing excessive blockage over time. 

The good news is the city of Houston has implemented clean water measures to improve its sewer system. Managing sewer system backups is essential to allow your home’s wastewater to flow freely through the line while minimizing property damage.

4. Running Toilets

Sooner or later, we all encounter the issue of running toilets. Either your toilet has a weak flush, or the tank fills with excessive water after flushing. A running toilet can leak a whopping one gallon of water per hour if left unrepaired. That’s 168 gallons per week and 8,736 gallons a year.

The source of your problem could be a faulty flapper valve. This controls the water passing from the tank to the bowl. If this is the culprit, a visit to the hardware store for a toilet repair kit should do the trick.  

Check the thin flexible tube inside the tank to see if it’s still attached to the overflow tube. You should also adjust your float, so your fill valve shuts off without any trouble. If your strategies aren’t working, it’s time to consult a trustworthy plumber for toilet repairs.

5. Water Heater Issues

Water heater issues are exactly what they sound like. You step into your bathtub for a warm shower and feel freezing water pouring down your back. If this sounds familiar, you likely have problems with your water heater unit. 

Signs of a declining water heater include discolored water and noises coming from your system. The culprit can also be anything from not having enough hot water, unrecognized leaks, and mineral deposits—which greatly reduce the efficiency of your heater system. Considering water heaters account for 20% of a home’s energy use, addressing the problem can keep your costs in check.

You can drain your water tank to flush out any mineral deposits. Also, check if the pilot light on your water heater is on. If the underlying problem is something beyond your capabilities, calling a professional for a water heater repair saves you the trouble of dealing with extensive repairs on your own.

6. Water Quality Issues

The quality of your household water is critical for retaining good health while avoiding exposure to contaminants such as pesticides, animal waste, and industrial chemicals. If you notice any reddish-brown stains in your sinks, toilet, or dishwasher, the culprit may be hard water. This is toxic water that contains high concentrations of chemicals and minerals. 

Your household pipes—and even your skin—will suffer too. Your pipes might start leaking, and your body might feel dry. The key is to filter out dangerous contaminants while taking preventative measures to purify your household water.

For Houston water filtration services, John Moore is ready for your call. Our Whole-House Water Softeners can generate safe, great-tasting water while reducing buildup in your pipes. 

7. Low Water Pressure

While common in old houses, low water pressure can also occur suddenly or without warning in new homes, too. Keep in mind: It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of this plumbing problem. You might have debris piling up in your pipes or corrosion on your interior pipe walls.  

You could also have a broken pressure regulator. Without one, there’s no way to maintain constant water pressure in your plumbing system. Obviously, the proper solution depends on the main source of the problem. 

If the source of your troubles is a corroded or damaged pipe, look into repiping services with John Moore. We offer a 25-year labor warranty and a Uponor PEX plumbing system to keep the same problems from reoccurring.