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Plumbing emergencies have a way of happening at the worst possible times, usually late at night or during a busy weekend. While some issues are on the minor side, others can lead to significant property damage if they are not fixed quickly. Understanding the most frequent plumbing problems and knowing how to prevent them can save you a lot of stress and money.
At PlumbCall, we have seen how small leaks can quickly turn into a plumbing disaster. By staying aware and keeping on top of basic maintenance, you can keep your home’s water supply and drainage systems running smoothly. Let’s run through the five most common emergencies we see and the best ways to avoid them.
Blocked drains are probably the most frequent reason homeowners call for professional plumbers. A blockage can occur in a kitchen sink, a shower drain, or the main sewer line. When water cannot flow freely, it backs up, creating unpleasant odours and potential health hazards.
Common causes include a buildup of hair, grease, soap scum, and food scraps. In more severe cases, tree roots may have invaded your sewer pipes, causing a total sewer backup. While many people reach for chemical drain cleaners, these can actually cause more harm than good by corroding your pipes from the inside out.
Prevention starts with being mindful of what goes down your pipes. Use drain strainers in your kitchen and bathroom to catch hair and food particles before they enter the plumbing system. Avoid pouring cooking fats or oils down the sink, as these solidify as they cool, creating stubborn clogs. Regularly flushing your drains with boiling water can also help dissolve minor grease buildup before it becomes a problem.
If you are dealing with a minor clog, a plunger is your best friend. For kitchen sinks, a cup plunger creates the necessary pressure to dislodge food particles. If the blockage is in the shower drain, a simple drain snake or a hand-cranked auger might be able to reach the hair clump. A natural alternative to chemical cleaners is a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water, which can help clear small amounts organic material. However, for more stubborn or deeper clogs, high-pressure water jetting by a professional is often the only permanent solution.
If you are struggling with stubborn blocked drains in Boyne Island or Eli Waters, PlumbCall’s team has the technology to clear your pipes quickly.
A dripping tap might seem like a small issue, but it can cause a lot of water waste! Even 5 drips per minute adds up to over 130 litres of wasted water per year, which significantly increases your utility bills. Beyond the cost, the constant moisture can lead to mould growth and damage to your fixtures.
Leaky taps are usually caused by worn-out washers, O-rings, or seals. In some cases, high water pressure can also force water past the valves, leading to a constant drip even when the tap is turned off tightly.
The best way to prevent leaks is to avoid over-tightening your taps. Many people turn the handle with excessive force to ensure the water stops, but this actually compresses the washer and causes it to perish faster. Routine inspections of your tapware can also help you spot moisture before a full leak develops.
Most leaky taps can be fixed by replacing the internal washer or ceramic disc. First, turn off the water supply at the water meter. Disassemble the tap handle, remove the old washer, and replace it with a new one of the same size from a local hardware store. Be sure to clean any sediment buildup from the valve seat while you have the tap apart. If the leak persists after replacing the parts, the tap seat may be corroded, requiring a professional to reseat the valve.
PlumbCall can help you fix leaking taps in Avoca or Bundaberg East to save you money on your next water bill.
A constantly running toilet is a common problem that often goes unnoticed until the water bill arrives. This happens when water continuously leaks from the water tank into the toilet bowl. A more urgent plumbing emergency is a toilet backup, where waste refuses to go down and instead overflows onto the bathroom floor.
Running toilets are frequently caused by a faulty flapper valve or an incorrectly adjusted float ball. To avoid clogged toilets, only flush waste and toilet paper. Sanitary products, wipes, and even “flushable” wipes are common culprits for a clogged toilet because they do not break down in the water.
For a running toilet, open the cistern and check the lift chain. If it is tangled, the flapper valve cannot seal properly. You can also test the flapper by putting a few drops of food colouring in the tank; if the colour appears in the bowl without flushing, the seal is gone. For a clog, use a toilet plunger to create a tight seal and push firmly. If the water level is high, wait for it to subside before trying to plunge to avoid a mess.
PlumbCall’s local plumbers provide fast and affordable toilet repairs in Glenlee and Pialba to get your bathroom back in working order.
There is nothing more frustrating than getting home for a nice hot shower, only to find your shower is producing a trickle of water when you turn it on. Low water pressure can be a sign of a hidden leak, a faulty water pressure regulator, or a buildup of minerals within your pipes and fixtures. If the drop in pressure is sudden and affects the whole house, it could indicate a burst pipe or a problem with the municipal water supply.
If you live in an area with hard water, sediment buildup is almost inevitable. Installing a whole-home water filtration system can help reduce the minerals that clog your aerators and showerheads. Regularly cleaning your fixtures with a descaling solution can also prevent the restricted flow caused by calcium deposits.
Start by checking your showerhead. Unscrew it and soak it in a bowl of vinegar overnight to dissolve any mineral deposits. Check your water meter to see if it is spinning even when no water is being used, as this can indicate a hidden leak from a leaking or burst pipe. You should also make sure that your main water supply valve is fully open. If these steps do not work, the issue may be a faulty pressure limiting valve, which requires a professional plumber to calibrate or replace.
For rapid assistance, you can call PlumbCall’s emergency plumbers in Emu Park or Maryborough to diagnose your water pressure issues.
Hot water issues are perhaps the most irritating plumbing problem, especially during winter. System failures can range from a total lack of hot water to a leaking water heater tank. These problems are often caused by a broken heating element, a faulty thermostat, or a buildup of sediment in the bottom of the tank that causes the unit to overheat and fail.
Your hot water system requires regular maintenance to reach its full lifespan. Most manufacturers recommend flushing the tank once a year to remove sediment buildup. You should also inspect the Temperature Pressure Relief (TPR) valve every six months to check it is functioning. If your system is more than 10 years old, it is a good idea to have it inspected by a professional to catch signs of corrosion before a burst occurs.
If you have no hot water, check your electrical switchboard to see if a circuit has tripped. For gas systems, have a look to see if the pilot light is still lit. If the water is warm but not hot, the thermostat might simply need an adjustment. However, if you see water pooling around the base of the tank, this usually indicates the inner cylinder has rusted through, and the entire unit will likely need replacing.
PlumbCall provides reliable hot water service in Dundowran and Kawungan to keep your showers warm all year round.
Plumbing problems can be complex, and trying to fix them without the right tools can lead to further property damage. At PlumbCall, we understand that you need plumbers who are reliable, honest, and fast. We have spent years helping homeowners across across Queensland fix their plumbing issues.
We offer 24/7 emergency response, because we know that burst pipes and sewer backups do not follow a schedule. Our team arrives with the latest diagnostic equipment, including CCTV drain cameras and high-pressure jetters, to find the root cause of your problem and resolve it quickly.
When you choose us, you are choosing a company that values your time. We work with ‘Guaranteed Speed’, which means a 25% discount on your bill if we do not arrive when we say we will! We also provide a 100% money-back guarantee on our work, giving you peace of mind that the job will be done correctly the first time.
From minor leaky taps to major plumbing system failures, we are here to protect your home and your family. For a detailed quote within 48 hours, contact Plumbcall today on 1300 669 111. We look forward to being your trusted local plumbers!
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