Plumbing systems are one of the most convenient technological advances, but they do not last forever. Considering all the components required to make plumbing what it is, it is no surprise that some pieces break sooner than others. Knowing the top five most likely to wear down and doing what you can to prolong their life will buy you more time before you have to call in a plumber for a plumbing system repair.
Top 5 Plumbing Repairs That Homeowners Face
Contents
Keep reading to explore the top five repairs that occur in a home.
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Your Aging Water Heater
Most water heaters last somewhere between eight and 12 years, on average. However, tankless water heaters can hold their own for up to 20 years. Either way, do not ignore your water heater’s expiration date. Most homeowners who experience a break in this vital equipment notice a leak first, often after the expiration date passed. If you have a water heater leak, it is time to consider replacing the tank altogether. Fixing a leak is usually more expensive and time-consuming than getting a new tank.
Your Water Lines
Unlike equipment with motors, water lines do not have moving parts that indicate that something could go wrong with them. Unfortunately, water lines have their share of problems, such as leaks or bursts. Although uncommon, water lines can burst if too much pressure pushes through them. It is far more likely that excessive force will cause the water lines to leak. Another issue is a buildup of limescale from the water, which can clog up the line and cause corrosion.
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Your Sewer Lines
Sewer lines take all the water and waste out of your home and deliver it to either a public sewer line or a septic system. Everything that goes down all of the drains in your home runs through this one crucial line, so it experiences a ton of wear and tear over time. Sewer lines are typically metal and made to last for half of a lifetime. Still, they corrode as they come in contact with the various chemicals that run through them. This corrosion leads to leaks, cracks, and breaks. Additionally, things out of homeowners’ control can wear down these lines, such as when foundations settle, soil shifts, tree roots impose, too much rain accumulates, or earthquakes occur.
Your Drains
The drains are one of the main components of a plumbing system. They are also the pieces that break the most frequently. However, this occurs for one main reason — they often experience clogs. Because of all the things that go down the drain that are not pure liquid, like water, they get sticky and start holding things in place rather than carrying them away. That causes the water to drain slower and collect more, leading to a total clog. Fortunately, this can be avoided by simply staying aware of what you are putting down your drain.
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Your Water Pressure Regulators
Many of the plumbing issues homeowners face come from one source, which is the water pressure regulator. When this component breaks, you may notice toilets leaking, faucets dripping, and issues with the water heater. More residents on a water supply force the water utility to up the system’s pressure to ensure everyone always has water. However, this causes the water going into each home to be highly pressurized, which does a number on a home’s gaskets, seals, and other plumbing system pieces. Water pressure regulators take some of the force off the system’s other components, but these pieces only last for a few years. Indications that the regulator is ready to be replaced or repaired are slowly dropping water pressure or pressure that is causing leaks.
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How to Prolong Your Plumbing System
Nothing lasts forever, but there are many steps you can take to prolong the life of your plumbing system’s components. Here are some helpful hints that will ensure you get the most out of each piece:
- Avoid Liquid Drain Cleaner: While drain cleaner seems like a quick and harmless fix for a stubborn clog, it does long-lasting and far-reaching damage. The harsh chemicals in drain cleaner cause corrosion to the sewer lines, which are far more expensive to repair than a clogged drain.
- Be Careful What You Flush: Ideally, nothing should be flushed down your toilet aside from waste and small amounts of toilet paper. Never try to flush sanitary pads or other feminine products. Even wet wipes that claim to be flushable should be thrown into the garbage can instead.
- Put Grease in the Garbage: People commonly wash cooking oil and fats down the drain in the kitchen without a second thought but dispose of all grease via garbage can. Grease hardens as it dries, causing it to stick to your pipes and sewer lines and instantly disrupting water flow. After one too many times, you have a complete clog.
- Clean the Toilet Yourself: Some homeowners think dissolvable tablets for the toilet tank are an easy way to keep them fresh, but they do more harm than good. The chemicals in those tablets hurt the pieces inside the tank. For example, they typically contain chlorine, which corrodes washers and gaskets. It is far more efficient to clean the toilet by hand, and it is far better for your plumbing system.
- Replace Hoses: Hoses running water to and from your washing machine and dishwasher last for roughly five years. As they experience more wear and tear, they can suddenly burst and leave you with a big mess. Instead of waiting for this to happen, replace them with fresh ones.
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A Final Word
Plumbing systems are essential to a comfortable home, so do not take them for granted. When you have a problem that you cannot figure out, call a plumber to help diagnose the issue and save yourself a lot of time.
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Call Robinson Plumbing For Superior Plumbing Services
Contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the most trusted plumbing companies in the Lehigh Valley, for reliable plumbing services. We offer various plumbing services ranging from drain clogs, water heater replacements, toilet repairs, water leaks, and more. For any plumbing repairs, we always give a wide range of solutions when possible. This allows you to choose the best options for your home and budget.
Find yourself dealing with an unexpected plumbing problem in the middle of the night? No worries! You can count on the expert plumbers at Robinson Plumbing to take care of you. We offer reliable 24-hour emergency plumbing services. You can count on us to get the job done quickly and correctly and, best of all, at an affordable price.
We proudly offer the most affordable and best plumbing services in the Lehigh Valley area. Our plumbers all have the proper licenses and expertise to ensure your satisfaction. All of our work comes with a guarantee. Contact Robinson Plumbing today and schedule your free estimate.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have! Click the link to view our service area.