Most Common Australian Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them
- Written by Cooper Klein
Every day, thousands of people from Australia are battling their pipes and dreading the plumbing problems they cause. These problems can be small, like a clogged toilet, or huge, like a burst pipe, and some are more common than others. Luckily, the most common Aussie plumbing issues are not disastrous and some can even be fixed in only a few minutes. Here’s a list of culprits and how to fix them.
A clogged toilet
A clogged toilet is the most common plumbing issue in Australia (and probably the world) and a huge number of people have to fight it almost once a year. This plumbing problem usually occurs because of an obstruction somewhere in the pipe. Clogged toilets are quite easy to fix, but most people are disgusted by the process and simply refuse to do it themselves. You can always call a professional, but if you’re willing to grab a plunger, you’ll most likely dislodge the blockage and fix the problem.
Blocked drains
Another quite annoying problem that is common in Australia is a blocked drain. If you notice the water from your sinks or bathtub draining more slowly than usual or is not draining at all, it probably means you have an obstruction in the pipe. Hair is the usual culprit when it comes to bathtubs, while sinks often get clogged with a build-up of grease, oil and food particles. One way to get rid of the obstruction is to whip out a plunger. A grease-removing agent or a homemade solution can also help. If these don’t work out, you can invest in a handy little tool called a drain snake that goes down your drains and helps get the obstruction out. And of course, if every one of these DIY solutions fails, a good plumber will have your back.
Leaky fixtures
If you constantly hear drip-drip-drips from your faucet or can see water flowing into the toilet bowl, it means you have leaky fixtures on your hands. This common problem is super annoying and can cost you a lot of money if you don’t address it in time. However, if you have the right tools, it can be fixed quickly and easily. Often, the problem lies in the washer. Removing the damaged washer and replacing it with a new one will most likely fix the problem. When it comes to a running toilet, there are many things that could be causing the leak and all are relatively easy to handle. Once you locate the cause of the leak (which part is not working properly), you can replace or repair it and the leaks will stop.
Hot water issues
This common Australian plumbing issue is a little more serious, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary. In time, water heaters start to break and lose effectiveness which can cause all sorts of issues. Once the problems start getting frequent, you’ll most likely have to replace the unit.
Fixing or replacing the hot water heater by yourself is never a good idea. There were a lot of freak accidents in Melbourne and all over Australia when inexperienced people tried to mess with water heaters, so it’s better to leave it to professionals. If you notice any hot water heater problems, make sure to call a good plumber from Melbourne who will know how to fix the issue, give you tips and even advise you about a quality model in case you need to replace your water heater. If you try any DIY projects, you can void the manufacturer’s warranty or worse, end up seriously hurt.
Weak water pressure
If you notice you have weak water pressure, you should know it’s most likely caused by calcium build-up in the faucet or showerhead. You can easily fix this problem by taking of the showerhead and soaking it in a de-scaling solution that will remove the calcium and lime. When it comes to faucets, the problem is usually the aerator that is full of calcium. However, if you remove the aerator, clean the build-up and put it back on, this usually fixes the problem.
There you have it, the most common Australian plumbing issues. As you can see, most of them are not serious, but some require professional assistance. Every time you find yourself with a bigger problem on your hands, don’t hesitate to contact experienced plumbers who will handle your issues in no time.
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