Common Plumbing Issues and How to Deal With Them

February 26, 2025

Piping problems are an inevitable part of owning a home. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, plumbing issues can vary in complexity and frequency, but they can often lead to more significant problems if left unattended. Understanding how to identify and resolve these issues can save time, money, and significant inconvenience. This blog post will explore some of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face and provide practical tips on how to address them.

1. Leaky Faucets

Leaky faucets are one of the most common and irritating plumbing problems many homeowners face. Not only do they waste water, leading to increased utility bills, but the constant dripping sound can be incredibly annoying. Often, these leaks are caused by worn washers, which can deteriorate over time due to constant use. Replacing them can be a simple DIY fix if you have the right tools. However, leaks may sometimes indicate a more serious problem, such as high water pressure or pipe corrosion. If you are uncomfortable handling tools or the problem persists, calling a plumber might be necessary to prevent further damage.

2. Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are a frequent issue in households, often caused by the build-up of hair, soap, grease, and other debris. Regular maintenance, such as using a drain cover and periodically flushing drains with hot water, can help prevent severe blockages. For minor clogs, a plunger or a commercial drain cleaner may suffice. However, persistent clogs or recurring blockages could indicate a deeper issue requiring professional clogged drain repair.

Ignoring clogged drains can lead to more extensive plumbing issues, such as pipe damage or sewage backups. For example, when food scraps, grease, and soap scum accumulate in kitchen drains, they can create stubborn clogs that are difficult to remove with basic methods. Similarly, bathroom drains often collect hair and soap residue, leading to slow-draining sinks and tubs.

3. Running Toilets

In our experience, a running toilet can waste a significant amount of water—sometimes as much as 200 gallons per day. This common issue often stems from a faulty flapper valve that needs replacing or adjusting. A flapper valve is a rubber component inside the toilet tank that controls the water flow from the tank to the bowl. If it doesn’t seal properly, water continuously leaks, causing the toilet to run non-stop.

According to PR Newswire, a survey about plumbing issues showed nearly 20% of homeowners frequently have to deal with clogged toilets, suggesting these problems are prevalent. While some people may find adjusting the float or replacing the flapper a simple task, others might need professional help. Additionally, issues such as mineral buildup in the fill valve, a malfunctioning flush handle, or a leaking toilet base may require expert intervention to prevent water damage and excessive water bills.

4. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can turn a refreshing shower into a frustrating experience. Causes of low water pressure can include everything from pipe obstructions, leaks, corroded plumbing, or problems with your local water supply.

Before calling a plumber, check if the low pressure is isolated to one fixture, in which case, cleaning the aerator might solve the issue. The aerator is a small mesh screen located at the tip of a faucet, and it can become clogged with mineral deposits over time. Soaking it in vinegar overnight can often restore water flow.

5. Problematic Water Heating

Few things are as uncomfortable as being blasted with cold water in the shower due to a faulty water heater. Common issues with water heaters include leaks, strange noises, and inconsistent temperature. The cause might be a failing heating element, a faulty thermostat, or sediment build-up in the tank. Over time, mineral deposits can settle at the bottom of the tank, reducing the efficiency of the heating element and causing overheating issues.

Regularly flushing the water heater can help maintain efficiency and extend its lifespan. Experts recommend draining the tank at least once a year to remove sediment buildup. However, if the water heater is old or problems are recurring, it may be time to consider a replacement or call a professional for repair. In some cases, switching to a tankless water heater may be a more energy-efficient solution, as these models provide hot water on demand and require less maintenance.

For reliable plumbing services, trust Raleigh Plumbing & Heating, Inc to handle all your repair needs efficiently. Whether it’s a clogged drain repair, a leaky faucet, or a full plumbing system upgrade, our experienced team is ready to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly!

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Is It Time to Replace Your Water Pipes? 3 Signs to Watch Out For

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Are your water pipes showing signs of aging? A plumbing company can inspect, repair, or replace them to prevent leaks, low pressure, and damage.

