Problem Solving: Typical Problems and Their Solutions

If you take a little time and get educated about how plumbing systems work, you'll save time and money, and earn a few points with your customers. Trouble-free plumbing systems are not hard to design and install. What's more, they may cost a little more money, but I guarantee you that your customers will pay for it if you educate them on the many benefits. Here are some common problems that come to light after the move-in date. Below I have outlined the simple solution that could have prevented the problem:

PROBLEM: The water pressure and temperature fluctuate in second-floor bathrooms or other locations when other fixtures are being used.

SOLUTION: Water pressure problems can almost always be traced to undersized water supply lines. Make sure your plumber installs properly-sized copper lines to all fixture groups and individual fixture supply lines.

PROBLEM: Your customer runs out of hot water on a regular basis.

SOLUTION: Size water heaters according to the number of occupants in a house. All water heater manufacturers have convenient tables that tell you how many gallons are needed per occupant. If the heater is gas-fired, keep in mind that different heaters come with different size burners. You may choose to replace the existing water heater with a quick-recovery type.

PROBLEM: Your customer complains about noisy drain lines. They can hear water flow through pipes in ceilings and walls.

SOLUTION: If you must install PVC drain lines, then they have to be well insulated. Oversize the wall framing to 2x6 or 2x8 so that all piping can be wrapped with sound-controlling fiberglass insulation. The best alternative to plastic drain lines is no-hub cast iron drain lines. The material is easy to work with and available at reasonable costs.

PROBLEM: Main line and under-cabinet water line shutoff valves do not operate well after several years. I am talking about the traditional twist-handle valves that have a seat and rubber washer to control water flow.

SOLUTION: Consider replacing them with ball valves that have a straight handle and require only 90 degrees of movement to open or close fully. They cost only slightly more than a standard valve and can provide trouble-free operation for decades.

PROBLEM: Your client's new built-in refrigerator stops producing ice just before that huge holiday party.

SOLUTION: Do not allow your plumber to install ice maker and/or humidifier supply lines using worthless saddle valves that clamp onto a water supply line. Install a traditional tee fitting with a ball valve and the required reducer fittings to make the transition between the copper water distribution line and the soft copper icemaker supply line.

PROBLEM: Your client's bathtub drain clogs on a routine basis. It is impossible for some reason to get a drain cleaning snake through the trap.

SOLUTION: There may be many possible reasons for this problem. The first thing to do is have your plumber check the type and size of the trap and the size of the waste line. If these are properly sized and installed, exploratory surgery may be necessary.

PROBLEM: Your client complains about water hammer or clanging pipes when the water is shut off.

SOLUTION: Excessive velocity due to undersized piping, too many bends or improperly specified valves is usually the cause of water hammer - in other words, water flows too fast through the pipes to satisfy the fixture flow rate. Make sure all cold- and hot-water main copper supply lines are properly sized.

Callback Problems

Resolving Conflicts