Top 5 Common Plumbing Problems and How to Prevent Them

Elite Plumbing
Sep 9
2 min read

Plumbing problems always seem to happen at the worst times—late at night, on weekends, or right before guests arrive. While some issues are unavoidable, many can be prevented with a little maintenance and professional care. At Elite Plumbing, we’ve seen it all, and we want to help homeowners in West Tennessee stay ahead of the most common plumbing headaches.

1. Dripping Faucets

The Problem: That constant “drip, drip, drip” not only drives you crazy—it can waste gallons of water every month and increase your utility bills.

Prevention:

Replace worn-out washers or cartridges before they fail completely.
Don’t overtighten handles, which wears down internal parts faster.
Schedule routine inspections to make sure small leaks don’t turn into bigger ones.

2. Clogged Drains

The Problem: Kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, and showers are prime spots for clogs caused by grease, hair, soap, and food debris. Over time, buildup can lead to slow drains or complete blockages.

Prevention:

Use drain screens to catch hair and food scraps.
Never pour grease or oil down your drain.
Flush drains regularly with hot water.
For stubborn buildup, trust a professional cleaning instead of harsh chemical cleaners, which can damage pipes.

3. Running Toilets

The Problem: A toilet that won’t stop running can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day, driving up your water bill.

Prevention:

Replace flappers and fill valves every few years.
Check for leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank—if the color seeps into the bowl without flushing, you’ve got a leak.
Have a plumber perform a full inspection if you notice persistent problems.

4. Low Water Pressure

The Problem: Weak water pressure makes showers frustrating and dishwashing a chore. It’s often caused by hidden leaks, sediment buildup, or failing fixtures.

Prevention:

Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment.
Have pipes inspected for leaks or corrosion.
Replace old, clogged fixtures with newer, efficient models.

5. Water Heater Issues

The Problem: Cold showers and strange noises from your water heater are signs of trouble. Most issues stem from age, sediment buildup, or neglected maintenance.

Prevention:

Schedule annual water heater maintenance, including flushing the tank.
Replace units older than 10–15 years before they fail.
Install a water softener if you have hard water to reduce mineral buildup.

Protect Your Home With Elite Plumbing

While preventive steps can help, plumbing problems aren’t always avoidable. That’s why having a trusted professional on your side makes all the difference. At Elite Plumbing, we’re licensed, insured, and committed to providing reliable, affordable solutions for homeowners and businesses across West Tennessee.

👉 Call us today to schedule a plumbing inspection or repair—because the best time to fix a plumbing problem is before it becomes an emergency.