Whether you’ve got ancient pipes or a brand new plumbing system in your Madisonville, KY, home, it’s inevitable that you’ll eventually need plumbing repairs. There’s a lot that can go wrong, but some issues tend to happen more often than others. Here are the three most common ways your plumbing can give you problems.

There’s probably no issue more common than a drain that just won’t do its job. Whether it’s a sink, shower or bath, a drain that clears slowly, or even not at all, is undoubtedly annoying. Fortunately, minor clogs are a simple fix. Try pouring some baking soda down the drain and following it with white vinegar. Let it sit for several minutes before flushing with hot water. A drain snake can also clear out your drain effectively, but particularly serious clogs may require more extensive measures.

With so many pipes in the average home, there are many opportunities for leaks to occur. In Western Kentucky, pinhole leaks can occur in old copper piping or as a result of freezing during the winter months. If you’re lucky, you may be able to visibly spot the water leak. If you’re less lucky, look for unexplained water bill increases, visible mold growth, musty smells or other water damage indicators. Tape can provide a quick fix, but it’s important to have leaking pipes professionally repaired.

If low flow makes tasks like showering and doing the dishes a chore, there are a few things to try. First, check if the problem exists everywhere or only at one fixture. If it’s localized, try removing the aerator or showerhead and cleaning it. Otherwise, it’s possible you may have a leak or an obstruction caused by sediment buildup. There are many potential causes, but a skilled plumber can diagnose and resolve the issue.

It’s a great idea to familiarize yourself with the most common issues and how to manage them. Unfortunately, many plumbing repairs simply can’t be resolved on your own. If you’re in need of assistance, call E&M Heating, Plumbing & Air Conditioning’s plumbing repair services at (270) 835-2306 .