A dripping Tap or slow drain might seem minor, but they can add up to waste gallons of water and raise your water bill. In older homes, a professional inspection is key to determine whether piping materials like galvanized steel and cast iron are corroding or have been damaged by past repairs. 

Frozen Pipes 

Pipes that freeze and burst can cause serious water damage, often leading to expensive repairs or even home or property loss. Frozen pipes are especially a problem in older homes with outdated or corroded piping materials, and can also be caused by insufficient insulation. Homeowners should regularly walk their property to look for signs of a frozen or leaking pipe, including damp drywall, ceiling rings and unusual odors. 

Pipes located in exterior walls are at an increased risk for freezing because they're right up against the cold. This is made worse by insufficient insulation, cracks in the walls and drafty areas like attics or crawl spaces. If you turn on a Tap and only get a trickle of water, suspect a frozen pipe. Slowly pour hot (but not boiling) water over the suspected area to help melt ice. A plumber can reroute pipes that are susceptible to freezing to reduce this issue in the future. 

Clogged Drains 

Clogged drains can be a major inconvenience. You may notice slow-draining water, gurgling sounds or foul odors from a sink, tub, shower or toilet. Usually, clogged drains start at the lowest drain line and work their way up through the house. Often, food scraps, coffee grounds, grease and hair are the culprits. Children’s toys, wet wipes and even trash labeled as “flushable” can also cause serious clogs. 

Fortunately, there are some easy home fixes for clogged drains. For instance, a quick combination of boiling water, baking soda and vinegar can disintegrate and ease mild to moderate blockages. In addition, regularly implementing preventative measures, such as installing drain strainers, can help to minimize clogs. It’s also wise to educate family members about what should and shouldn’t be flushed down the drain or garbage disposal. These simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of drain clogs. In some cases, it’s best to call in a professional for more complex plumbing issues. 

Broken Pipes 

When a pipe bursts in your home, it’s a serious plumbing problem that can lead to flooding and structural damage if you don’t address it right away. It can also release hundreds of gallons of water, resulting in expensive cleanup and water damage repair. You can prevent this catastrophe by recognizing the signs of a broken pipe. A professional plumber can diagnose much more easily than a casual homeowner.

Clogged drains can be caused by a wide variety of things, from cooking grease to paper towels and sanitary products in toilets. The age of your pipes may be another cause, as many older homes have plumbing made from materials that deteriorate or break easily.

Sometimes, external factors like earthquakes or tremors can displace your pipes, leading to them bursting. Other causes include tree roots, corrosion, excessive water pressure, cracks and joint damage, and more. Fortunately, most pipe problems can be prevented by regularly inspecting your home and addressing any issues as soon as they’re detected. Contact a professional to get your home’s pipes in tip-top shape. 

Leaky Taps 

Leaky Taps might seem minor and easy to ignore, but the damage adds up quickly. Water leaking from a faulty Tap can create mold, which can lead to structural damage in your home. It can also rot wood and soften flooring and walls. It’s not just a health issue, either; it can also cause your water bill to skyrocket. 

There are a variety of reasons your Tap might be leaking, from a faulty valve seat to a worn washer. You can tell when you have a problem when the water spout drips after shutting off the Tap or when you notice damp spots around your sink or shower. 

Bad odors coming from drains are another warning sign of plumbing issues. It could mean that your P-trap is dry, which can allow sewage odors to creep into your house. It may also mean that there’s a problem with your sewer line or water filtration system. A professional inspection is the best way to assess and fix these problems. To schedule an inspection, https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ and sites alike will have a lot of valuable information on plumbing services.