Most Common Plumbing Problems Found in New Constructions

We usually relate plumbing problems with older buildings.  However, that's not necessarily the case. As a matter of fact, since many contractors aren't always familiar with the layout of the building they're working on, and due to tight schedules, plumbing issues are very common even in the brand-new constructions. Properly identifying these plumbing problems before they show their ugly face can save you a lot of money and trouble. So, let's take a look at some of the most common plumbing problems you may face after moving into a new build.

Leaky faucets

Leaky faucets are often associated with corroded valve seats and the worn-out washers. You might think they will start posing a difficulty much further down the road. But, sometimes the washers are simply not properly installed, or the O ring might be loose, so you'll need to keep this in mind from the get-go. If you have any suspicions, don't storm out of the bathroom as soon as you're done with the sink. Leaks may need a couple of minutes to manifest. Related: Book Your CITB Test

Clogged toilets and drains

Toilets and drains may become clogged for a number of different reasons, some of which may occur during the construction. For better or worse, both plumbing problems are easy to identify, and you will be able to act accordingly. If the plunger doesn't do the job, you can stretch out your DIY muscles with a baking soda/vinegar combo, or even try to make an improvised plumbing snake out of the old coat hanger. But if the plumbing problem persists, just call a professional to help you out.

Damaged pipes

Unlike the leaking faucets, leaking pipes are considerably harder to identify and even harder to address. When you notice your walls are soaked, the damage has already been done, so pay attention to less obvious clues like low pressure, colouration of the water and increased humidity. As for the mending, the good news is that the whole problem can be solved with professional pipe relining (sealing the pipes from the inside) meaning you won't need to tear down any walls to replace the entire pipe.

Running toilets

A problem that can drive you crazy and rob you of countless litres of water. Usually, you should look for its source in the flapper. If it doesn't seal properly, it's time to replace it, which is, fortunately, very easy to do. Another case that occurs fairly often is that the top of the tank is pressing the fill valve, causing it to overflow. In that case, you'll need to readjust the valve to sit just a bit lower. If this doesn't solve the whole thing, the valve may be malfunctioning, and you'll need to replace it as well. Related: Level 1 in Health and Safety in Construction | CSCS Labourer Course 

Low water pressure

As we've already seen, low water pressure may be caused by a leaking pipe. Ironically, that's not even the worst-case scenario. Sometimes, the local water supply department simply can't deliver enough pressure to your new home. In that case, the best thing you can do to secure yourself a decent flow is to install a pressure booster. This neat tool will store the water coming from the street and increase the pressure with the electric pump.

Leaking hose bibs

This plumbing issue isn't really related to how old the installation is. We can classify it more as a seasonal thing.  Namely, after long cold winters unprotected hose bibs can easily crack and begin to leak, so we'll usually notice the consequences during spring and summer. Now, damaged bibs need to be replaced, but there is a silver lining here. They are not that big of an investment, and you can find frost-proof replacements that will prevent future misfortunes. Related: CSCS Mock Test

Sump pump breakdown

A sump pump is a pump used to remove the water from the water-collecting sump basin and prevent it from reaching the foundation of the building. Due to its purpose, it's usually located in the basement of the building. Sump pump breakdowns usually occur due to power shortages and poor maintenance, so try to pay more attention to cleaning and run the pump with a battery independent of the house's power supply. These few difficulties are relatively common, even in newer constructions. Do your best to keep in mind all the red flags that may point to them before they blow out of proportion. The more you delay the damage will only be worse.