Owning a home brings with it a unique set of challenges, including frequent house plumbing issues. From dripping faucets to clogged drains, these problems can be disruptive and expensive if not addressed promptly.

Fortunately, many plumbing problems can be resolved by homeowners with some basic knowledge and handy tools. Read on to learn more about common household plumbing problems and DIY solutions!

Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets waste gallons of water and contribute to higher utility bills. They also can cause water damage to your house and lead to mold or mildew. The best way to prevent a dripping faucet is to regularly clean your faucets of dirt and debris that can build up over time.

You can do this by using a pipe cleaner or vinegar. Make sure to clean the valve seat and other parts of your faucet that can collect sediment. A corroded valve seat will lead to a leaky faucet. Regular maintenance and inspections by a plumber can help prevent this from happening.

A dripping faucet can cause your pipes to freeze, which can be a very expensive repair for you. You can avoid this by reducing your water usage and making sure to open cabinet doors in rooms like the kitchen and bathroom so that warm air can circulate to these spaces and prevent the formation of ice in your pipes.

Clogged Drains

Drain lines carry waste away from sinks, toilets and tubs. They all lead into the main sewer line, which is the huge pipe that sends everything to your home’s septic or sewer system. If any of these lines get clogged, it’s a big problem.

Most clogs are caused by hair, soap scum, grease and other materials that stick to pipe walls over time. Using a plunger or other tools to clear a drain can help fix the problem quickly and safely. However, if you have persistent foul smells coming from your drains, it’s a sign of a major clog or leak in the sewer line that needs professional attention.

If your water is hard, mineral deposits can build up and inhibit drain flow. Installing a water softener and regularly cleaning out the pipes can help prevent this. It’s also important not to flush anything other than dissolvable waste down the drain. This includes cotton balls, floss, sanitary products and toys.

Leaky Pipes

The water pipes in a home are often hidden behind walls or underneath sinks. But if a leak isn’t addressed, it can lead to serious problems like sagging floors and ceilings, mold and mildew growth, high water bills, and even flooding.

One of the most common signs of a leaky pipe is a sudden increase in your water bill without a corresponding change in consumption. Another sign is a damp spot or a

dripping sound in the ceiling or wall. Other less obvious signs include a musty smell or a drop in water pressure.

The best way to prevent leaky pipes is through regular maintenance and inspections by a professional plumber. Avoid putting any items down your drain or toilet that could potentially cause a clog, and install a strainer to catch any debris that might slip through the pipes. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency plumber on call, just in case! Sites such as ones like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ have a lot of information on plumbing services.

Sewer Backups

Sewer backups are one of the most unpleasant problems that can affect homeowners. Not only do they cause water damage, but they also can make people sick from contact with the sewage itself. Sewage contains bacteria and other materials that can make you very sick if it comes in contact with your skin, eyes or lungs.

The causes of a sewer backup are usually due to clogs in the drain pipes or the main sewer line. These clogs can be caused by solid waste like cooking grease or hair. Other reasons include broken lines, or deteriorated pipes.

You can prevent a sewer backup by having your pipes inspected regularly. It's also important to only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Grease should be poured into a heat-resistant container and disposed of in the garbage, not down a drain. Also, be sure to avoid washing items down the drain that aren't toilet tissue like diapers or wipes, which are labeled as "flushable." These products can clog your pipes.