Common Plumbing Problems in Melbourne Homes and How to Prevent Them

Prevention is always cheaper than emergency repairs. Here are the most common plumbing problems in Melbourne homes, what causes them, and practical steps you can take to avoid expensive call outs.

Blocked Drains

Blocked drains are the single most common plumbing call out in Melbourne. Understanding what causes them helps you prevent the problem before it starts.

Common causes: Hair buildup, soap scum accumulation, food scraps, grease and cooking fat, tree root intrusion in older properties.

Prevention strategies:

• Install drain guards in all showers and bathroom sinks to catch hair
• Never pour cooking grease, oil, or fat down any drain. Collect it in a container and dispose of it in the bin
• Run hot water through kitchen drains after washing up to keep grease moving
• Use enzyme based drain treatments monthly to break down organic buildup
• For older properties with established trees, schedule annual CCTV drain inspection to catch root intrusion early

Leaky Taps

A dripping tap wastes thousands of litres of water annually and can increase your water bill significantly.

Common causes: Worn washers, corroded valve seats, O ring deterioration.

Prevention:

• Don't over tighten taps when turning them off. This accelerates washer wear
• Replace washers at the first sign of dripping rather than waiting until the drip becomes constant
• Basic washer replacement is a handyman task, but complex mixer tap issues need a licensed plumber

Running Toilets

Common causes: Faulty flapper valve, float mechanism problems, worn fill valve.

A running toilet can waste up to 200 litres of water per day without you even noticing. The telltale sign is a toilet that occasionally refills when nobody has used it.

This is usually a straightforward repair for a plumber. Book a plumber and stop the waste.

Low Water Pressure

Common causes: Corroded galvanised pipes in older homes, hidden leaks, partially closed valves, supply issues.

First check whether your neighbours have the same issue. If they do, it's a supply problem. If they don't, you likely have a leak or pipe issue that requires professional investigation.

Hot Water Problems

Annual hot water system servicing extends the life of your unit by years and maintains energy efficiency. Most hot water systems last 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance.

For any plumbing concern, big or small, contact our licensed plumbers for prompt, professional service.