Common Plumbing Problems That Can Easily Get Expensive

Plumbing problems may be simple household issues, but it can potentially drain your pocket. That’s why it’s best to make sure that your home’s plumbing system is always in its best shape. Here are the most expensive household plumbing repairs that homeowners in Singapore typically experience.

1. Clogged Drains
It’s very common to experience clogged drains from time to time. However, the severity of the clog depends on the things that caused the stoppage. Some causes of clog can simply be removed with plumbing tools like plungers, but there are also cases when stock-ups happen deep down the pipes, and solving such problems require professional plumbing services.

2. Leaky Faucets
Constant dripping noise is enough to drive you insane, but so is receiving a water bill that’s twice higher than your usual bill. Did you know that an unattended leak in your faucet can waste around 10,000 gallons of water a year? It’s like throwing away water that can do 270 loads of laundry. That’s a lot of water, and therefore a lot of money you are wasting. Although you can’t feel the slight increase in your monthly water bill, it can cost you hundreds of dollars each year.

3. Low Water Pressure
This may not seem like a big deal, but low water pressure can end up costing you more. The effect might not be on your water bill, but often in the cause of the problem that makes this plumbing issue expensive. The cause of the low pressure could be leaky pipes, malfunctioning water heater or underground piping issues. For plumbing in Singapore contractors to accurately detect the problem and prevent it from getting more expensive, have it checked by a professional and reliable plumber as soon as possible.

4. Running Toilet
A toilet that doesn’t stop from flushing is obviously a very costly problem, which can raise your water bill for up to thrice its usual rate. Running toilets can be because of a number of reasons. Sometimes, it can be fixed by simply adjusting some parts such as the flush handle, while other times some parts needs to be replaced. However, regardless of the cause, leaky toilets need professional plumbing services, so make sure to have it checked by a professional plumber.

5. Gas Leaks
Gas leaks can cause serious damage to property; therefore, it’s an expensive issue if left unattended. If you suspect that there’s gas leakage in your premises, evacuate your place and call a professional 24 hours plumber immediately. In some cases, people try to tamper gas lines for the purpose of sharing or tapping. These activities are illegal in Singapore, and can ultimately result in loss of property or even life. Do not attempt to fix gas plumbing problems without the help of a plumbing contractor certified in gas plumbing services.

6. Clogged Sewer Line
Clogged sewer lines are a major problem for homeowners to tackle on their own because sewer lines are oftentimes inaccessible. Even if you can access your sewer line, it requires special equipment to have your line unclogged. If unclogging is done incorrectly, the clog can cause sewage back-ups. This can be dangerous to your health as the noxious odour and toxins in the biological wastes from the sewage will enter your home through the toilet, sinks and/or drains.

Some tips to prevent plumbing repairs:
• Avoid Hanging Things on the Plumbing Line
This is a problem often found in basements, where plumbers are surprised to see wet clothes hanged from exposed pipes. These pipes may feel sturdy, but they are not designed to support weight. You would be surprised how heavy a few shirts can get, especially when wet, which can cause the pipes to destabilize and burst.

• Do Not Flush Sanitary Items Down the Toilet
The toilet is meant to hold things that we would rather not mention. If you throw anything else in the toilet that you think will not flush, such as tissues, cotton balls, wet wipes, cotton swabs, napkin and other sanitary items, you are setting yourself for a major toilet disaster.

• Inspect Leaks Right Away
A few drops of water under the kitchen sink may look harmless, but not inspecting the cause of the leak could end up more than just a few drops in a short span of time. When you find even just a small leak, call a 24 hours plumber right away. Do not wait until a few drops turn into a paddle of water, as water can potentially damage surrounding structures and fixtures, leading to more extensive and expensive plumbing works.

• Hire a Professional Plumber
Hire a reliable plumbing contractor to inspect your home’s plumbing system at least once a year. A highly skilled plumber can detect and fix complex issues that ordinary DIY-ers cannot. A clogged sewage and a damaged underground piping are just two of the many issues that are impossible to fix on your own, since such issues require advanced skills and plumbing equipment. To ensure your property’s safety and plumbing system’s functionality, only work with a certified and experienced professional.

Spending on plumbing works is never fun, but it’s necessary to protect your home—your investment. The thing you really don’t want to happen is spending way more than you want to for fixing piping issues. By being aware of the most costly plumping repairs and ways to avoid such problems will help you save money in the long run.