Every Australian home encounters plumbing problems from time to time. Some you can resolve with a DIY approach, while others will require the help of a professional plumber. Here at Chris Lobb Plumbing, we’re on call to help residents in North Sydney, including Cremorne, Neutral Bay, Mosman and nearby areas.  In this article, we provide advice on practical and honest plumbing solutions for common issues that you can tackle yourself, along with some handy maintenance tips.

Common plumbing issues and DIY fixes

Let’s tackle a few of the most common plumbing issues found in households around the country and what you can do to rectify these problems. Be sure you diagnose the issue correctly and be confident you can resolve the problem with a DIY approach.

Dripping taps

Dripping taps are by far the most common issue and one that can be very annoying. A leaking tap is the result of a worn tap washer or O-ring. Dripping taps will also jack up your water bill. 

If you have the right tools, you can quite easily replace the worn tap washer with a new one. First, turn off the water supply, remove the old washer, replace it with the new one and turn the water back on.

Clogged toilet

There are not many things worse than a clogged toilet and it’s not a problem you will want to ignore. Clogged toilets occur when someone flushes something down the toilet that doesn’t below. Things like paper towels or wet wipes are common culprits. The first step in unclogging a toilet is to attack it with a plunger. This will usually free the blockage. If a plunger fails, then use a plumber’s toilet snake to remove the clog. If both options fail, give us a call and we’ll resolve the issue.

Slow or blocked drains

Slow and clogged drains occur in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. 

• In the kitchen, a mixture of oils and food particles generally causes the issue.
• In bathrooms, the main culprits are soap scum and hair. Lint from clothing sometimes clogs laundry drains. 

As with a blocked toilet, try using a plunger first and see if that frees up the drain. If plunging doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try pouring a chemical drain cleaner down the drain. A more eco-friendly solution is to pour 3/4 of a cup of baking soda into the drain. Follow this up with 1/2 a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain opening with a rag or plug and allow it to sit for thirty minutes.

Running toilet

There can be a number of reasons why your toilet system continues to fill with water and leak into the bowl. Allowing this issue to continue results in higher water bills and water wastage. 

The most common reason this occurs is due to a worn rubber flapper. This simple device lifts when the toilet flushes and closes again when flushing finishes. If it’s warped or worn or coated in grime, it won’t seal and water then leaks continually into the toilet bowl. For a dirty flapper, simply clean it and see that resolves the leak. Otherwise, replace the worn flapper with a new one. It’s a fairly straightforward task, but if you’re not confident in doing so, give us a call.

Worn or clogged shower head

Shower heads clog up from a build up of minerals in the water. Try poking a toothpick or a thick needle into the holes to clear them. If it’s too clogged or has seen better days, replace the old shower head with a new one. It’s simply a matter of unscrewing the existing shower head from the pipe or hose attachment and screwing the new one into place. Wrap some plumbing tape around the thread to ensure a proper seal.

Tips for routine plumbing maintenance

Here are some tips for regular maintenance tasks you can undertake to prevent plumbing issues in your home. Performing routine maintenance can extend the life of your plumbing systems, prevent emergency repairs and save you money on your water bills.

Check for water leaks

Routinely go through your home and check for water leaks. This includes leaking taps and shower heads, looking at the connections beneath sinks, or any telltale signs (such as staining) on the walls or even the ceiling that may indicate a pipe has sprung a leak. 

You’ll also want to go out in the yard and search for damp patches on the ground or areas of unusually lush green grass. These can be indicators of a leaking underground pipe.

As not all water leaks are obvious, one way you can check if your mains water supply has sprung a leak is to take a look at your water meter. Make sure everything in the home is off, then check the meter. If the numbers are still ticking over, you know there’s a leak somewhere.

Inspect the pipes

Check all pipes below the basins and also the ones connected to your hot water system. Do you see any damage or signs of wear? Does any pipe look like it might be about to burst? Keeping an eye on the health of the pipes can help you avoid expensive repair bills and possible water damage.

Clean drains regularly

It’s always a good idea to purchase a quality plunger to keep in the home. Use it regularly to plunge the drains, as well as the toilet. This simple act goes a long way towards preventing slow or clogged drains and toilets.

Maintain your hot water system

To ensure your hot water system always runs efficiently, periodically check the pressure valve and flush the tank occasionally to remove any sediment. Take note of the state of the pipes and also check for any water leaks.

Ready to tackle more complex plumbing challenges or need professional assistance?

Whether you're facing an issue beyond a DIY fix or you're looking for a professional inspection to ensure your plumbing system is in peak condition, we're here to help. You can count on Chris Lobb Plumbing for all your plumbing requirements. We can resolve all of the issues mentioned in this article and more. Contact us today on 0418 239 413.