The bathroom is one of the most essential areas of a home. It’s where most of us start and end our day (before going to bed). Despite its functionality, however, many homeowners don’t see the need to regularly maintain their bathroom, leaving it at greater risk of future plumbing problems. And while most issues are easy to deal with, there are some that require help from professionals.
In this article, we’ll share the most common bathroom plumbing issues homeowners usually face. Let’s begin!
Bathroom Plumbing Issues You Might Run Into
Every homeowner understands that plumbing clogs can be stressful. It’s unpleasant to experience plumbing issues in the bathroom—like shower drains to sinks—at any time. Here are some plumbing issues you need to look out for in your bathroom.
1. Clogged Toilet
One of the most common bathroom plumbing issues homeowners face, a clogged toilet is usually caused by flushing objects that shouldn’t be flushed, such as sanitary napkins or baby wipes. While a plunger can normally solve this issue, there are situations where it doesn’t help at all. In those instances, you need to call a licensed plumber to fix it for you.
2. Clogged Drains
If someone in your household shaves their beard or mustache, but doesn’t properly dispose of the shaved hairs, your drain will likely clog more frequently than you expect. Clogged drains are usually caused by hair, soap scum, or even foreign objects that were accidentally (or intentionally) flushed down the drain. While you can try to unclog it yourself with a plunger or a drain snake, there are times when you will need help from a professional plumber.
3. Leaky Faucets
If left unchecked, leaky faucets can result in increased water bills and cause water damage to your bathroom. They are usually caused by worn-out washers or rubber gaskets. You can try to fix them yourself, but we recommend that you call a professional plumber for a more proper fix that won’t cause any more problems in the near future. You should also look for signs you need a faucet leak repair service to prevent further possible damage.
4. Water Pressure Issues
If you notice that the water pressure is too high or too low, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. First, check if the issue is isolated to your bathroom, or if it’s affecting your whole house. If it’s just in your bathroom, the problem might be due to clogged showerheads or faucets. Otherwise, if the water pressure issue is affecting your entire house, we recommend calling a professional plumber so they can properly diagnose and fix the problem.
5. Faulty Water Heater
You probably have a faulty water heater if you’re getting a cold shower even if you have your water heater turned on. This problem is usually caused by a broken thermostat or a faulty heating element. It’s not easy to navigate through a shower heater even if you look for DIY methods online, so we don’t really encourage homeowners to try and fix it by themselves.
6. Sewer Backups
A sewer backup is a serious plumbing issue usually caused by a blockage in your sewer line that can cause water damage to your bathroom. If you notice that your toilets are backing up or that there is sewage water coming out of your drains, you need to call a licensed plumber immediately.
7. Running Toilet
A running toilet is usually caused by a faulty flapper or fill valve. While it might not seem like a big deal, a running toilet can actually waste a lot of water and increase your water bill. This issue is usually easy to fix using a toilet repair kit that can be bought at any hardware store. But if you’re unsure about what you’re doing and you’re worried that you might cause unnecessary damage, call an expert for help instead.
8. Slow-Draining Sinks
If your bathroom sink is draining slowly, it’s probably because there’s a clog somewhere in the drain pipe. This issue can be fixed by using a plunger or a drain snake. If you don’t have either of these tools, you can try pouring boiling water down the drain to see if it does the trick. But if the problem persists, you might need to call a professional plumber to take a look.
Need Help with Bathroom Plumbing Issues?
Bathroom plumbing issues are a normal occurrence in many households, especially in homes where the homeowners are not doing anything to maintain their plumbing system and prevent these issues. Now that you know the common issues and what causes them, you can take the proper precautionary measures to prevent them from happening to your bathroom.
If you live in Ventura, CA, and the nearby areas, Hansen’s Plumbing can help with all your plumbing concerns. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
