Plumbing problems are inevitable, but many of them can be prevented with regular maintenance and routine checks. When you do encounter a problem, knowing when to call a plumber can help prevent costly repairs and minimize damage. 

A dripping faucet might seem like a minor nuisance, but over time it can waste gallons of water and lead to higher utility bills. A plumber can fix this issue quickly and easily. 

Leaky Faucets 

Dripping faucets are a common household issue that waste water and can lead to higher utility bills. They also create pools of water that can damage your home's structure and attract pests and bacteria. Dripping faucets are usually caused by worn-out washers, O-rings or seals. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent these issues from occurring. 

To repair a leaky faucet, first shut off the water supply valve (typically located under the sink or against the wall). This will prevent other parts of your home from getting drenched while you're working on the faucet. 

Next, remove the faucet handle and decorative cap to gain access to the inner components. Then, replace the faulty part and reassemble the faucet. Make sure to re-tighten any screws or nuts lightly - over-tightening can damage the new part and cause it to leak. Finally, reinstall the faucet handle and decorative cap. Once you're done, turn the water back on and test the water pressure. 

Clogged Drains 

Drain clogs are major nuisances that can affect every area of your home or business. They lead to slow-draining sinks, unpleasant odors and water back-up in bathtubs, toilets and showers. They can also create health hazards with bacteria, contaminated water and airborne mold spores. A simple trick to check for a drain clog is to put a little bit of dish soap down the drain. If you hear a hollow gurgling sound, that’s usually a sign that there is a partial blockage cutting off the air flow. 

Leaving drain clogs get worse over time, resulting in serious pipe damage that may require extensive repair or even replacement. Regular cleaning and the use of drain guards and strainers can help prevent clogs and blockages. Be cautious of what you 

put down your drains and consider having a plumber inspect your plumbing regularly to ensure your system is functioning well. This preventative measure is much more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged pipes and fixtures. 

Frozen Pipes 

Frozen pipes can be a serious problem that results in significant water damage. This issue is particularly dangerous because frozen water puts pressure on the pipe, and even metal pipes can crack or burst under this kind of pressure. It is easy to prevent

pipes from freezing by having a plumber inspect them each fall and taking action to ensure they are ready for the cold temperatures of winter. 

Pipes that are located in exterior walls, attics, crawl spaces and basements are especially susceptible to freezing because they are right up against the cold. They can also be at risk if they don't have sufficient insulation. 

If you suspect a pipe is frozen, turn off any water sources that it is connected to and try to thaw it by applying heat. You can use a hair dryer, space heater or other non flammable source of heat to melt the ice. Alternatively, you can run water through the faucets that are connected to the affected pipe. 

Clogged Toilets 

A clogged toilet is a major problem that results in waste not being able to pass through your plumbing system. Clogs can happen in your toilet itself or in the drain pipes leading to it — and they're usually pretty easy for plumbers to fix if you catch them early on. Toilets can clog because of non-flushable items like wipes, cotton balls, diapers, and other bathroom waste that should be trashed, not flushed. They can also clog from tree roots that grow into the sewer line. 

To avoid clogged toilets, make sure you keep a garbage can in the bathroom to store personal care items and other waste, and remind children that only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed. Keep toilet paper rolls and other materials away from children to prevent them from putting toys and other objects into the toilet, which can also cause clogs. Lastly, regularly clean your air vents to ensure that fresh air is flowing into your plumbing system and keeping it clear of clogs. For more information on plumbing services, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/. These sites have a lot of resourceful information on plumbing services.