Top 5 Most Common Plumbing Problems And How To Spot Them Early

Issues with your plumbing will undoubtedly be cause for concern for any homeowner. The key to avoiding huge plumbing bills is that while many issues may start small, they can save you considerable time, money, and stress if noticed early!

So let’s dive into the 5 most common plumbing problems encountered in New Zealand households so you can gain a better understanding of these issues and, more importantly, get a good idea of how to spot their early warning signs.

1. Leaky Taps

Probably the number one plumbing issue most homeowners will face at some point in time is the leaking tap. A solid workhorse across the household, in our kitchens, laundry and bathrooms, taps are often taken for granted. That is, until they no longer work as they should!

It is a simple fact that the high-use nature of taps means they are going to wear out faster than most things around the home. What might start out as a seemingly minor drip or bit of excess moisture might be easy to ignore initially, but it will slowly worsen over time. Even a slow leak can waste significant amounts of water, plus persistent leaks can cause damage to surrounding surfaces, such as countertops, sinks, and even cabinetry, due to constant moisture exposure.

Early Warning Signs

Some of the most common signs of leaky taps are:

• The Unmistakable Drip. The most obvious sign of a leaky tap is that annoying constant “drip”… “drip”… “drip” which you will likely hear, especially in quiet moments.
• Dampness Or Water Stains. Excess moisture is the next most obvious sign of a leaky tap. Check around the base of your taps and on the surrounding sink surfaces. Persistent leaks will leave behind damp patches, discolouration and water stains.
• Mineral Build-Up. Hard water, common in some parts of New Zealand, can lead to mineral deposits around the tap spout and handles. While not always a direct sign of a leak, this build-up can sometimes contribute to or indicate a developing issue with the tap’s seals and washers.
• A Slight Hissing Sound. Occasionally, a leak might present not as a full drip but a very slow escape of water or pressure buildup which can manifest as a faint hissing sound coming from the tap, even when it’s fully turned off.

What Can You Do To Avoid Leaky Taps?

Regularly inspecting your taps will help identify leaks early on. Wipe them dry after use and pay attention to any lingering moisture or sounds. Addressing a leaky tap may often just involve a simple fix like replacing a worn washer or O-ring, which is a relatively inexpensive and straightforward repair compared to dealing with water damage or a completely failed tap later on.

2. Blocked Drains

From food scraps in the kitchen sink to hair and soap scum in the shower, our drains are in constant use, tirelessly disposing of wastewater and providing much needed drainage for excess water from washing, cooking and cleaning.

Over time, however, substances can accumulate in our drains, gradually restricting the flow and sometimes eventually leading to a complete blockage. Blocked drains are not only inconvenient, they cause unpleasant odours and make sinks and showers unusable. Plus, they can also lead to backflow issues and potential water damage if left unaddressed.

Early Warning Signs

The most common early warning signs for drain problems are:

• Slow Drainage. Often, the first and most noticeable sign is that if water takes significantly longer than usual to drain from your sink, shower, or bath, indicating a partial blockage.
• Gurgling Sounds. Any unusual sounds coming from your drain are a good indication that something is up. This is because the water is struggling to pass through a partially blocked drain, and you might hear gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from the pipes.
• Unpleasant Odours. Trapped food particles, hair, and other organic matter decomposing in your drains can release some pretty unpleasant smells. Persistent bad smells emanating from a drain are a strong indicator of unwanted buildup.
• Water Pooling Around The Drain. Pooling water around the drain in your sink or shower means the water is not able to drain away as it should, and a blockage is likely forming.
• Toilet Bowl Not Flushing Properly. A toilet that flushes slowly or requires multiple flushes is a clear indication of a partial blockage in the drainpipe.

What Can You Do To Avoid Blocked Drains?

Always be mindful of what goes down your drains, do not pour grease or oil down the kitchen sink and use drain catchers in showers and sinks to trap hair and larger debris. Regularly flushing your drains with hot water is also a good idea, especially if you notice any of the early warning signs. If you suspect a drain is blocked, try using a plunger to dislodge it, but if the problem persists, it’s best to call a professional plumber who has the tools and expertise to safely and effectively clear more stubborn blockages without damaging your pipes.

3. Running Toilets

Your toilet performs a vital role in the home, and a much-appreciated one! However, when it encounters a problem, it can be a significant source of trouble and inconvenience.

Water wastage due to a running toilet is one of the more common malfunctions you are likely to come across. A running toilet, even if it is only a little bit, can silently waste hundreds of litres of water each day, leading to a surprisingly high water bill. Identifying and fixing a running toilet promptly is not only environmentally responsible but also saves you money in the long run.

