Four Common Household Plumbing Problems

Because homes contain dozens or even hundreds of feet of pipe, plumbing problems are practically inevitable, especially as the pipes and fixtures age. Memphis is home to numerous historic buildings and homes, and many older structures are plagued by recurring plumbing troubles. Even if your home is a relatively recent construction, you can still encounter a number of plumbing difficulties. If you experience any of the following problems, call a plumber immediately:

Sewer Line Failure

The pipe that carries wastewater from your home to the municipal sewer system can fail for a number of reasons.
Sewer lines can develop hairline cracks due to age and corrosion, and nearby tree roots can sometimes grow into the pipes in search of water. Additionally, grease buildup can clog sewer lines and cause backups. Raw sewage flooding back into your home poses a serious health risk, since it is often contaminated with harmful microbes. If your sewer line fails, contact a plumber immediately.

Burst Pipe

Occasionally, a pipe inside your walls or basement may burst. This can happen when the temperature drops below freezing and water trapped inside the pipes freezes and expands, or simply when rust or corrosion eat through a pipe or joint. A burst pipe is a very serious issue, as it may leak dozens of gallons of water per minute. Immediately shut off the main water supply in your home and call a plumber if you discover a pipe burst, otherwise your walls and floors may see water damage that ends up costing you thousands of dollars.

Toilet Backup or Leak

Toilets are only designed to flush waste and toilet paper. Putting cotton swabs, facial tissues, paper towels, or any other items in a toilet can cause the fixture to clog and overflow, flooding your bathroom with contaminated water. Keep a plunger close by and only use a toilet for its intended purpose—it is not designed to be a garbage disposal. If you ever notice a sudden increase in your monthly water bills, check your toilet for leaks by dropping food coloring into the tank. If the color makes its way into the bowl without any flushing, you have a leak.

Clogged Drains

Water should drain quickly and completely from all the sinks, tubs, and shower stalls in your home. Slow drainage could be a sign of a damaged or clogged sewer line. To keep your drains clear, avoid pouring cooking grease down the kitchen sink, and do not rely on the garbage disposal to take care of fibrous material like potato peels. Use a hair trap in your shower and bathroom sinks to keep stray hairs from clogging these drains. Should your drains back up, avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners and call a plumber instead.

If your have a problem with your plumbing or your hot water heater that we haven’t discussed here, visit our plumbing basics page for more information.