As a homeowner, it’s inevitable that you will have to deal with plumbing issues. From dripping faucets to clogged drains, it’s important that you recognize warning signs so that you can act quickly and avoid costly repairs.
Some common warning signs include: Foul smells, unexplained increases in water bills and water stains on walls or floors.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners deal with. They happen when the pipes become blocked with hair, food scraps, coffee grounds, and other objects that shouldn’t be in the drainpipe.
Many clogged drains can be prevented by using drain guards and teaching children not to use toilets as playthings. Stringy items like dental floss, cotton swabs and hygiene products can also get into the drainpipe and create a knotted mass that restricts water flow.
Grease, fat and oil that are poured down the drain can stick to the inside of pipe liners and harden over time. This can lead to severe clogs that require professional help to dislodge.
Multiple slow or clogged drains are a red flag that there may be problems with the sewer or mainline. This requires a thorough inspection from a professional plumber. You can help prevent clogs by never pouring grease, fat or oils down the drain and disposing of them in the trash.
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes can seem like a minor inconvenience, but they are actually a major problem that must be dealt with immediately to prevent water damage, mold growth and high water bills. Even a small leak can result in severe damage over time, and it may be hard to detect due to the fact that most of your plumbing is hidden behind walls.
The most common cause of leaky pipes is corrosion. This can happen due to the buildup of minerals in your water, or it could be caused by excessive pressure on the pipes. It can also be caused by physical damage, such as bumping or hanging items on the pipes. It can be difficult to pinpoint the source of the leak, but there are some steps you can take to try and find it.
You can use rubber pipe repair tape or epoxy putty to seal the leak and create a temporary fix. These are available at most hardware stores.
High Water Bills
While a high water bill may not seem like a significant issue, it can indicate serious problems with your plumbing system. These issues can result in excessive water
waste, property damage, and health risks if ignored.
Fortunately, most of these issues are easy to resolve. For example, a leaky faucet can be easily fixed by replacing the rubber washer in the handle. Similarly, a running toilet can be easily fixed by replacing the flapper valve in the tank. Another common cause of unintended water consumption is a backwash valve in your water softener that fails to close after regenerating.
Pipes can also leak due to excess pressure, temperature changes, cracks in the seals, or age-related wear and tear. These leaking pipes can lead to a variety of problems, including spikes in your water bills, water stains and mold, ruined flooring or furniture, and unpleasant odors. If shut-off tests and visual inspections don’t provide answers, a licensed plumber can use specialized tools to pinpoint the location of the leak, such as acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging, or tracer gas.
Health Risks
If you’re noticing water stains on the walls or ceilings of your home, unexplained increases in your water bill, or hearing the sound of running water even when all of your faucets are off, these are signs that you may have a pipe leak. Pipes can leak due to excess pressure or because of cracks or worn seals.
Clogged drains are breeding grounds for bacteria, and the resulting sewage can contain harmful pathogens that cause diseases such as diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever. Standing water can also encourage the growth of molds that release spores into the air, which can aggravate breathing conditions like asthma and lead to allergic reactions in people with weak immune systems. Stagnant water and waste build up in blocked drains, creating foul odors that can permeate the entire building. These odors can be particularly unpleasant in kitchens and bathrooms, and they can also trigger headaches and nausea. The lingering odors can also be a health risk for people with respiratory issues. For more information on plumbing, https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-carlton/ and sites alike have a lot of resources available.