Plumbing maintenance is crucial to keeping your home functional and safe. Over time, your pipes, drains, faucets, and sewer connections may deteriorate and put your house at risk of water damage.
Failure to address plumbing issues immediately may compromise your home’s structural integrity. In the long run, you’ll spend more on repairs and restoration. To maintain your home’s strength, functionality, and comfort, look out for these 12 signs that can tell you your home has plumbing problems:
Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets is one of the telltale signs of a plumbing problem. If ignored, small drops of water can become huge leaks and will significantly increase your water bill. If water drips or flows after you’ve turned it off, it’s time for an inspection and repair. You may look for certified plumbing experts in the Seven Hills or call your local plumber.
Dysfunctional Drain
A dysfunctional drain is a hassle. Whether in the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry, a sluggish drain can impede your daily tasks and cause delays. While there are quick clog fixes, scheduling an inspection from an expert might be necessary to fix the problem permanently.
The common causes of a dysfunctional drain are minor clogs, pipe deterioration, and root ingress. Call a professional plumber to prevent further issues if the problem persists after trying to unclog it.
Unpleasant Odor
Some plumbing problems can cause unpleasant odors around the house, especially concerning gray water. Simple drain issues and clogs or cracks in the pipe can cause leaks and puddles that may stink when not addressed immediately. So, if you notice unpleasant odors coming from any sink or faucet in the house, it’s time to call a plumber.
Increased Water Bill
Some plumbing problems show no visible signs. In some cases, you can only notice it by evaluating your water bill. A sudden and unexplained spike in your water consumption can indicate a plumbing issue.
A leak in your main water supply usually goes unnoticed until surface damage, like puddling or soil erosion, emerges. Monitoring water consumption and regular professional plumbing inspection prevents this issue.
Wall Discoloration
Wall discoloration, paint bubbling, and wallpaper wrinkling or peeling are clear signs of water damage. The root cause of these issues often lies in the plumbing, particularly a pipe leak.
You may also see discolorations and stains on the ceiling and floors, depending on the location of the leaking pipe. This problem is common in old properties, so pipe replacement might be the best option.
Wet Floors
Another telltale sign of a plumbing issue is moist or wet floors. It’s a common indication of a leak or poor drainage. If you have concrete floors, leaks may seep in moisture from the ground, which may cause puddles or staining on the surface.
Since floor puddling or sagging can indicate severe water damage, it’s best to call your local plumber immediately.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure in your shower or faucet indicates a plumbing problem. A community-wide water supply problem may also cause this issue, but it usually comes with an advisory. When you’re experiencing this problem suddenly, it’s typically caused by a leak in your main water pipe. Call a professional plumber immediately to prevent further water wastage.
Discolored Water
Discoloration in your water supply can be a sign of pipe corrosion and leak. This issue can pose health risks due to contamination. If you’re experiencing this problem, prepare for pipe rehabilitation. Your local plumber will offer the best long-term solution to ensure your pipes are durable and long-lasting.
Odd Pipe Sounds
Odd sounds like screeching or water running in the pipes can indicate a leak. However, pinpointing the exact location of the leaking pipe can be challenging. Call a certified plumber for a full inspection to determine all the possible plumbing issues.
Wobbling Toilet
A toilet that wobbles from the base can indicate a pipe leak under the floor. As the water leaks, the soil erodes, and the slab slowly sags, making it uneven. As a result, the toilet and other standing bathroom fixtures may start to look unstable.
Worn Pipes
Wear and tear on exposed pipes are clear signs of a plumbing problem. Although no cracks or leaks exist, repairing or replacing these worn-out pipes is crucial to prevent future problems like water damage, leaks, and water wastage.
Unusual Puddles In Your Yard
Not all signs of plumbing problems are noticeable within the house. You may also need to inspect your yard to see possible issues.
One sign to look out for is an unusual puddle in your yard. Pools are expected during the rainy season, but when you see one that doesn’t dry up, it may indicate a leak. You may also notice that the soil is starting to erode and sag. Call a trusted plumber to address this issue right away.
Conclusion
Determining signs of plumbing problems is crucial to ensure any damage is rectified immediately. Calling your reliable local plumber for a regular inspection can prevent further damage and keep your house strong and safe.
