Like any part of your home, the plumbing requires regular maintenance. It's important to know the signs that something is wrong so you can call a plumber right away. 

Some of the most common plumbing problems include: clogged drains, leaking faucets and running toilets. These issues can lead to serious water damage and expensive repairs. 

1. Clogged Drains 

Clogged drains Links to an external site. are one of the most common plumbing problems, but they're not always easy to fix. They can lead to water or sewage backups and even cause structural damage to your home. 

Some clogs happen because of foreign objects. Items like toys, cotton swabs, dental floss, and food scraps can block drains over time. You can prevent this by regularly checking to ensure that none of these items have fallen down the drains. 

Grease and oil also cause clogs by solidifying over time and sticking to the inside of pipes. To help prevent this, make sure to dispose of grease and oil properly by letting it cool and solidify before throwing it away. 

Another common cause of clogged drains is hard water. This type of water is full of minerals that can build up and prevent proper drainage. To help combat this, install a water softener in your home. This will reduce the frequency of clogged drains. 

2. Clogged Toilets 

Clogged toilets can be embarrassing and a serious inconvenience. When they're isolated to just one toilet, a simple plunger or drain snake can generally get the job done. However, when water and sewage back up into the rest of the home, there's probably an issue with the main drain line or sewer system that requires the attention of a plumber. 

Many clogs are caused by foreign objects that shouldn't be flushed - like baby wipes, cotton swabs, and food waste. Kids can also cause issues by tossing toys or personal items into the toilet. The best thing you can do to reduce these clogs is to only flush 

human waste and toilet paper. Additionally, be sure to regularly clean out your air vents to prevent blockages. Tree roots are another common cause of clogged toilets, as they can grow into the pipes over time. A professional plumber can clear these out. They can also inspect your drain lines to pinpoint the problem and make any necessary repairs. 

3. Leaky Pipes 

Plumbing pipes are a vital part of your home, and while they’re generally well protected due to their location in the walls, they can still get damaged by corrosion,

deterioration, poor installation or maintenance, temperature changes, or even just normal wear and tear. This is often what causes pipe leaks, which can be difficult to spot since they’re so hidden and usually occur between walls and behind drywall. 

Fortunately, there are some signs that you can watch out for to catch leaky pipes early. One of the most obvious signs is if you notice damp spots on your floors, walls, or ceilings. You can also check your water meter to see how much water is being wasted by your leaky pipes. 

Pipe leaks can lead to expensive water damage, mold growth, and structural issues. Identifying and fixing them quickly is the best way to avoid costly repairs in the future. In addition, leaking pipes can be a health risk because they can bring in dirt, debris, and other contaminants into your home’s drinking water. 

4. Sewer Backups 

If your toilet is flushing but not draining properly or you hear gurgling noises coming from sinks and toilets, it could be a sign of a sewer backup. This is a major plumbing issue that can lead to extensive and expensive damages. It can also pose health risks to your family. Raw sewage can back up into your home and expose you to dangerous bacteria. 

Sewer systems are a complex system of underground pipes that transport waste and sewage from homes to treatment plants. They're made of cast iron, cement and clay lines that can break down over time. These lines can also get clogged with solid objects like grease, hair and other materials that wastewater pipes are not designed to handle. 

You can prevent sewer backups by ensuring that all cooking oil is poured into heat resistant containers and properly disposed of. You can also have your home's sewer line inspected and cleaned regularly to remove any minor obstructions. For more information on plumbing or if you have plumbing problems, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-ringwood/ Links to an external site. will offer a lot of resourceful information.