11 Common Plumbing Issues in Singaporean Homes and How to Fix Them

Plumbing problems are an ongoing problem that every household has to face, whether it’s age, accidents, or wear and tear. The climate conditions and the city's geographical location contribute to plumbing problems, especially in Singapore. Immediate attention to some plumbing problems can save homeowners from more complicated and costly plumbing issues later on. It is safe to assume that most people are likely to find themselves in a situation where they will need plumbing services in Singapore which means they ought to know some of these problems that they may encounter and when they should seek help or try to fix it themselves.

1. Dropping Taps

You ought to take a dripping tap with some level of seriousness since, in the long run, it is more than just an irritation. For instance, it leads to very high bills on parts of the water bill. The main reason behind dripping taps is that the washer or O-ring gets old and is unable to give a good seal. Most of the time that is replaced by the washer, and the problem is solved.

How to fix it:

Stop the water supply, remove the faucet, and fit a new washer or O-ring covering the water passage. If the O-ring or washer is replaced but the problem reoccurs, it could mean there is a more underlying problem that a person skilled in plumbing must resolve.

2. Blocked Drains

Blocked drains are quite common and cause many complaints, especially in areas like the kitchen sink, shower, and bathroom drain. A blockage is caused by the clogging of the normal water course, making it hard to do basic household chores.

How to fix it:

Plunge or insert a drain snake into the clogged area to unclog it. If the procedure is persistent, a little bit of chemical drainage cleaner can work, but use it with caution since it may damage the pipes in the long run. More severe blockages can be managed, but they are best left to professional plumbers.

3. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is quite common, particularly in old homes. This is due to clogged pipes, clogged sediment in the showerhead, or even a faulty pressure-regulating valve.

How to fix it:

Saturate the showerhead in vinegar to dissolve the build-up. This is especially effective for removing sediment. Plumbing Handyman Services in Singapore can easily handle more complicated problems like defective valves and severe pipe corrosion.

4. Running Toilets

Water bills will be high due to the numerous gallons of water wasted each day by a toilet that continuously runs over the entire day. A flapper valve is the most common part that wears out and prevents water from flowing from the tank to the toilet bowl.

How to fix it:

Make sure the flapper is sealed tightly. If it is compromised, it can be replaced without hassle. Also, make sure that the chain attached to the flapper is of the right length—do not let it be too long; otherwise, the flapper will remain open at all times.

5. Leaky pipes

Some pipes tend to leak at the joints due to movement of the pipe or joints due to poor installation. What makes this a problem is that if such leaks are never stopped, there will be serious damage to the walls, floors, ceilings, and the possibility of mold.

How to fix it:

Tighten the fittings or change the broken section of the pipe. Sucking on the pipe or ways of applying joint tape will help stop the leaks in minor cases. But when such leaks are more severe, a commercial service will be needed so they don’t worsen with time.

6. Leaking Pipes

One of the common problems associated with pipes is water leaking due to cracks, especially at the joints or loose ends of the pipes. If not fixed, leaks will wreak havoc on the walls, floor, or ceiling of even a house, and fungus will sometimes grow out of the damage.

How to fix it:

Tighten the pipe or the loose connection or replace the damaged part of the pipe. Pipe tape or a joint compound may be able to solve connection issues; however, if the problem is severe, then such awkwardness should seek professional help.

7. Water Heater Issues

Most homeowners want to avoid waiting for a warm shower or bath during winter months only to find cold water running from the tap. Other common problems with water heaters include unavailability or inefficient use of hot water, leaks, and seventy—or ninety-decibel uncomfortable noise from the heater.

How to fix it:

First things first, check the thermostat to confirm that it is providing the correct setting. If you are not professionally trained, you should hire a plumber for any leaking tanks or defective heating elements and have the water heater checked.

8. Sewer Line Backups

Excess drainage from toilets and tubs/full drain lines can also create odors and cause wastewater to seep back into the house. Tree roots, grease, or other materials can also block sewer lines, causing a backup.

How to fix it:

For a backup that is backed up but not severe, a plumber’s snake can help clear the obstruction. However, a sewer cleaning company would be called for severe blockages, especially since they will have more equipment, such as hydrojetting, to clear the line.

9. Leaky Showers

It is also common to find one showerhead leaking onto the floor, and sometimes, this is just due to a worn-out seal or badly placed fixture. When not controlled, it can lead to rot and mold problems inside the wall and in the corner by the glass partition.

How to fix it:

Fixing a worn-out ceiling follower or showerhead is as easy as daily chores like washing clothes. If it’s a case of the plumbing leaking from within the wall that needs the shower plumbing, it will need major renovations done.

10. Clogged Garbage Disposals

Jams are commonplace in homes with garbage disposals, and they are mostly caused by poor usage or overloading the unit with excessive food waste.

How to fix it:

Disengage the unit's power source and try to rotate the disposal blades manually with a hex key or a wooden stick. A similar problem can be avoided by not grinding hard or inedible items such as bones, dried coffee grounds, or root vegetables.

11. Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are mostly attributed to the severe water problem, which is referred to as a pipe burst. It causes such a huge mess and is caused by freezing, corroding, or pressure. In Singapore, freezing pipes are not apprehensive, but aging pipes and high-pressure structures stand the possibility of danger.

How to fix it:

You should cut the water supply instantly to prevent further damage. The section of the pipe that is busted will have to be either repaired or replaced. If you’re not aware of what steps to take, it is better to hire a plumber quickly to carry out this risky task.

Conclusion

Certain plumbing problems can be fixed with a few common tools and some DIY techniques, while other plumbing issues need the services of trained professionals. Watching your plumbing system can help you avoid wasting time and money in the future and more serious troubles as well. If you have annoying or terrible plumbing problems, then waste no time but call for reliable plumbing services in Singapore or professional plumbing handyman services in Singapore. They will take care that your plumbing system is back to normal quickly and with minimal effort from you.