7 Common Plumbing Problems in Apartments & Their Solutions

7 Common Plumbing Problems in Apartments & Their Solutions

Plumbing issues happen quite often in Indian apartments. This is because many flats share the water lines, drainage system, overhead tanks and plumbing shafts. Sometimes one small issue can spread from one to the next flat or even the entire building. You should learn the signs and causes of plumbing problems in Indian apartments to protect yourself. If you know what to look for you can avoid damage, high repair costs, bad smells or plumbing emergencies.

Low water pressure is a plumbing problem in apartments.

Low water pressure can be seen when the water flows slowly from your taps or bathroom fixtures.

Causes:

• Low water pressure can be caused by valves that are partially closed. • Low water pressure can be caused by minerals building up taps. • Low water pressure can be caused by old and rusty pipes. • Low water pressure can be caused by blockages in water lines. • Low water pressure can be caused by problems with the overhead tank. • Low water pressure can be caused by leaks in the whole system. First check if low water pressure is only happening at one tap or, in your apartment. If it is one tap cleaning the aerator might fix it. If many taps have water pressure you will need to call a professional for a plumbing inspection.

2. Slow or Clogged Drains

Kitchen and bathroom drains get clogged. This happens because hair, soap, grease and food bits build up inside.

The common signs are:

• Water draining very slowly • Gurgling sounds • Water flowing backward • Bad smells coming from drains • Many drains slowing down at the same time You can sometimes fix a small clog by cleaning the drain. Please do not use chemicals too often because those chemicals might damage your plumbing materials. If the clog keeps coming you will need professional drain cleaning.

3. Leaking Faucets

A small drip from a faucet might seem like nothing. Even a tiny leak can waste a lot of water.

Causes:

• Worn out washers • A damaged cartridge • Loose fittings • broken sealants • Water pressure that is too high If tightening the tap or replacing the washer does not work you might need to repair or replace the faucet. Apartment owners should also check for spots under sinks, mixers and bathroom fixtures. These spots are often a sign of plumbing leaks.

4. Hidden Water Leaks

Hidden leaks are scary because you might not notice them for a time.

Watch out for:

• Damp spots on your walls • Paint that is peeling off • smells • Water bills that go up for no reason • Stains on the ceiling • Water marks near bathrooms • The sound of running water If you ignore these signs you could damage your plaster, tiles, cabinets, electric tools and even your neighbors home. If you think there is a leak in your pipes you should call water leak repair professionals before the problem gets worse. You can also read our article about how to find plumbing leaks.

5. Running or Leaking Toilet

If your toilet keeps running after you flush it wastes a lot of water all day.

Reasons for this problem:

• A faulty valve • Damaged seals • The float is set wrong • Old or worn parts • A leak between the tank and the toilet Sometimes you only need to replace one small part inside the toilet to fix the problem. However if the toilet keeps leaking flushes poorly or if you see water on the floor near the base you should call a plumber. To fix issues with bathroom plumbing we recommend using professional bathroom plumbing services to find the real cause.

6. Sewage Odour in Bathroom Drains

If your bathroom always smells bad it is a sign of a plumbing problem.

Causes of this problem:

• Dry floor traps • Sewage buildup • Blockages in drain pipes • Not enough air moving through (ventilation) • Damaged seals • Problems with the drainage system First try to clean the drain and make sure there is water in the floor traps. If the smell comes back there might be a problem with the drainage or the plumbing system. If your drains are slow and they smell bad at the time please take this as a serious warning.

7. Damaged or Leaking Pipes

Plumbing pipes in apartments can break because they are old, rusty or under much water pressure. Bad installation, construction work or mineral buildup can also cause damage.

Signs include:

• walls • Water that looks rusty • Low water pressure • Rusty pipes • Leaks that keep happening • Strange noises coming from the pipes Putting a temporary patch on a visible pipe might stop a leak for a short time but if the pipes keep breaking you should call a professional plumber. Gigwell provides pipe repair service for plumbing problems that need a professional to find and fix the issue.

Common Plumbing Mistakes You Should Avoid

plumbing problems in apartments become permanent because owners wait too long to fix them or use quick temporary fixes.

Do not:

• Ignore leaks • Pour grease or fat down the kitchen drain • Use very strong chemical drain cleaners • Tighten plumbing connections too hard • Try to paint over wet walls without fixing the leak • Try to fix broken pipes yourself without the right tools • Wait to fix a clog until the drain is completely blocked

Fast Apartment Plumbing Checklist

Check these areas:

• Drips from taps and mixers • Leaks in the pipes under sinks • How fast the water drains, in the bathroom and kitchen • How well the toilets flush • Water pressure • Wet spots