Early Warning Signs

The most common signs of toilet problems are:

• A Constant Trickle. The most obvious sign of a running toilet is a continuous trickling or dribbling sound after you flush (after the tank has refilled). This indicates water is still flowing into the bowl unnecessarily.
• Water Level. If the water level is too high or too low in the bowl, this may be an indication of an improperly functioning fill valve. Too low and you may experience sewer gas odours, too high and you may find yourself in an overflow situation.
• Staining In The Bowl. Constant leaking from the tank components can sometimes lead to rust or mineral stains building up in the toilet bowl.
• Needing To Jiggle The Handle. If you find yourself frequently needing to “jiggle” the toilet handle to stop it from running, this generally indicates a problem with the flushing mechanism.

What Can You Do To Avoid A Running Toilet?

Paying attention to the sounds your toilet is making, especially after flushing, is the best way to pick up on developing problems. Inspect the water level in the bowl and listen for any unusual refilling cycles regularly. If you notice any of these early signs, there may be a simple fix (like adjusting the flapper valve), or if the issue persists, it is best to call a plumber to diagnose and repair the problem before it leads to more significant problems.

4. Low Water Pressure

Turning on the tap or stepping into the shower only to be met with a weak trickle of water can be incredibly frustrating. Low water pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, some localised to a single fixture and others affecting the entire house.

Identifying the cause of low water pressure early on can help determine the appropriate solution and get it sorted quickly without further inconvenience.

Early Warning Signs

The most common reasons for low water pressure in NZ are:

• Gradual Decline. You may not even notice it, but a gradual decline in water pressure from a particular tap or showerhead over time could indicate a developing blockage in the fixture itself or in the pipes leading to it.
• Inconsistent Water Pressure. Fluctuations in water pressure are not normal. You should not have instances where your water goes from normal to weak intermittently (unless someone in the household is running multiple taps) this can suggest some significant issues with your home’s plumbing system or even the main water supply.
• Aerator Issues. Sometimes, a clogged aerator (the screen at the end of a faucet) can restrict water flow, this is likely to be the cause if only one tap has low pressure. Try unscrewing and cleaning the aerator. If this doesn’t fix it, you have a more complex problem on your hands.
• Sediment Or Discolouration. If low water pressure is accompanied by discoloured water or the presence of sediment, it could indicate a build-up of mineral deposits or corrosion within your pipes – you will need to call a plumber on this one!
• Low Pressure In Multiple Fixtures. If you experience low water pressure in several or all of your taps and showers, the problem is likely not isolated to a single fixture and could indicate a more significant issue with your home’s plumbing system or the main water supply.

What Can You Do To Avoid Low Water Pressure?

Pay attention to the usual water pressure in your taps and showers. If you notice a gradual decline, try checking for basic things like the aerator or any filters you have attached. If the problem persists or affects multiple fixtures, it’s important to consult a plumber to investigate the underlying cause, which could range from issues with the main water valve to leaks in your pipes or issues with your hot water cylinder. Addressing low water pressure early can prevent further inconvenience and potential damage to your plumbing system.

5. No Hot Water!

The one we all dread the most – there are few things more likely to ruin your day than expecting a nice warm shower on a chilly morning and being met with a blast of cold water.

A lack of hot water is not only a significant inconvenience, it is also an indicator that there is something seriously wrong with your plumbing system. More specifically, a problem with your hot water cylinder or hot water heating system and its associated components. Identifying the early signs of a potential hot water issue can help you address it before you reach the cold shower stage.

Early Warning Signs

The most common signs of impending hot water issues are:

• Intermittent Warm Water. Inconsistency is a big red flag when it comes to hot water. If your hot water starts to fluctuate between warm and cold on a regular basis, it could be an early sign of a failing heating element or a problem with the thermostat (electric hot water cylinders).
• Water Temperature Issues. If the water is no longer getting as hot as it used to, or is taking significantly longer than usual for your hot water to heat up after you turn on the tap, this could be a sign of a thermostat malfunction, a build-up of sediment in the hot water tank, or a problem with the heating element not reaching its full temperature.
• Strange Noises from the Cylinder. Any unusual gurgling, rumbling, or hissing sounds coming from your hot water cylinder can indicate sediment build-up, a faulty heating element, or other internal issues.

What Can You Do To Avoid Hot Water Issues?

Pay attention to the temperature and consistency of your hot water. Be aware of any unusual noises coming from your hot water cylinder, and if you notice any of these early warning signs, contact a qualified plumber and gas fitter (for gas cylinders) as soon as possible. Ignoring these early warning signs can lead to a complete loss of hot water and potentially more costly repairs down the line.

Paying attention to the subtle cues your plumbing system might be giving you might mean catching minor issues before they escalate into more costly and disruptive problems. It is always best to call a qualified plumber early on if you are unsure or concerned about any of the above problems. Early intervention is not just about saving money, it is about maintaining the comfort and functionality of your home now and in the future! Your wallet and peace of mind will thank you for it!