The 7 Most Common Plumbing Repairs

If there’s one thing we can promise, it’s that you’ll never have a convenient plumbing problem.

Plumbing issues mean your sinks won’t drain, your shower is leaking, or that your toilet won’t flush. No one wants that.

And while it might be simply to diagnose the symptoms of your plumbing problem, like a high water bill from Council, it’s important to call a plumber to professionally assess and repair any problems so you don’t have them again.

Most Australians only call a plumber out once every three years. 

 

If you’re calling a plumber more often than that, it’s time to address underlying causes rather than just fixing symptoms.

Find below the most common plumbing issues that we repair. If you’re experiencing one of these issues, get in touch.

1. Blocked drains

The first plumbing problem everyone thinks of is one of the most common. Blocked drains are a standard plumbing repair and can be caused be a variety of issues. Drains can be blocked by a build-up of cooking oils or fats, large pieces of food getting stuck, and even just soap scum.

 

What’s blocking your drain will differ depending on where in the house the drain in question is located. Find out the six most common household items that don’t below down the drain.

 

Wet wipes also block drains quite quickly as they’re made from polyester (plastic) so they don’t break down. Make sure to throw wet wipes in the bin not the sink.

2. Burst pipes

Pipes can burst for all sorts of reasons but the most common reason for burst pipes is rust in metal pipes. Metal tends to corrode over time and, as such, becomes weak as water races down. It’s also important to have the best quality pipes installed. We always install top quality but not all plumbers do.

 

Rusted flexihose can also be a common cause of burst pipes. If you’re experiencing a water leak, low water pressure, or a high water bill, check your flexihoses for rust or frayed metal. These are indications that your flexihoses — and possibly some pipes — need to be replaced.

 

One of the other reasons pipes can burst is because rats and mice chew through them. Sounds strange but it’s true. Hungry rodents with strong teeth can chew through just about anything and your plastic pipes are particularly easy. When you’re baiting rats or mice, put our water containers so they don’t feast on your PVC when they’re thirsty.

 

Another strange reason for a burst pipe can simply be the based on the layout of your house — sometimes, tree roots grow through pipes. Tree roots are tough, curious, and unconcerned with your bills so if your trees are too big or your pipes are laid without thoughtful planning, you’ll need to get them dug up and fixed. Bear in mind that just cutting tree roots back away from your newly repaired pipe won’t fix the issue so consider getting some more horticultural help too.

3. Blocked toilets

The other plumbing classic. There are a few really gross reasons your toilet could be blocked but most toilets are blocked simply because there’s an excessive build up of toilet paper.

 

Newer style toilets often have a smaller flush to prevent as much water getting used each time someone goes, however that does mean less pressure with which to wash away toilet paper. If you’ve come from an older style home with a more powerful toilet bear in mind that you might have to adjust some habits.

 

Baby wipes and sanitary products also don’t go down the toilet as, like wet wipes, they’re made from polyester. These products won’t break your pipes, causing an expensive repair, but they will block them such that we’ll have to retrieve them with our drain equipment.

4. Blocked stormwater drains

Queensland storms are some of the best bits of summer. They’re fun to watch, great to experience, and part of the joy of living in the world’s most beautiful state. But they also unload a LOT of water and this can overwhelm stormwater drains that aren’t prepared.

 

Stormwater drains that go unattended for long periods of time can be blocked by all sorts of foreign objects, like lost children’s toys, wildlife getting stuck, and simply leaves and mud and rocks building up as the seasons change as the water runs through, carrying with it what it will.

 

Tree roots can also affect stormwater drains like they can affect regular pipes.

 

Find out more about maintaining and unblocking stormwater drains.

5. High water bills

The least visible but sometimes the most noticeable symptom on the hip pocket, a high water bill from your local Council in a certain quarter often means you’ve got a hidden leak. It can just mean excess water usage — like filling a pool, or entertaining a lot of guests — but often it’s as simple as a leak.

 

Undetected water leaks can cost more than your water bill so do make sure you get a professional leak detection service to inspect your property.

 

If you suspect you have a leak but you’re not certain, find out how to find one yourself.

6. No hot water

Another really common plumbing repair, running out of hot water has more to do with your thermostat (if you’re using electric hot water) than with your gas itself. Sometimes a lack of water is leak-related but often it’s just an element or thermostat failure. We’re able to fix most hot water-related issues however sometimes we will get you in touch with an electrician to perform the trickier parts of the process we can’t handle.

 

If your lack of hot water is because your hot water tank is faulty, we can fix that. That includes electric hot water tank maintenance, repair, and even removal and installation if it’s time for a new one.

7. No gas hot water

If it runs through a pipe, it’s a plumber’s job. That means we handle gas fittings daily as well as water. For you, that means we can maintain, repair, and fix your gas hot water shortage.

 

A gas hot water system means the pilot light in your gas tank can be out though it could also be a failed thermocouple or a failed gas regulator.

 

If you suspect you’ve got a fault with your gas hot water system, you can restart it yourself to check. However, if you suspect your lack of gas hot water is because of a gas leak, evacuate immediately and call us.

If you’ve got any of the seven common plumbing repairs above, we’ve seen them before.