Discover What Causes the Most Common Plumbing Problems in Homes—and When to Call the Pros
When plumbing problems arise, they can throw your entire routine off balance. Whether it's a clogged drain, a running toilet, or a leaky faucet, these issues are more than minor inconveniences—they can waste water, damage your home, and cost you money if left unchecked.
At Mr. Rooter® Plumbing of South Jersey, we see a lot of the same plumbing problems across homes of all sizes and ages. From aging pipes in older homes to hard water buildup, certain issues tend to show up time and time again. Let’s take a look at the top five plumbing problems we see most often—and what you can do about them.
1. Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems in South Jersey homes. Whether it’s your kitchen sink, bathroom shower, or even a floor drain, buildup inside your pipes can cause water to drain slowly or not at all.
Common causes include:
- Hair and soap scum
- Grease and food scraps
- Mineral buildup or small foreign objects
If it’s a minor clog, you might try flushing the drain with baking soda and vinegar or using a drain snake to remove the blockage. But if the clog is recurring or affecting multiple drains, that’s a sign of a deeper issue in your plumbing system.
Pro Tip: Mr. Rooter® Plumbing of South Jersey offers professional drain cleaning that clears blockages without damaging your pipes.
2. Leaky Faucets and Fixtures
A dripping faucet might seem like a small annoyance, but over time, it can waste hundreds of gallons of water and drive up your utility bills. Leaks often happen when washers or seals wear out, or when fixtures weren’t installed properly.
Signs of a leak include:
- Constant dripping from faucets
- Puddles or water stains under sinks
- A sudden spike in your water bill
If you’re comfortable with basic repairs, you may be able to replace the washer yourself. But if the leak is hard to reach or you're not sure where it’s coming from, it’s best to let a licensed plumber take care of it. We can quickly diagnose the issue and make sure everything’s sealed up tight.
3. Running Toilets
That constant trickling sound from the toilet isn’t just annoying—it’s expensive. A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day and is often caused by a faulty flapper or fill valve inside the tank.
Look out for:
- A toilet that runs continuously or starts and stops on its own
- Water trickling into the bowl long after flushing
- High water bills with no obvious cause
Sometimes, all it takes is a quick flapper replacement or float adjustment to stop the running. But if the issue keeps coming back, there may be a deeper problem with your toilet’s internal components. We offer same-day toilet repair services throughout South Jersey to get things flowing smoothly again.
4. Low Water Pressure
If your shower feels more like a drizzle than a downpour, low water pressure may be to blame. This issue is especially common in older homes where pipes may have mineral buildup or corrosion.
Potential causes include:
- Clogged faucet aerators or showerheads
- Corroded or aging pipes
- Leaks in the water line
- Municipal water supply issues
You can try cleaning out your faucet aerators or checking the pressure regulator. But if the low pressure is affecting the entire house or came on suddenly, it’s time to call in a professional. Mr. Rooter® Plumbing of South Jersey can perform a thorough inspection to pinpoint the issue and restore normal flow.
5. Water Heater Problems
Hot water is something you don’t miss until it’s gone. And when your water heater starts acting up, especially during a South Jersey winter, you need a fix fast.
Warning signs include:
- No hot water or inconsistent temperatures
- Discolored or rusty water
- Banging or popping sounds from the tank
In many cases, sediment buildup is the culprit. Flushing the tank annually can help, but if you’re noticing recurring problems or your water heater is more than 10 years old, it might be time for a repair or replacement.
We service and install all types of water heaters, including traditional tanks and energy-efficient tankless models. If you’re not sure what the issue is, we’ll inspect the system and recommend the best next step.
Get Ahead of Plumbing Problems
The best way to deal with plumbing problems? Prevent them before they start. Routine maintenance like regular drain cleaning, leak inspections, and water heater flushes can help keep your plumbing system in top shape year-round.
At Mr. Rooter® Plumbing of South Jersey, we make it easy to protect your home from costly repairs. Our licensed plumbers provide expert service with upfront pricing and no overtime charges—even on nights and weekends.
Call the Trusted South Jersey Plumbers
From clogged drains and leaky faucets to stubborn water heaters, we’ve got you covered. At Mr. Rooter® Plumbing of South Jersey, we proudly serve homeowners across Cherry Hill, Vineland, Atlantic City, and nearby areas. Don’t let minor plumbing issues snowball into costly repairs—reach out to us today for reliable, professional plumbing services you can trust.
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