Common Plumbing Problems And What You Can Do To Avoid Them

Finding the services of a plumbing company in an emergency can be difficult at times. Here at Tailored Plumbing, while we always do our best to get a plumber out to solve your problem as soon as possible, we understand just how disruptive it can be to have plumbing issues for even a day or two.

Today we’d like to offer some advice from the experts about three of the most common plumbing problems we see on a regular basis, what causes them, and how you can avoid them.

Drain Blockages

One of the most common, and easily one of the most frustrating reasons why people often require the services of a plumbing company, is drain blockages. Drain blockages can have a number of causes but to cut a long story short, it almost always comes down to someone putting something down the drain they’re not supposed to.

In all fairness, sometimes this can be hard to avoid. For folks with longer hair, trying to a take shower without letting any of it run down the drain can be an exercise in futility. The same logic often applies to those who shave in front of the sink.

That being said, there are measures you can take to mitigate and minimise drain blockages. For example, where possible, always avoid pouring fat or grease down the sink. Hot fat often solidifies in pipes. Not only can this cause blockages in your system but it can also get in larger sewer networks and contribute towards the build-up of ‘fatbergs’.

Leaky Pipes

Over the years, metal corrodes, especially if it’s exposed to the elements. If the piping in your house is old then the chances of leaky pipes increase significantly.

While it could be expensive, if you’re suffering from a lot of leaky pipes, we do recommend seeking out the services of a plumbing company sooner rather than later to go over your entire system and replace bits as necessary. While you might be able to solve some of the leaks yourself, over time the problem is only likely to build up so an investment now could save you a lot of money in the long run both in plumber’s bills and in the risk of water damage.

Boiler Breakdowns

A similar truth applies to boilers though it’s generally a little easier to mitigate. Boilers are only built to last a certain amount of time (around 10-15 years). When that time is reaching its end, you should start to consider replacing your boiler, especially if it’s giving you any issues. That being said, if you want to extend the life of your boiler as far as possible, the best solution is regular maintenance from a reputable plumbing company.

A good plumbing company will be able to come around once a year and check on your boiler for a reasonable price. It’s a small annual expense, but it’s almost always cheaper in the long run due to just how much it can extend your boiler’s lifespan.