1. Clogged Drains and Pipes
Among the numerous plumbing issues in Singapore, drain and pipe blockage is among the most common. They occur when the pipes and drain lines in your home get clogged with soap scum, food particles, hair and any other debris that have accumulated over time, and thus restrict the passage of water. Signs that you need a plumber include slow-draining sinks and bathtubs.
- One way to clear a clog is to place the rubber end of the plunger over the drain hole and push down vigorously to create suction. For enhanced efficiency when using the plunge, add hot water down the drain.
- It can also be helpful to use a wire coat hanger or drain snake to pull out more difficult clogs deep within your pipes.
- Clean drains using drain cleaners and enzymes to dissolve difficult materials such as grease and organic contents. Practical measures like baking soda and vinegar also hold water.
- For frequent blockages, seek the services of a qualified plumber to come and use the water jetting system to open the pipe.
2. Leaky Faucets and Showers
The water leaks which occur from taps and showers, though they are small amounts are very expensive in Singapore. Leakage is most often due to a wear of the washers and gaskets which require the replacement.
- The first thing to do is to shut off the water supply that is being delivered to the leaky faucet next. Take out the faucet handle and replace any cracked, loose or damaged washers that is found.
- For the compression faucets, the packing nut requires tightening or the graphite valve seats where necessary.
- For persistent dripping, contact a licensed plumber to examine all other parts and come with new essential cartridges/valves.
3. Noisy Water Pipes
These are pipes that produce noise each time they are in use, sounding like a drum set with hammering noises, which are signs of high water pressure. The main cause of these kinds of incidents is definitely the rise of pressure relief valves.
- Try to fit water pressure reducers on supply lines so that the water pressure can be regulated to the recommended range of 30 to 80 PSI.
- To minimize vibrations tighten all connections that are loose on the pipes that are fastened to the wall studs and floor joists use pipe clamps and brackets.
- For pipes that are subjected to open air coverings, they should be insulated using pre-slit rubber foam tubing to minimize on expansion noise.
- Replace variable spring pressure relief valves or adjustable spring pressure relief valves suitable for use where the pressure cannot be contained by a faulty valve.
4. Faulty Water Heaters
Currently, it is not surprising to experience water heater issues in most of the Singapore households ranging from no heat to leakage. Problems are sectioned by system types (electricity, gas fired, solar etc) but general solutions exist.
– For electric heaters, ensure that power supply is well connected and the thermostat or heating element is well checked. Mineral deposits on the internal surfaces should be cleaned and washed at least once per year.
– For gas models, check the pilot valve, the sensor of the thermocouple and the pressure relief valve. More specifically check for venturi tube blockage and clear if found to be blocked.
– There may be times that a solar heater requires pump repair and yearly cleaning of the panel or tank for enhanced efficiency.
– Professional assistance should be enlisted especially for any big changes such as replacement of the tank or change of a system.
5. Pipe and Tank Corrosion
These are some of the problems associated with corrosion which are common in Singapore homes due to the treated chemical water. It corrodes metal parts and results in leakage, flood and even stagnant water.
- Make it a regular practice to examine exposed pipes, fittings and water heater tanks for rust and/mineral envelopment at least once a year.
- Paint and treat metal structures often to minimize corrosion and to increase its service life. Ensure that potable water lines are sealed with food gradeness.
- There should be the installation of NSF 61-certified filters at point-of-entry to reduce water chemical content.
- Replace pipes made from severely corroded galvanized iron, steel, or cast iron with pipes made from corrosion-free copper or PEX copolymer materials.
Conclusion
Learning the various plumbing problems that are likely to affect residential places helps one to be prepared in case of an occurrence to prevent an even bigger disaster. But when it comes to jobs that may require some level of complication such as pipe relining, fixture replacement and others, they should be executed by professional plumbers. Consequently, there should be no attempts at extensive systems by the DIY method. Maintenance is not a one-time deal, but it is crucial in avoiding additional problems down the line and ensuring that plumbing utilities will last for a number of years.
