Plumbers are used to emergency calls for leaking water, broken pipes, and frozen valves. However, if you catch issues before they become an emergency it will save you a lot of money, and your plumber will appreciate it.
Plumbing issues that aren’t addressed can become emergencies over time. One leak can cost thousands of dollars in repairs, remediation, and renovation. If you suspect you have an issue with your plumbing, you can save time, money, and stress by calling out your plumber right away.
Clogged Toilets
If your toilets seem to always be clogged you may have a child who uses too much toilet paper, or you could have a plumbing problem. This could be caused by having the toilet vent clogged, low water pressure from an old low-flow or malfunctioning toilet, or roots in your drain lines. Whatever the reason, you should get your system checked with a sewer camera to find the problem.
Slow Drainage
Pipes that consistently drain slowly could show an issue with your overall plumbing or with that specific drain. If you clean out the drain and there is no improvement, it’s time to call a plumber. He may need to clean or replace the trap, or there may be a clog somewhere in your drain lines.
High Water Bills
If your water bill is suddenly higher than normal, and you haven’t been using an unusual amount of water, you should worry about a leak. The best way to check for a leak is to shut off your water everywhere, including inside and outside of the house, and then check your water meter to see if it’s running. That indicates water is still running somewhere it shouldn’t be.
Signs of a Leak
Signs of a leak in your house include brown spots on your ceiling, bubbling and discolored paint, and mold. If your bathroom or kitchen floor is wet frequently and you don’t know why, or if you see wet areas under your sinks or near your bathtub, you may have a leak. Even a tiny leak can cause thousands of dollars of damage. By the time you see signs like bubbling paint, the wall is already very wet inside. Don’t delay.
Strange Sounds in Pipes
If your pipes make a hammering or thumping sound or you hear trickling water long after you are no longer using it, you should call a plumber. Your pipes should be silent except for the sound of running water when in use.
Discolored Water
Strange colored water is a sign of old pipes or mineral build-up in the hot water heater. While discolored water is usually safe to drink, it’s unsightly and can be a sign that your pipes are filling with mineral deposits or breaking down. This is especially the case if you only notice the discoloration after the water has been sitting for a while, like first thing in the morning or after vacation. While some tap water is naturally colored, if you are unsure or the color is new, call an expert.
Standing Water in the Yard
If you notice a puddle in your yard but it hasn’t rained in days, assume the worst- that you have an underground water leak or something wrong with your septic tank. Sometimes, you will have a extra-green patch of grass rather than standing water. It’s a good idea to see if your water meter is still running even with all the water shut off to check for a leak.
Low Water Pressure
Consistently low water pressure is not just annoying, it’s a bad sign. While water can have low pressure from other causes, such as maintenance on the main lines or the sprinkler system running, those will be intermittent or short term. Consistently low pressure could be caused by a leak diverting water from your lines, build up in the water heater, or clogged supply lines.
Sewer Smells
Any sewer or rotten egg smell is both annoying and a sign of an issue. You may need your venting system checked or you may have a leaking drain line. The seals and valves in your toilet might not be working correctly. You could also simply have a dry trap which is designed to hold water and keep odors out. If you have a tub or toilet that is rarely used, run water in it and see if that solves the problem. If not, call a plumber.
Discolored Pipes
If you notice discoloration on metal pipes, it’s a sign of aging and it might be time to get an inspection on your system. Corroding copper or iron pipes may be slowly leaking or wearing out.
Wobbly Toilet
A wobbly toilet may be a simple problem like a loose seat or it may be a more problematic issue like loose bolts or a wax ring that is breaking down. Try tightening the bolts and if you still feel like something is wrong, call a plumber. The wax ring seals the toilet where it enters the drain pipe and is necessary to prevent leaks and fumes.
Gurgling Sounds
If you hear gurgling or bubbling sounds from your toilet after you have flushed it, you may have air entering the line or a vent that is not working well. Drain water should run freely in your pipes and gurgling sounds, especially delayed gurgling, can be a sign of a partially clogged line somewhere.