How to Prevent Common Bathroom Plumbing Issues

Many plumbing issues can strike unexpectedly, leaving you with a clogged toilet, no water from the shower or a large puddle of water under the sink. These bathroom plumbing problems aren’t simply an inconvenience; being unable to use your bathroom amenities can severely disrupt daily life. Learn about the most common bathroom plumbing issues, how they occur, how to prevent them and when to call an emergency plumber near you.

Clogged Toilets

One of the most common plumbing issues in bathrooms is clogged toilets. The best way to prevent your toilets from clogging is to understand what typically causes clogs. Toilets typically get clogged when excessive amounts of toilet paper are flushed down or when too many non-flushable items accumulate in the pipes.

Examples of non-flushables that can clog toilets include wipes, cotton swabs and balls, tampons, pads and dental floss. Even wipes labeled “flushable” should not be flushed down the toilets, as they do not break down in water.

If your toilets are clogged, try clearing them with a plunger first. If it doesn’t work or if you regularly have to plunge clogs, contact an emergency plumber to have your pipes professionally checked.

Leaky Faucets and Shower Heads

If your bathroom has a leaky faucet or showerhead, you may be able to hear the water escape from it drop by drop. While it may not seem like a large amount of water at first, it can quickly add up. The EPA estimates that the average household wastes about 10,000 gallons of water annually through leaks.

To check whether you have a leak, the EPA recommends checking your water usage before and after a two-hour period during which no water is being used. If your water meter is running, there may be a leak in your plumbing network. Common causes of leaks in bathrooms include worn, corroded or improperly fitted faucets and shower heads.

Contact a 24-hour emergency plumber near you if you cannot identify where the leak is coming from or if it is large enough to cause water damage. A qualified plumber has the tools and skills to find leaks in your plumbing network, repair damaged or worn fixtures and address water damage.

Running Toilets

If your toilet keeps running, water continuously leaks into the bowl even when it is not being flushed. It can vary from slight to substantial flows that could lead to water damage. Running toilets are typically caused by one or multiple issues with the toilet tank. The most common problems include:

• Faulty, worn-out, misaligned or broken flapper valve
• Malfunctioning fill valve
• Float set too high
• Worn-out, damaged overflow tube

If your toilet is running, try adjusting your float lower or setting the water level in the tank, then check for leaks. If the problem persists or you cannot adjust your toilet tank yourself, call emergency plumbing services before the leaks cause water damage.

Low Water Pressure

The most common symptom of low water pressure in the bathroom is slow water flow out of your faucet or shower. If you are experiencing water pressure problems in the bathroom, the two most likely causes are clogged faucet aerators and clogged showerhead restrictors. These devices are internal parts that can become clogged with sediments, mineral deposits or rust and corrosion.

You can disassemble your faucet and showerhead to access the aerators and flow restrictors, then soak them in vinegar to dissolve the sediments or mineral deposits. If DIY clog-clearing solutions do not work, contact an emergency plumber. They can help you identify and resolve the source of your low water pressure issue.

Slow Draining Sink

If your bathroom sink is draining too slowly, it may mean your drain is clogged. Bathroom drains commonly get clogged with a buildup of soap scum, hair, toothpaste and other residues. Depending on the water quality, mineral deposits may also form inside your drain.

Consider installing a drain guard to prevent the largest debris from falling inside. If your sink is clogged, try plunging it or using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to dissolve the clog. If it isn’t enough, you may need to call a professional drain cleaning service.

Call Blue Collars for Bathroom Plumbing Issues in Charleston, SC

Blue Collars is a team of professionals dedicated to fixing issues with HVAC and plumbing in Charleston, SC. Whether you have a problem with your bathroom fixtures or any other part of your plumbing network, our team can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.