Five Most Common Plumbing Problems in Westlake Village, CA

Have you ever wondered about common problems in plumbing? Below, Fix It Fast Plumbing Heating & Air lists some of the most common reasons homeowners book our plumbing services in Westlake Village, CA. We’ll also explain how you can implement preventive measures for everyday plumbing complaints. 

What Are the Most Common Problems in Plumbing Systems on Properties in Westlake Village, California?

Fixtures, pipes, and other components have come a long way from their rudimentary roots throughout plumbing history. However, you can still get in quite a pickle if the sink or toilet doesn’t work quite right. Let’s explore some common problems in plumbing systems and how to deal with them. 

#1 Nasty, Stinky Drain Obstructions

Everyone has faced clogged drains at some point. Food remnants, hair, and soap scum make up the bulk of most drain obstructions, which can develop in your sink, tub, or shower. If you’re facing a monster clog, try one of the following tools:

• Drain snakes for hair
• Dish soap and hot water for kitchen sinks
• Vinegar and baking soda for most fixtures

You can prevent future blockages by flushing each drain with boiling water monthly and covering all drain openings with catchers. 

#2 Leaky, Running Fixtures

Nothing ruins a midday nap or peaceful night’s sleep quite like leaky faucets. Don’t they seem to get louder the more you try to ignore them? Running toilets are a close second as far as plumbing annoyances go.

Faucets and toilets house numerous mechanisms that manage water flow. As these components age, they corrode, enabling water to escape. Professionals suggest replacing the toilet’s flush mechanisms and the sink faucet parts every five to ten years to solve these common problems. 

You can also protect your faucet and toilet hardware by keeping the fixtures clean through weekly wipe-downs. Since Westlake Village, California, has average water hardness, you’ll also need to look into water softeners to prolong the components’ service lives. 

#3 Trickling Plumbing Pipes

Not all pipe leaks occur because of frozen pipe materials expanding the material beyond its capacity. Sometimes, cracks develop because of shifting soils or age. The main problem is that pipe leaks may trickle silently without you noticing them until damage and higher water bills reveal the problem.

Fortunately, you can often preserve your plumbing pipes by:

• Insulating exposed pipes to help them maintain a stable temperature.
• Keeping your water pressure at a manageable level.
• Scheduling whole-home plumbing inspections every other year. 

Discovered evidence of a leaky pipe? Contact a plumber in Westlake Village, California, like Fix It Fast Plumbing Heating & Air. They’ll find and patch the leak quickly. 

#4 Malfunctioning Water Heaters

Water heaters can last over ten years when consistently maintained. However, they can quickly transform relaxing morning showers into stressful games of chicken when hot becomes cold without warning. 

Water heater issues come in many forms, from smelly, warm water and discoloration to temperature fluctuations. Sometimes, you can simply adjust the appliance’s thermostat to reach a comfortable temperature. Other times, you need help from a skilled plumber near you to replace damaged parts. 

Making your water heater last longer is simple, though – schedule annual water heater maintenance to keep the tank and connected valves free of mineral buildup. Tank flushings can resolve many common problems in plumbing, including:

• Bacterial colonies that cause nasty smells and discoloration
• Mineral buildup that makes water temperatures wildly fluctuate
• Deteriorating internal components that happen with corrosion

Your plumber can also make the frequent replacements of anode rods quick and easy.

#5 Weak Water Pressure

Low water pressure is one of those mysterious issues that takes more investigation.

For example, when you test multiple faucets, does the poor pressure apply to both hot and cold taps? Are local crews working on municipal water infrastructure, causing low pressure in all taps? Does the water pressure problem only apply to your address or a single fixture? 

If poor water pressure only affects the hot tap, you probably have a water heater concern that the plumber will fix. Why not book a plumber to check the faucets and supply pipes for mineral deposits? They can install a water softener to prevent future obstructions, too.