Troubleshooting Plumbing Fixture Issues: A Guide for Homeowners

Plumbing fixtures are essential components of any home or business. They provide the necessary water supply for drinking, cleaning, and other tasks. Unfortunately, plumbing fixtures can experience problems from time to time. To avoid costly repairs and ensure your plumbing system is functioning properly, it’s important to be aware of common issues and have a plan in place for troubleshooting plumbing fixture issues.

Common Causes of Plumbing Fixture Problems

Before you can troubleshoot plumbing fixture problems, it’s important to understand the most common causes of these issues. Some of the most frequent causes include clogged drains, leaking pipes, broken seals, corroded pipes, improper installation, and faulty fixtures. It’s also worth noting that some plumbing problems can be caused by outside sources such as tree roots or shifting soil. If you suspect an outside source is causing your plumbing fixture problems, then contact a professional plumber who can inspect the area and make the necessary repairs.

Tips for Troubleshooting Plumbing Fixture Problems

Once you’ve identified the cause of the problem, then you can begin troubleshooting your plumbing fixture issues. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Check Drains:

If you notice a slow drain or standing water in your sink or tub, then it could be caused by a clog. Use a plunger or auger to try and remove the clog from the drain. If this doesn’t work, then contact a professional plumber who can use specialized tools to clear away any blockages.

  • Inspect Pipes & Connections:

If you notice leaking pipes or fixtures, then inspect all of the pipes and connections in your plumbing system. Look for signs of corrosion or cracking, which could indicate a broken seal or leaking pipe. If possible, replace any faulty parts yourself; otherwise, contact a professional plumber.

  • Check Water Pressure:

Low water pressure can cause various problems with your plumbing fixtures, so check your home’s water pressure using a pressure gauge and adjust it as needed if possible; otherwise, contact a professional plumber.

Frequently Asked Question

There are five main types of plumbing pipe materials that are still in use today: copper, galvanized steel, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)
  • PVC Pipes
  • PEX Pipes
  • ABS Pipes
  • Copper Pipes
  • Cast Iron and Galvanized Steel Pipes
Conversely, plumbers in large-scale buildings or factories will likely work with large boilers, site sewer lines, lift stations, and industrial-grade fixtures. They may also need to install more demanding and complex appliances in commercial settings.
Many commercial plumbers work in schools, hospitals, colleges and manufacturing plants and specialize in working around industrial equipment. This type of plumber is responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing tanks and pipes in these commercial settings.
Plumbing is extensive and sophisticated work and that makes commercial plumbing much more demanding than residential plumbing. Commercial plumbers are also responsible for the regular service maintenance and repair of these systems. The scope of work is almost unlimited, depending on the skill level and training.
  • Plumbing Engineer. Salary range: $72,000-$99,000 per year
  • Residential Plumber. Salary range: $45,000-$82,000 per year
  • Plumbing Designer. Salary range: $60,000-$80,000 per year
  • Master Plumber. Salary range: $52,000-$78,500 per year
  • Plumbing Foreman
  • Licensed Plumber
  • Journeyman Plumber
  • Service Plumber
Level 3 is ideal if you are working within the plumbing and heating trade and have a great deal of technical skills and knowledge. You work with minimum supervision and have a good record of safety, fault correction and ensuring that work meets the required standard.
The plumbing system is one of the essential systems in commercial or residential buildings. It comprises three different types of plumbing systems: mainly sewage, water, and drainage plumbing. Each type of plumbing system is designed, installed, maintained and repaired by professional plumbers to ensure efficiency.
Just as not everyone could do your job, not everyone can be a plumber. Professional plumbing requires a set of unique skills and knowledge that come more naturally to some people than others, and when you hire a plumber, you're paying for their expertise in their field.