Every shower or flush costs more than it did almost a decade ago. The costs of using water are only rising, so it is important to keep your plumbing system working properly.
This will ensure you don’t have to pay extra costs.
Read on to learn about 7 signs that your house has a plumbing problem that needs addressing.
1. Pipe Discoloration
Pipe discoloration is not always an easy plumbing problem to spot. If your pipes in your home are hidden, you may have no way of knowing what your pipes look like. However, if you have a basement, your pipes should be visible.
Every time you take a visit down to your basement, take a minute to look at your pipes. Thoroughly inspect the color of your plumbing.
A discolored pipe could mean your sink is dripping or there is a leak somewhere in the system. A leakage in the supply line needs to be handled right away. Because the plumping is pressurized, a small leak can cause a huge problem.
This is one home plumbing issue that needs to be taken care of as soon as the problem is spotted. If your pipes are discolored, call a professional to inspect and fix the issue as soon as possible.
2. Bad Odors
Nasty odors are bad enough because you have to live with the smell until problems get fixed. But, the smell is not the only thing you need to be worried about because it could be a sign of worse problems.
Every drain in plumbing needs a trap that requires proper ventilation. Plumbing vent problems are an issue you don’t want to have because the drains and vents are designed to keep out sewer gas. The sewer gas can get into your home if you are having drain or vent issues.
The vents should work to channel sewer smells to the roof and the traps keep them from entering your home through the sinks. If you smell something bad, call a professional right away for plumbing services.
3. Water Flowing Slowly
Slow water flow may seem like a small issue, but it could require plumbing maintenance. If the water pressure if slow in the sinks, the water may not be distributed properly.
This issue could occur throughout the home or in a single spot. If it is happening in a single area, there is most likely a problem with the aerator. This is a smaller plumbing problem that a professional can easily fix.
However, if the water is running slowly throughout the home, it could indicate a bigger issue. Slow water pressure in multiple areas could be due to different things. Some of the issues include faults in the water main, a supply line leakage, or a defective water heater.
To find the exact cause of the issue, contact a professional plumber to take a look at it.
4. Slow Drainage
Slow drainage is the easiest plumbing problem to notice. This issue can happen because of multiple things. It could be caused by a clogged pipe or something deep in the pipelines.
A deep issue could require a snaking fix. You can normally find the root of the issue without getting a professional involved. Even if you know the cause of the problem, it is best to get a second opinion and have a professional fix it for you.
This issue can be fixed by unclogging the pipe. This won’t be as easy as you think if the issue is deep.
5. No Water in the Winter
If you regularly are without water during the winter months of the year, your pipes are probably frozen. This issue needs to be dealt with right away by a professional.
Frozen pipes can cause more danger than it seems. For example, if the water pipes go through the attic or an unheated area, the thawing of the pipes should be cause for concern.
Water cannot go forward because the ice freezes inside the plumbing. Frozen pipes can also result in leakage that you need to be prepared for. You don’t want your pipes to thaw, instead get ready for the remediation process.
You should get frozen pipes fixed by a professional. This way you won’t have to worry about frozen pipes next time winter rolls around.
6. High Water Bills
If you have noticed a sudden increase in your water bill, you may have a plumbing issue. A water bill should not drastically change throughout the months.
A high water bill could mean you have plumbing issues that need to be fixed immediately. One of these issues could be leakage within the system. If you have a runny toilet, you could also see an increase in your water bill.
A runny toilet or a leak can lead to a lot of wasted water. A professional can get your plumbing system working correctly so you aren’t paying more than you need to for water.
7. Cracks in the Foundation
If cracks are forming in the foundation, you have a water leak. Even small leaks can cause cracks over time in the foundation. This will compromise the structure of your home.
A leak will keep hitting the same spot causing a shift. You may not feel this shift, but it will affect the walls in your home. Call a professional right away if you see cracks in the walls.
Fix Your Plumbing Problem
A plumbing problem can cost you money and your home if it is not fixed by a professional. Knowing the signs that you have plumbing issues is the first step to getting it fixed promptly. If you notice any of these seven issues in your home, call a professional right away.
For more information on plumbing problems that need addressing, contact us today.