From dripping faucets to slow drains, there are many common plumbing issues that plague Sacramento homeowners. Today we’ll take a look at the 10 most common issues. If you experience any of these, call a trusted plumber in Sacramento right away before the problem worsens and costs you more money.

1. Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets are not only annoying, they waste a lot of water. In fact, the U.S. EPA says that a single leaky faucet dripping at the rate of one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons per year.

On top of the incessant drip-drip-drip sound that may be driving you crazy, the excess water generated by the faucet creates patches of rust in pipes and fixtures. In turn, this can lead to more leaks that you may not even be aware of till it’s too late. Wood rot is also a concern, as rotting wet wood breeds mold and causes health issues.

2. Running Toilets

A running toilet wastes even more water than leaky faucets. A leaky toilet wastes 200 gallons of water a day! This can be a fairly easy fix, usually involving replacing a deteriorated flapper; however, if a few jiggles of the handle don’t do the trick, call a plumber to address the issue before you start to see a skyrocketing water bill due to the leak.

3. Clogged Toilets

Clogged toilets can overflow, spilling waste all over your floor, stinking up the room, and posing health and safety risks. It could be the result of something as innocuous as an item that was flushed that shouldn’t have been, or it could signal a much more dire situation: septic system damage.

Plunging usually does the trick for mild clogs, but if you can’t clear it on your own or sewage starts to back up in multiple locations throughout the house, call a plumber immediately. Once the clog is cleared, reiterate to all family members that toilet paper should be the only thing flushed down the toilet.

4. Slow or Clogged Drains

Same mantra goes for drains: don’t put anything down the bathroom drain that isn’t water or toothpaste. Because you can’t really plunge a sink drain, you may have to resort to adding drain cleaner to see if it clears. If this doesn’t work, a plumber can look behind the scenes to detect the source of the clog. This can be tricky for homeowners to diagnose and reach on their own, as pipes bend and curve around structural components of the home.

5. Water Heater on the Fritz

Some common issues associated with water heaters include:

  • Water heater doesn’t heat up water
  • Failing valves that cause the water heater to flood
  • Corrosion or rust that can interfere with water circulation within the tank
  • Bacteria in the tank that results in a foul odor

Water heater problems can be challenging to fix, and often require service by a plumber, natural-gas professional, or an electrician. Sometimes there are easy fixes, in the event the water isn’t heating up, such as relighting the pilot or replacing the heating element. Other problems can be caused by corrosion or sediment in the tank, especially for homes with hard water. If you have a leaking water heater, it most likely will have to be replaced.

6. Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes, like leaky toilets and dripping faucets, waste an incredible amount of water but can also damage your home. Excess water leads to wood rot, rusted metal, and pooling water that breeds bacteria and insects.

Even if your pipes are made of the highest quality, they will wear out in time. Fixtures can be repaired or replaced fairly easily, but if your entire piping system is to blame, you will need a plumber in Sacramento to replace it.

7. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can first be checked by looking at the pressure gauge. Usually, you will get low pressure if you’re trying to run too many appliances at once, such as the shower, clothes washer, dishwasher, and sprinkler system. In more serious cases, blocked pipes could be the culprit. Your water valve may only be halfway open. If you are experiencing low water pressure throughout the whole house, the main pipes could be the issue.

8. Main Water Line Break or Leak

There are two places where the main water line can break: the public delivery line itself or the line from the public main responsible for bringing water into your house. The first circumstance would be the responsibility of your municipality. If it’s the second, it’s your responsibility. This is considered a major repair and requires heavy equipment and digging to fix.

Water main leaks are less serious but still require the attention of a plumber. If neglected, they can quickly turn into actual breaks, so it’s best to take care of these issues when minor.

9. Sewer Line Issues

Sewer lines bring the waste out of your home to the municipal system. Most sewer line issues are caused by simple blockages, but in more severe cases, replacement will be needed.

10. High Water Bills

If you have noticed a sudden increase in your water bill and have found no other culprit, this is usually due to a leak or drip somewhere. Leaks and drips aren’t always obvious as to their source, which is when calling a plumber is advantageous.

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Experiencing any of the above? Don’t hesitate to contact us at (916) 690-5858 or fill out our online form for a free estimate.