The 5 Most Common Plumbing Issues in Edmonton and What You Can Do About Them

The plumbing in your home is a critical system. Falling behind on maintenance or neglecting growing issues can lead to major water damage and expensive repairs.

If you’re a homeowner in Edmonton, you should know what the most common plumbing issues are and what you can do to prevent and fix them.

Given the importance of your plumbing system, it’s always a good idea to rely on professionals. Edmonton plumbers can help you with emergency repairs and preventative renovations, but it will be easier to find the right plumber when you have an idea of which issues you want to tackle.

1. Clogged Toilets and Drains

Clogged drains and toilets can cause major problems at the most inconvenient times. An overflowing toilet can become a huge mess. Meanwhile, clogged drains start as a minor nuisance and can quickly lead to a catastrophe.

If you have a sink that drains slowly, it can lead to an unpleasant smell and even promote mould or pests. Accumulating hair is usually to blame in the bathroom, while grease and food particles gunk up the kitchen. Toilet clogs are often the result of non-soluble waste.

You can avoid clogs by being careful about what you let go down the drain. It’s time to call a plumber if your plunger no longer clears out the blockage.

2. Leaking Pipes and Faucets

A leaky faucet is mostly harmless, but it can add to your water bill. By some estimates, a leaky faucet can waste up to 10% of your water usage. A leaking pipe, on the other hand, can cause direct water damage to your home. You can spot a leaking pipe by identifying pools of water or water stains underneath them.

If you have a leaky faucet, you may just need to replace the washer to stop the problem.

When it comes to pipes, you usually just need to replace a U-joint. These tasks are much easier with the specialty tools plumbers bring to the job.

3. Frozen and Burst Pipes

Frozen pipes can lead to major water damage, and they’re a huge concern in colder places like Edmonton. Pipes that aren’t properly insulated can freeze on cold nights, or they can be at risk during power outages for households that use electric heating. If you have a burst pipe, you’ll need to bring in a plumber.

4. Flood Risks

Edmonton is a city at high risk for flooding, but it’s also one of the better cities in Canada for flood mitigation. The city provides free flood assessments for residential properties through Epcor, letting them know if they are in a flood-prone area.

If your home is at risk for flooding, there are several strategies you can take to reduce flood risks, including installing a backflow valve to prevent sewer backup, a sump pump that can pump flood waters back outside, and a waterproof veneer to help waterproof exterior walls.

5. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure may not be a source of imminent damage, but it can certainly be a nuisance. Low water pressure is typically caused by a water main break, a leaky pipe, or a build-up of sediment in the faucet. A plumber can identify the problem and has several ways to solve the issue, including removing sediment build-up or fixing leaks.

Keep your home running smoothly by finding the right plumber to prevent or fix any issues you may have.