Your house’s plumbing system may not seem like that much of a priority at first glance when considering property upgrades. However, repairing the plumbing system will prevent mold growth & water damage. It’ll ultimately increase the longevity of your house, boost its resale value, and – most importantly – ensure the comfortability of its inhabitants, i.e., your family. It is a surprising fact that half a million homes nationwide lack indoor plumbing, and those who have indoor plumbing often neglect proper maintenance.
This article explores some warning signs that your plumbing system needs attention. However, let’s start by looking into a few key reasons why pipes need repairing & maintenance in the first place. Here are a few things that can bring down the efficiency of your house’s plumbing if you’re not careful enough:
- Older metal pipes reacting with rainwater and corroding
- Frozen pipes thawing when winter’s over and sustaining damage
- High water pressure leading to leaks and bursts in your plumbing system
- Tree roots infiltrating underground looking for moisture and ruining the pipe joints
- Sump pumps sustaining power outages or maintenance issues, eventually flooding your basement
- Earthquakes causing your pipes to bend or break against sudden landscape shifts
- Pipe joints failing (being the weakest chain in the link) when not maintained right
- Faulty flappers or fill valves leading up to a running toilet
So, here are some telltale signs that your plumbing needs a plumber’s utmost attention right away. If you see any of these red flags, get in touch with your local professionals:
1. Sewage Backups
If you notice sewage backing up into sinks/toilets, it means the sewer line isn’t functioning properly. In that case, you may have to consider a sewer line replacement.
Solution: Stop using all plumbing fixtures and contact a trusted plumbing service.
2. Weak Water Pressure
If the water pressure declines noticeably (or soars without explanation), you can assume that there’s something wrong with the main water line. Maybe, the line is clogged at some points. An issue with your water heater can also cause this problem. Multiple faucets showing the same reading, i.e., low pressure, should be a key indicator that something’s awry.
Solution: Check for visible leaks around fixtures. Then, call a plumber to look for blockages in the main line.
3. Constant Water Leaks
If your pipes or faucets keep leaking without a reasonable explanation, don’t take this major warning sign in stride. Try looking for water stains on your walls and ceiling. Maybe, there’s a hidden leak somewhere.
Solution: Keep inspecting plumbing fixtures and areas around them. Address faucet leaks right away before they destroy your plumbing from the inside out.
4. Slow Drains
Slow-draining sinks/tubs can be a major warning sign. A lot of things can clog your drains and slow down their functioning, such as:
- Body hair
- Grease
- Debris
Solution: Fix minor clogs with drain snakes or plungers.
5. Gurgling Noises
Don’t ignore those bizarre, unsettling, gurgling sounds coming from drains. The air trapped in the drain lines makes these sounds.
Solution: Don’t use chemical drain cleaners; call a local plumber instead.
6. Clogged Toilets
Frequent toilet clogs are a bad sign. They result from the following reasons:
- Low-flush toilets not providing enough power to clear waste
- Foreign objects being flushed accidentally (imagine a shoe)
- Tree roots invading sewer lines (like they often do!)
Solution: Don’t flush non-flushable items, for starters.
7. Running Toilets
A toilet that runs constantly leads to water wastage, and you end up getting outrageously high power bills. It mostly happens when the fill valve is damaged or when the flapper valves get worn out.
Solution: Check the flapper valve for signs of wear and tear. Get it replaced if you can.
8. High Water Bills
A sudden uptake in your water bills (or water consumption, for that matter) is a warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored.
Solution: Keep monitoring your water usage closely. If you notice unexplained increases, it’s better to ask a plumber to come have a look.
9. Discolored Pipes
If your pipes change colors (especially around the joints), you can expect moisture to be the most likely culprit behind this sudden discoloration.
Solution: Repair any leaks that are causing pipes to become discolored all of a sudden.
10. Frozen Pipes
In areas with colder climates, frozen pipes can burst when thawed. This condition leads to extensive water damage and costly repairs.
Solution: You should insulate exposed pipes when winter’s around the corner and let your faucets drip slightly to prevent freezing.
11. Loud Voices
If you hear loud bangs when the faucets are turned off, it means that your plumbing system is suffering from a condition called “water hammer,” in which a pressure surge damages pipes over time.
Solution: Get water hammer arrestors installed in your house. They will absorb these shock waves to prevent plumbing issues.
12. Backflow Issues
Contaminated water often flows back into clean water supplies. This backflow can lead to serious health risks for your loved ones, potentially transmitting harmful diseases. Of course, it is a major red flag that your plumbing needs inspecting!
Solution: Install backflow prevention devices to prevent this problem.
13. Malfunctioning Water Heaters
If your water heater is providing inconsistent heating or has visible leaks around it, you can take it as a warning sign that your plumbing is malfunctioning.
Solution: Flush your water heater from time to time to remove sediment buildup.
To make the story short, these warning signs are actually helpful indicators that your house’s plumbing is breathing its last. They’re like calls for help coming from your old pipes & drains. So, you should always be on the lookout for these warning signs. Once you recognize them, get professional assistance from expert local plumbers. That’s how you can make your pipes last longer and keep mold/mildew growth at bay.
Don’t forget to get your whole plumbing inspected by professionals at least once a year. Ultimately, it’s better to spend a little on maintenance and inspection than to invest a lot in replacing the old pipes.