Nearly every homeowner in America is going to call a plumber at some point. Plumbing fails, and certain types of issues are best left to professionals. But there is also the reality that some homeowners just don’t like doing plumbing work. They are ready to call in a professional at the earliest signs of a problem.
Curiosity led me to research the most common plumbing problems contractors deal with. I couldn’t find any hard numbers documenting the top ten, so I put together my own list based on my observations. So here they are, the top ten issues requiring professional plumbing service:
1. Clogged Drains
Based on the many plumbing contractor websites I visited, I get the impression that clogged drains are the number one service issue. Clogs near the top of a drain are easy enough for homeowners to clear. But deeper clogs can be elusive.
I once had a clog just inches from where my drainpipe met the main sewer. There was no way I could have cleared it, so I paid a plumber to do it for me. Incidentally, Salt Lake City’s Superior Water & Air notes they see more calls for clogged drains around the holidays.
2. Water Heater Problems
Water heater problems seem to be the second most common reason for calling in a professional. Many municipalities prohibit homeowners from working on their water heaters. But even in cities where DIY work is allowed, it still needs to pass a municipal inspection.
3. Burst Pipes
Superior W&A says they see a lot of calls for burst pipes during the winter months. That makes perfect sense. Burst pipes are something most homeowners cannot handle themselves. And in the winter, cold temperatures and a lack of insulation create the perfect storm for pipes freezing and bursting.
4. Sewer Backups
A plumber is the person to call for a sewer backup. Attending to sewer problems is not a job for homeowners, even those with moderate DIY skills. Sewers are unsanitary and difficult to work on.
5. Overflowing Toilets
Speaking of unsanitary, plumbers often find themselves being called out to deal with overflowing toilets. I’m not surprised. Even for a homeowner who is pretty handy, dealing with an overflowing toilet can be too big an ask.
6. Leaking Faucets and Fixtures
Leaking faucets and fixtures represent minor problems to the professional. But to the homeowner, they can be daunting. So it is not unusual for plumbers to be called out for repairs.
7. Some Pump Failures
In rural and suburban areas lacking municipal sewers, sump pumps rule the roost. And when a sump pump goes bad, who is the most qualified person to call? Your local plumber. Plumbers know their way around pumps and crocks.
8. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure in one area of the home can signify a leak. Leaks are the domain of professionals. Fortunately, leaks severe enough to affect water pressure are rare. When they occur, they cause big problems.
9. Bad Washing Machine Connections
Although I find this one hard to believe, a lot of plumbing websites talk about repairing bad washing machine connections. This is apparently a thing with homeowners. Connections start to leak and they don’t know what to do.
10. Water Softener Installation
Although there are dedicated companies that specialize in water softeners, it is not unheard of for plumbing contractors to sell and install the units. A plumber would certainly know how to do it.
So there you have it: the top ten plumbing issues requiring professional services. If you own a home, how many have you already experienced?
