No one enjoys dealing with plumbing problems. They are inconvenient and annoying, but they are also a normal part of home ownership. The key to minimizing the cost, and inconvenience, is to pay attention to small problems so that they don’t turn into larger, more expensive issues. But not every sign of plumbing trouble is as obvious as a backed-up toilet or sink, so how do you know if there are problems brewing in your pipes?
We created the following list to help you spot some of the more tricky and subtle signs of impending plumbing trouble
Reduced water pressure
Reduced water pressure may be annoying when you’re taking a shower, but it is actually a red flag. If you notice a change in your water pressure, it may indicate a leak. If you don’t see signs of a leak anywhere in your home, it might be in an inaccessible area, like behind a wall or inside your water heater. This could also point to a problem in your mainline, or an active leak in your supply line. You’ll want to call in a pro to quickly get to the root of the problem before additional damage occurs.
Hidden moisture
It can be hard to detect hidden moisture, but it is a tell-tale sign of plumbing trouble, such as a leak or bad joint or fixture. You should look for damp spots in corners, behind appliances and under sinks. Discolorations in your ceiling, wall, tile or carpet can also indicate the presence of moisture. If you have a basement, you’ll want to be extra diligent in detecting leaks. It is important that you don’t ignore these signs, as this type of plumbing issue can lead to serious property damage, including mold and foundation problems.
Unexplained high bills
Are your water bills higher than they usually are this time of year? Has your month-to-month bill seen a significant and sudden increase? Unless your family has dramatically changed how they use water, having an unusually high water bill can actually signify a plumbing problem. If there is nothing visible to indicate a cause, you’ll want to call a professional to help you detect the source of the problem.
Foul smells from drains
Buildings are designed to prevent sewer odors from re-entering your home through the drain. So when things are working right, you should not be able to smell anything from any drain in your home. If there are odors coming from your drains, it is an indication that something is wrong. Sometimes, this is simply due to a dry trap. This is a fairly simple issue to resolve, but there are other, more serious issues to consider as well.
Odd green patches
Are there any patches of growth in your yard that are especially green or even overgrown? What about spots that are sunken in? If so, chances are high that you have a leak in your waterline. This is a serious issue that needs immediate attention. And even if you’re handy, this type of problem isn’t easily dealt with at home, so you’ll need to call in a trusted professional.
Thinking about plumbing trouble is not fun, but by knowing what to look for, you can catch issues before they become harder, and more expensive, to deal with. And while not every leaky faucet or backed up toilet means that there are bigger problems on the horizon, you should never ignore a red flag.
Of course, if you need any help figuring out what’s going on with your home’s plumbing, we’re just a call or email away – 1 (800) 662-4318
Leave a Reply