Common Plumbing Issues in Calgary and What To Look Out For

It might be a leaky kitchen faucet or a toilet that won’t flush. The fact is, problems with plumbing are quite common, but most people don’t give these issues much thought until they are in the middle of one. As a homeowner in Calgary, you should know what common plumbing issues to look out for. Learning to identify a problem with your pipes at an early stage can stop them from developing into a major issue, preventing damage to your home and saving you time and money. Let’s take a look at some of the most common plumbing issues in Calgary and what to look out for.  

Leaky Faucet

We’ve probably all experienced a leaky tap at some point. Not only can a dripping faucet be irritating, but it can waste water and drive up your monthly bills. A lot of the time, daily wear and tear will cause damage to your joint connections, causing your tap to drip. Try to be gentle when turning your water on and off, and install a water pressure regulator if necessary. With the right skills and tools, you might be able to fix a leaky tap yourself, but when in doubt it’s best to call a professional before an annoying drip turns into a bigger issue.   

Low Water Pressure

There’s nothing more frustrating than jumping into the shower only to find the water pressure is a barely-there drizzle. While this plumbing issue might be common in Calgary, that doesn’t mean it can’t be serious. Low water pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including something as simple as a clogged showerhead. It could also mean you have a leaky, blocked, or even burst pipe. This issue is particularly common in older homes with hard water, where pipes can be clogged with residue or even too small for your required water flow. It can be best to seek out professional assistance for any major water pressure drops to potentially avoid bigger issues.  

Slow Draining Sink or Tub

If your kitchen sink or bathtub is draining very slowly, it means that there’s something preventing the water from flowing. This could be a collection of hair, dirt, or other debris clogging your pipes. Be cautious when purchasing chemical drain-cleaning products. These products might be able to clear small blockages but can contain harsh chemicals that will eventually corrode or melt your pipes. Instead, try a combination of baking soda and vinegar. You might be able to fix a clog yourself using a drain snake to dislodge whatever is preventing your pipes from draining. If neither of these solutions works, it’s time to call a plumber.  

Backed Up Toilet

OK, we’ve all had a backed-up toilet at some point! All jokes aside, having to use your plunger every once in a while is normal. However, if you have to do it all the time, this is a sign of a bigger plumbing issue. It’s possible there is something blocking your septic system or that your toilet piping system has too many bends and turns, in which case you’ll probably need to call a professional plumber. To help keep your toilets clog-free, never flush anything besides human waste and toilet paper – that includes feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or baby wipes!  

These are just a few possible plumbing issues that might occur if you’re a homeowner in Calgary. Even though these problems are common, that doesn’t mean they can be ignored. Our plumbers at Mr. Mike’s are highly skilled at dealing with any emergency plumbing situation or helping to identify any potential risks with our plumbing inspections. Call us today!