A leaky faucet here, blocked drain there, plumbing issues can pop up anytime. Many are simple enough to fix yourself, however certain issues require the help of professional. Being aware of the most common plumbing problems will save you from costly repairs down the road. There are several major plumbing issues to look out for: Leaky Pipes A frequent issue pipe leaks can be caused by many things. Pipes are susceptible to corroding over time due to normal wear and tear or age. In other instances, pipes may leak due to an emergency situation, such as an unruptured pipe. If a leaking pipe is not addressed and untreated, it could cause major troubles for the property and its owner. The water leaking from the pipes can damage the walls and ceilings, and can also make a damp and humid atmosphere that is ideal for the growth of mold. The mold can cause structural damage to ceilings and walls, and cause costly repairs. Most people don't know that they have a leaky pipe until it's too late and they have already spent thousands of dollars on repairs for their homes. A professional plumber can quickly find and fix any leaks within the home. Drain Blockages Clogged drains are a frequent issue for homeowners. If untreated an untreated clogged drain can lead to mold growth, leaks in the sewage system, water leaks and even structural damage to your home. The drain pipes in your home are designed to deal with waste, but they can clog with hair soap scale, food scraps grease, and other debris. When this debris builds up in your toilets, sinks and tubs will not function correctly. A clogged drain will usually be identified by a foul scent, however, you may be able to hear sounds as air and water splash through the pipes. If your home's drains get slow or clogged, it could mean that the main sewer line is suffering from an obstruction. Be prepared by taking measures to restrict what goes down the drains by avoiding flushable wipes and sanitary items and using kitchen rags rather than cotton swabs for cleaning dishes. Put cooking grease in the trash can instead of in your sinks. Sewer Backups Sewage backups can be one of the most unpleasant plumbing issues homeowners may face. Not only are they smelly and unpleasant, they also expose the residents to a variety of harmful bacteria that could make them extremely sick. In addition, sewage from raw sources can harm porous materials like floors, furniture and drywall. If waste is getting pumped in your home, you must shut off the valve that supplies water The home. Also, turn off electrical energy if the sewerage is near the electrical outlets. Typically the cause of a sewer backup is whenever the drain pipes within your house or the main sewer line gets clogged. You should listen for the sound of gurgling when you read this drain or flush your toilet. This indicates a blockage. Some things that cause the backup of your sewer line can be out of your control, such as earthquakes, land shifts or the age of your pipes. If you live in a home with older cast iron or clay pipes, you should consider having them replaced to avoid a potential backup. Low Water Pressure If you've tried every method described above to increase the pressure of water in your home but aren't getting enough to go around, it's probably time to call a plumber. Professional plumbers can quickly diagnose and solve issues that arise with pipes, such as clogs. A plumbing professional in Canberra is also able to safely shut off the water supply to the entire house when needed. They can ensure that leaks aren't caused by corrosion of pipes or household members. Another cause of understand this concept low water pressure is branch lines that run from your water stack to each fixture. They may become corroded or clogged due to acidic pH water that is not balanced and other issues that wear out piping. A plumber will assess the issues with your piping and determine whether they can be cleaned or if they require replacement. They will also inspect your home for leaks. If you own a multi-story house it is recommended to start at the lowest level and turn on faucets all the way up to test your pressure of water in each part of the house.