Owning a house comes with many responsibilities and inevitable problems. From minor annoyances to major repairs, every homeowner will encounter issues that need addressing. But what are the most common house problems that homeowners face? Here we will explore the top issues that require fixes, look at what causes them, and provide tips on how to prevent and resolve these common house problems. Read on to learn what problem tops the list as the most prevalent in homes today.
What Are the Most Frequent House Problems?
There are a handful of issues that repeatedly arise in homes. Here are some of the most commonly reported house problems:
Plumbing Leaks and Clogs
Faulty plumbing leads to water leaks, clogged drains, and burst pipes – problems that can cause extensive and costly damage if left unaddressed. Over time, pipes corrode, joints loosen, and drains get blocked by accumulated debris, grease, soap scum, and hard water deposits. Leaky faucets, running toilets, and drips under sinks are telltale signs you may have a plumbing problem brewing.
Heating and Cooling System Failures
Problems with furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and ductwork frequently plague homeowners. Parts wear out, filters get dirty, refrigerant leaks happen, and lack of maintenance shortens equipment lifespan. No heat on a cold winter night or no cooling during a heat wave can make a home uncomfortable. Ignoring problems can lead to complete HVAC failure.
Pest Infestations
Mice, rats, roaches, ants, bed bugs, and termites are common household invaders. They enter through tiny cracks and crevices looking for food, water, and shelter. Left uncontrolled, some pests like termites can damage the structural integrity of a home. Pest droppings also pose health hazards.
Electrical System Issues
From power outages and flickering lights to faulty outlets and wiring problems, electrical system issues are among the top complaints from homeowners. Faulty wiring causes fires in many homes every year. Outdated panels, circuits not designed for today’s increased power demands, ground faults, and overloaded extension cords and outlets are often to blame.
Appliance Breakdowns
Homeowners depend on appliances like refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washers and dryers daily. When they stop working properly or break down completely, they disrupt everyday home life. Appliances have many moving parts, electrical components, and connections that degrade over time. Lack of maintenance also contributes to early failures.
What is the Most Common Household Problem?
While all of these house issues occur frequently and require prompt attention, one stands out as the most prevalent problem in homes today:
Plumbing leaks, clogs, and water damage are the number one homeowner headache.
Several factors contribute to plumbing issues being ubiquitous in houses:
- Aging pipes – Most pipes have a lifespan of 25-50 years before needing replacement.
- High water pressure – Years of excessive water pressure deteriorates pipes prematurely.
- Freezing temperatures – Frozen pipes crack and leak.
- Hard water – Mineral deposits clog fixtures and drain lines.
- Tree roots – Roots infiltrate and break drain lines.
- Ground shifting – Settling foundations strain and break pipes.
- Wear and tear – Everyday use eventually causes failures.
These common factors mean plumbing problems occur in nearly 100% of homes at some point.
Types of Plumbing Issues
Plumbing problems generally fall into a few broad categories:
Clogged Drains and Sewer Lines
Slow-draining or fully clogged fixtures, backed up sewer lines, and gurgling sounds point to obstructions in the drain or sewer. Tree roots, grease, hair, and waste accumulations cause most clogs. A drain snake or high pressure water jet clears most clogs. Partial sewer line blockages may require professional hydrojetting.
Leaky Pipes and Joints
Leaky pipes under sinks, slab leaks in supply lines, pinhole leaks in copper, PEX or galvanized pipes, and loose joints at water heaters and appliances lead to water drips and costly water damage. Many leaks require full pipe replacements.
Running Toilets
Toilets with continuous flow after flushing waste hundreds of gallons of water. Flapper valves, fill valves, and overflow tubes usually need replacement to stop running water.
Low Water Pressure
Head loss from mineral deposits in galvanized or copper supply lines reduces pressure. Low pressure causes showers and faucets to sputter and drip. Re-piping the hot water system often fixes chronic low pressure.
Dripping Faucets
Worn washers, O-rings and valve seats cause drips and leaks at faucets. Replacing these inexpensive parts stops most drip leaks.
Water Heater Failures
Rust, sediment buildup, crimped pipes, and burner or element failures cause water heaters to leak and stop heating. Age, lack of maintenance, and excessive water temperature contribute to premature water heater breakdowns.
Main Line Breaks
Major plumbing disasters occur when main lines under the home break from freezing, age, roots, or shifting foundations. Extensive excavation and repiping is needed to correct main line breaks.
Preventing Plumbing Problems
Many common plumbing problems can be avoided with proactive maintenance:
- Regularly clean fixtures, drain screens and drain stoppers which cause most clogs when they fail and release debris into pipes.
- Don’t pour fats or harsh chemicals down drains.
- Install hair catchers to trap hair in drains.
- Use enzyme bacterias monthly to clear grease in lines.
- Fixing drips quickly prevents eventual leaks as drips erode pipes.
- Insulate pipes in unconditioned areas to prevent freezing.
- Replace galvanized or old steel pipes with copper, PEX or CPVC.
- Install water pressure regulators to prevent pipes from fatiguing.
- Have main sewer lines video-inspected every 3 years to spot intruding root problems.
Preventive plumbing maintenance saves homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs over time.
Fixing Plumbing Problems
When plumbing disasters strike, there are steps you can take to minimize damage and fix the issue:
Clogs
Try a plunger, drain snake, baking soda/vinegar, or enzymatic cleaner before calling a plumber for persistent clogs. Avoid harsh chemical drain openers which can damage pipes.
Leaks
Stop major leaks at the source immediately using the shutoff valve for sinks and toilets. Turn off the main water valve to stop all home water flow during larger pipe leaks. Open cabinets, move stored items, and use towels to catch water and prevent damage.
No Hot Water
Check the pilot light, temperature setting, burner, valves, pressure relief line and drain valve if a gas water heater fails. For electric heaters, check the heating elements, thermostats and wiring first.
Running Toilet
Try adjusting the float cup chain first to stop the fill valve from constantly flowing. Replace the flapper if worn out. Make sure the overflow tube isn’t clogged. Replace valves or stems as needed.
Low Pressure
Check supply valves, strainers and aerators first for blockages points. Flush pipes or replace galvanized lines if pressure loss is due to heavy mineral deposits.
Call a Professional for Major Issues
For serious plumbing problems beyond simple DIY fixes, call a licensed plumber immediately. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to fully diagnose issues and make repairs correctly. Delaying repairs risks greater damage and more costly fixes.
Conclusion
Plumbing headaches are nearly inescapable as a homeowner. Clogs, leaks, and water damage occur in most homes eventually despite preventive maintenance. With some vigilance, many problems can be avoided or minimized by regular pipe inspections, drain cleaning, leak detection, and replacing outdated supply lines. When major plumbing emergencies strike, knowing how to stop leaks quickly, attempting simple fixes first, and calling in professional help in a timely manner before conditions worsen will save homeowners significant money and prevent needless damage to their home. Be prepared to tackle plumbing problems properly, since it’s not a question of if they will happen but when.