Water leaks can be minor and easily fixed, or worsen and contribute to a major disaster. Because most plumbing components are hidden behind walls, trouble can be difficult to detect. To help you spot issues quickly, here are eight signs of plumbing problems in the home.
1. Noisy Pipes are a Sign of Plumbing Problems in the Home
The sound of rushing water is the only thing you should be hearing in your pipes. If there’s a rattling noise, you may be facing what’s known as a “water hammer.” The sound is caused by water quickly changing direction or stopping which causes the piping to rattle. The causes range from loose piping, air chambers that are flooded, or high water pressure.
2. Low Water Pressure
If you’re standing in the shower and the water is just trickling out, the abnormally low water pressure could be a sign that something is wrong. More than just a nuisance, low pressure could be pointing to an obstruction in your plumbing. It’s advisable to contact a plumber if you experience an abrupt change in water pressure or low pressure throughout the home.
3. Bad Drain Smells
If you’re noticing a pungent smell in your home, bacteria build-up in the drain might be the culprit. Clean your drains and see if the problem goes away. A persistent smell from your drains could point to a crack or blockage within the sewer line.
4. Mold Growth can Indicate Plumbing Problems in the Home
Mold needs moisture to grow. This means that there is excess moisture wherever you notice mold growth in your home. If you’re dealing with mold, there’s a good chance you have a leak. Find the source of the problem and repair the plumbing before fixing the water damage.
5. Sluggish Drains
Slow drains aren’t just inconvenient and annoying, they could also be signs of plumbing issues. Soap scum, hair, and other debris sometimes collect in your pipes causing blockages and longer drain time. However, when pipes throughout your home are lagging, your main sewer line might be clogged. This should be treated as an emergency, so call a professional if you think this could be the issue.
6. Clogged Toilets
Toilets become clogged. Often paper products are to blame, but there are times when a larger problem could be the cause. If you find yourself needing to use the plunger frequently, your septic system could be backed up or your sewer lines clogged.
7. Stains on Your Ceiling
Brown spots on your ceiling are a telltale sign that something is wrong. They indicate a leak is present. You might have water leaking directly from your roof or it could be from a plumbing pipe. Locate and repair the source of the leak before you spend the money fixing the ceiling. Otherwise, you may have to repair the ceiling more than once.
8. Unexpectedly High Water Bill
A plumbing problem might be to blame if your water bill is an unexpected and exorbitant amount. Unless homeowners can explain a spike in their water usage, for example filling a swimming pool, then the higher bill could be a symptom of a problem. A hidden leak is often the cause.
What to do About Plumbing Problems
If you’re experiencing issues with your plumbing, call a professional right away. Since water can cause significant damage in a short amount of time, it’s important to make repairs as quickly as possible. Hire a plumber to remedy the situation to avoid damage to your home and your belongings.
Winning Edge Home Inspections offers home inspections to Columbia, SC. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to request our services.