Common Plumbing Problems Barrington, IL Homeowners Overlook

Don’t Neglect Signs of Plumbing Issues in Your Barrington Home 

Over time, wear and tear can affect your plumbing, but how you use it can also cause problems. Don’t overlook common signs of trouble.

Clogs 

A slow drain is more than an annoyance. If only one drain empties slowly (or not at all), that typically means the blockage is in that particular pipe. Chances are, the source is hair, soap residue, grease, or a foreign object, and you can solve the issue by clearing it with a drain snake or plunger.

However, multiple clogs in drains throughout your home indicate a bigger issue that requires professional attention. If every sink and toilet backs up or doesn’t drain, you most likely have an issue with the sewer line. Frequent backups (i.e., clogs that come back soon after you clear them) also spell trouble, and your plumbing needs attention from a Barrington plumber. 

Leaks 

Leaks also rank near the list of common problems in plumbing. Unfortunately, they aren’t always obvious, and even a small crack or hole in a pipe can result in widespread damage, hundreds of gallons of wasted water, and health concerns from rot and mold. 

Staying alert to the signs of leaks can protect your home and your wallet. These include:

• Sounds of running water
• Musty odors
• Signs of water damage
• Changes in water pressure
• Spikes in your water bill

Pipes aren’t the only place where leaks can appear. Fixtures, including showers and toilets, can also develop leaks. Any time you find water where it shouldn’t be, investigate further and make repairs to prevent more problems. 

Low Water Pressure 

A weak flow in the shower or from the faucet shouldn’t be something you put up with. Weak water flow usually means there’s something else happening within the system that needs fixing. Hidden leaks, problems with the water heater, clogs, and sewer line issues are just some of the reasons for low pressure.  

Running Toilet

Running toilets are also common plumbing problems in Barrington homes. It’s hard to ignore the sound of water running or a toilet that flushes itself, but you shouldn’t need to “jiggle the handle” every time you use the toilet.

A faulty flapper is the most likely reason for a toilet to run continuously after flushing. Many homeowners feel confident fixing the problem themselves, but if not, a plumber can take care of it in no time. Not only will the toilet work properly again, but you won’t need to worry about wasting water. 

Water Heater Issues 

Just like you shouldn’t accept low water pressure as one of the “quirks” of your Barrington home’s plumbing system, you shouldn’t settle for an inadequate supply of hot water. Whether you run out of hot water quickly or it seems to take a long time to heat up, it’s time to get some help from a local plumber. Common problems with water heaters include tank leaks, corrosion, or mechanical failures. 

Hose Bibb Leaks 

It’s easy to overlook common problems in plumbing outdoors. After all, you may not give much thought to outdoor spigots and hose bibbs until you need them. 

Over the winter, cold temperatures can cause hose bibbs to crack, which can lead to leaks. Leaving the spigots unprotected can also result in frozen pipes. Ice buildup inside the plumbing can cause the pipes to burst. Investing in a frost-proof hose bibb can help, but if you notice damage or leaks at any time, work with a plumber to replace it. 

Sump Pump Failure

If your home has a sump pump to help keep your home dry during extreme weather, you don’t want to discover a problem when bad weather hits. Sump pumps can fail due to mechanical issues, clogged discharge pipes, or a lack of maintenance. Scheduling an inspection and maintenance visit with a professional plumber can prevent issues that will lead to failure. 

Let Barrington’s Top Plumbers Keep Everything Working Perfectly 

If you see signs of these common problems in plumbing in your Barrington, IL, turn to the experts at Stellar Plumbing for help. The experienced and knowledgeable team can find the source of the issue and provide advice to help keep the system working smoothly. We’ll even provide expert advice, like insights into understanding shower drain traps. 

Call Now (773) 908-9375