10 Signs You Need Your Plumbing Repaired
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If there is one thing that you should never ignore when it comes to your home, it's an issue with your plumbing. The problem is that most plumbing issues can go unnoticed until they turn into major problems. One of the most critical components of your home's plumbing system is the water line, and it's this that delivers fresh water to your shower, faucets, and appliances.
The water line could affect the entire plumbing system, which results in poor quality water, water loss, and very costly repairs. You have to know the signs that indicate that you need a water line repair, but also which ones show you that you have other plumbing issues going on. Whether it's a leak, a clog, or a malfunctioning appliance, here are the signs to watch for that suggest it's time to call in the professionals and get your plumbing fixed.
The water pressure has weakened.
Low water pressure is such a pain! It's one of the most common signs of a plumbing issue, and if you notice that the water pressure in your shower has decreased significantly, there might be a leak in your water line. When there is a break in your pipe work or in the water line, or there is mineral buildup inside the pipes, the flow of water is restricted and that leads to a lot lower pressure than you're used to. If you are experiencing inconsistent, or even weaker water pressure, getting your system checked by a professional is just good sense.
Your water is a weird colour.
Even if you don't necessarily drink faucet water, you have to know the difference between clean water and unclean water. Water that is rusty, discoloured, or smelly, is an indication of a plumbing problem - it’s not supposed to be grey or brown! We will come into the weird odours next, but weird colours is a good sign that there is something wrong with your water in your pipes. Brown, yellow or even just cloudy water coming from the faucets indicates a sediment buildup. It could even be rust or contamination in your water supply, but either way you shouldn't want to drink or shower within it. It's very common in houses that have aging water pipes, so you want to address this straight away because it can affect the quality of your drinking water as well as your laundry.
It doesn’t smell too good!
Your water isn’t supposed to smell bad. And the funny thing is that at least with the bad odour, you can really tell there is something wrong. If you're smelling something foul coming from your drains or your faucets, this could be a very good indication of a blockage or a clog. Usually, a bad smell comes from organic materials, food particles or waste accumulating inside pipes. It causes stagnant water to produce unpleasant smells, and that’s not something you want to live with. You'll notice a sulphur-like smell, kind of like rotten eggs, but a professional plumber can inspect the system and make sure that the source of the odour is located. Not only that, but they will be able to provide a good solution to make sure it doesn't happen again and teach you how to keep it clear.
What's that sound?
Hearing strange sounds such as gurgling, banging, or even whining noises from your pipes is a good sign that something is wrong with the plumbing. Banging noises will often occur when water flow is suddenly turned off. This causes the pipes to shake or move. This is known as a phenomenon called water hammer, and it's caused by improperly secured pipes, a buildup of air pressure, or issues with the waterline. Those water line repairs may seem expensive on the surface, but gurgling or water hammer sounds need to be fixed.
The walls are damp.
Water leaks are very obvious, because you'll notice patches of water on the walls, ceilings, or floors. Leaking pipes can lead to extensive damage, mold growth, and even issues with the structure of your home. If you don't address the problem quickly, a small leak can cause a lot more damage over time. Plumbers can locate the leak and repair it before it becomes a bigger issue, even if you can't see where the water is coming from, they'll be able to find it.
Your pipes keep clogging.
Frequent clogs in the toilets, showers or kitchen sinks can indicate quite a serious plumbing issue. There's only so many times that you can put vinegar and baking soda down your plugs, so you need to call in a plumber to make sure you get to the root of the issue. Persistent blockages can be the result of a tree root intrusion into a water line or pipes. In these cases, no matter how much baking soda you chuck down the plug, the blockage is not going to go away. In some cases, a clog can be blocking the flow of water through a water line and that can lead to water loss.
Sewage is backing up.
A sewage backup is a common and unpleasant plumbing problem. In fact, sewage backing up can be quite dangerous. It does require immediate attention so if you notice the water backing up into the bathtub or sink, it's a good sign that the sewer line itself is damaged or clogged. Common causes include tree roots, collapsed or broken pipes, and excessive waste. You need the experts for this one.
There's water pooling in the yard.
This is pretty normal when there's been some heavy rain but if you're noticing puddles or soggy areas that never seem to dry, there could be a leak. Leaking pipes and water lines can cause water to pool in your yard. This leads to saturated soil and can damage your landscape. If the leak is located underground, it may not be immediately visible to you. Pooling water is a visible and clear indicator that something is very wrong.
Your bills keep rising.
Unexpected water bill increases can signal a hidden leak because the water keeps running even when you're confident you turned it off. If your usage levels haven't changed but your water bill is spiking, you could be dealing with a heavy leak in the ground.
It's just about time.
It may not be an immediate warning sign of a plumbing issue, but the age of your plumbing system does play a role in needing repairs. If it's been a while, having your pipe work checked out by a plumber before a problem arises is a good plan. They'll be able to inspect it for you to make sure that there is no aging in the pipes or rust building. If it's been more than 10 years since your pipes were last looked at, getting ahead of it before it becomes a problem is going to save you a lot of money.
Your plumbing system is a critical part of your home. Any issues of the water line or the pipework can lead to significant damage, especially if you leave it unresolved. Between minor leaks and major water lines, addressing plumbing issues as soon as they start will help to ensure that your system continues to function properly. You should never hesitate to contact the professionals. Yes it may be an expensive job, but that's what insurance is for.