Know the Sweet Spot in Your Water Heater Temperature Setting

November 11, 2025

Water heaters are a critical component of any household, providing the necessary hot water for showers, cooking, and cleaning. Understanding the importance of setting the right temperature is crucial for optimizing energy efficiency, ensuring safety, and maintaining comfort. Let's explore the sweet spot in water heater temperature settings, providing insights into the science, health considerations, energy savings, and individual adaptation to enhance your water heating experience. The Science Behind Water Heater Temperature Water heater temperature settings typically range between 40 and 60 degrees Celsius, each degree affecting energy consumption and water pressure. The lower the temperature, the less energy is used, but this may compromise the comfort and efficiency of daily household activities. On the other hand, setting it too high increases risks such as scalding and energy wastage. Understanding these settings allows homeowners to strike a balance between saving energy and maintaining a consistent water supply. According to AOS Bath, setting your water heater to 50 degrees Celsius can help you shower smartly, save money, and keep your family safe. The temperature at which your water heater operates directly impacts energy consumption levels. Higher settings require more energy, leading to increased utility bills and potentially higher carbon footprints. Conversely, lower temperatures require less energy, promoting environmental sustainability and energy savings. Striking a balance in your water heater's setting can significantly contribute to reducing operational costs while meeting household needs. Thermostats play a pivotal role in regulating water heater temperatures, ensuring consistency and efficiency. Modern water heaters come equipped with advanced thermostatic controls that enhance the precision of temperature settings. By accurately controlling the water temperature, thermostats help mitigate risks associated with both underheating and overheating. Additionally, they offer homeowners the convenience of adjusting settings based on their specific preferences and needs. Water heater temperature affects not only energy and safety but also water pressure levels. Higher temperatures can cause increased pressure, potentially leading to system failures or plumbing issues. Understanding how temperature correlates with pressure helps in optimizing water supply efficiency while mitigating the risk of damages. Maintaining a balanced temperature is integral to ensuring consistent water flow and pressure within the household. Health and Safety Considerations Scalding is a significant risk associated with excessive water heater temperatures, especially in households with vulnerable individuals like children and the elderly. Water set above 60 degrees Celsius can cause severe burns almost instantly, underscoring the importance of regulated settings. Preventing scalding involves not only setting appropriate temperatures but also installing anti-scald devices where necessary. Being aware of scalding risks prompts caution and proactive adjustments to water heater settings. Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water environments, presenting a significant health risk if water heaters are set too low. Temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius can create favorable conditions for bacterial growth, leading to Legionnaires' disease, a potentially fatal respiratory illness. Therefore, maintaining a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Celsius or higher is crucial to inhibit bacterial proliferation. According to health experts, ensuring water temperatures are above this threshold is vital for preventing bacterial contamination and safeguarding household health. Achieving a balance between safety and comfort is pivotal when determining the ideal water heater temperature. Too low settings may compromise appliance efficiency and user comfort, while excessively high settings pose scalding risks. Homeowners must consider personal comfort preferences alongside safety guidelines to determine suitable temperature settings. Regular reviews and adjustments based on changing needs and seasonality can help maintain this balance effectively. Special consideration is necessary for protecting vulnerable populations, such as young children and the elderly, from temperature-related risks. These groups are more susceptible to burns and the adverse impacts of bacteria exposure, necessitating careful monitoring and temperature adjustments. Installing anti-scald devices and thermostatic mixing valves can provide an additional layer of protection. Educational efforts focused on temperature awareness and proactive management are vital in safeguarding these populations. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings Setting your water heater at optimum temperatures plays an essential role in achieving energy savings. Maintaining a moderate temperature, such as 50 degrees Celsius, helps balance energy consumption with household demands. By avoiding excessively high temperatures, homeowners can reduce energy expenditures without sacrificing functionality or comfort. Efficient temperature management complements broader sustainability efforts, benefiting both finances and the environment. The long-term cost benefits of setting the right water heater temperature are considerable. Reduced energy usage translates into lower utility bills, offering substantial savings over time. Additionally, optimizing temperatures prolongs the lifespan of your water heater, reducing the frequency and expense of repairs or replacements. Investing in energy-efficient practices not only increases immediate savings but also contributes to overall financial stability in the long run. Energy bills are largely influenced by water heater settings, providing an opportunity for significant reductions with optimal management. Setting a moderate temperature can lower monthly energy expenses, offering immediate financial relief. The cumulative effect of these savings is substantial, especially in households with high water heating demands. Implementing efficient temperature settings becomes a tangible means of managing energy costs effectively. Upgrading to energy-efficient water heater models enhances the benefits of optimal temperature management. These advanced systems incorporate technologies that allow precise temperature control while maximizing energy savings. Investing in an energy-efficient model offers convergence between sustainability and personal comfort. Over time, the initial investment in upgraded models is offset by long-term savings and reduced environmental impact. Determining Your Personal Sweet Spot Determining the ideal water heater temperature setting requires a personalized assessment of your home's specific needs. Consideration of daily water usage patterns, climate conditions, and appliance demands is key in identifying suitable settings. A nuanced understanding of these factors assists in tailoring temperature settings that fulfill unique household responsibilities. To maintain efficiency and satisfaction, ongoing evaluation and adaptation of setting strategies are necessary. Family size and water usage patterns significantly influence the ideal setting for your water heater. Larger households may require slightly higher temperatures to accommodate increased hot water demands. Conversely, smaller families may achieve greater energy savings by setting lower temperatures suitable for their needs. Recognizing and adapting settings according to family dynamics promotes both efficiency and satisfaction. User comfort and individual preferences are essential considerations in establishing personalized water heater settings. While efficiency and safety provide foundational guidance, accommodating specific comfort levels enhances satisfaction with daily experiences. Experimenting with different settings can help identify options that fulfill both practical and personal preferences. Awareness of household needs fosters continuous adaptation and satisfaction with temperature management strategies. Conducting a temperature test is an essential practice in determining the optimal setting for your water heater. By measuring temperatures at points of use, such as faucets and showers, homeowners gain insights into how settings translate into actual experiences. This practice allows for precise adjustments to achieve desired temperature levels in line with comfort and safety goals. Regular temperature tests at different times and fixtures provide a comprehensive understanding for effective settings. Finding the sweet spot for your water heater temperature setting is integral to achieving an efficient, safe, and comfortable household. This article highlights the scientific principles, health and safety considerations, energy efficiency prospects, and personal adaptation necessary for optimal water heater management. Regular reviews and mindful adjustments aid in maintaining ideal settings that adapt to changing household needs and environmental considerations. Empowerment through knowledge and proactive involvement in temperature management fosters sustainable and satisfactory water heating practices, enhancing overall quality of life. For expert assistance with your water heater and plumbing needs, visit Raleigh Plumbing & Heating, Inc. today.