Your plumbing pipes are essential to keeping your home clean, but they can be problematic if there are leaks or other problems. Thankfully, there are several warning signs that you should look out for to keep your home and family safe.
Water or pipe discoloration is usually a sign of a problem, especially when it occurs near joints. It could be a sign of rust or a buildup of debris in the system.
If you ever have a blocked drain in Canberra, it’s often best to reach out to a professional.
- Leaking Pipes
When pipes start leaking, they create moisture in walls, floors and cabinets that can cause significant damage and require expensive repairs. Leaking pipes can also lead to mold growth, which can be unhealthy for you and your family.
Any time you hear rattling or banging, especially from behind the walls, it is a good idea to call in a plumber. This type of noise could indicate a pipe is about to burst.
Unexplained water bills are another sign of a plumbing problem. A leaking pipe is usually to blame for sudden and dramatic increases in water bills. Water that is discolored, murky or has debris floating in it could also indicate corrosion in your pipes.
- Foul Smells
No one likes a foul-smelling home, but those smells are often a warning that there’s a problem with your plumbing. If you notice a sewer smell, it could indicate a blockage or even a break in your drain line.
If you see a spike in your water bill without being able to account for the additional use, it’s likely there is major leaking somewhere in your system. It’s best to call a plumber right away so that the problem can be diagnosed and fixed before it gets out of hand.
- Clogged Drains
Clogged drains should never be ignored because they can lead to water pooling, rotting floorboards, mold and mildew buildup and costly repairs. If you have a clog that snaking or other DIY techniques can’t fix, call a plumber immediately.
Your pipes should be silent when you turn on a faucet, so any rattling or gurgling is a sign that it’s time to call a professional. These noises are often caused by a leak or a broken pipe that needs to be repaired. They could also indicate that your p-trap is dry or that your vent pipe has been cracked and isn’t functioning properly.
- Clogged Showers
Everyone deals with the occasional pesky drain clog, but when you’re pulling out the plunger every other day or using your hand snake again and again, there could be a
larger problem at play. Not only are these persistent clogs annoying, but they can lead to water damage, mildew and mold growth, and expensive repairs.
Try pouring boiling water down your shower drain to essentially melt away hair and soap scum and break apart any clogs. You can also combine baking soda and vinegar, which creates a chemical reaction that can help unclog your shower drain.
- Clogged Toilets
Plumbing is one of the most amazing modern developments, but it can cause serious problems when something goes wrong. It’s important to be aware of the signs your home sends you and address them quickly before they become worse.
Everyone deals with a clogged toilet every now and then, but constant clogs can be a sign of a bigger problem. If your toilets seem to be clogging frequently, you may need to change your habits. For example, it’s best to avoid flushing Q-tips and cotton swabs, as they aren’t biodegradable and can lead to clogs.
- Clogged Sinks
Drain clogs can result from grease, hair, soap scum or even solid food waste. If one of your sinks is draining slower than usual, it’s time to call a plumber for help.
For smaller clogs, you can try plunging the sink. Make sure to seal the plunger’s cup over the drain hole and work up and down rapidly while letting out water.
Kitchen sinks often clog from food waste and can be difficult to clear. If the plunger doesn’t work, try removing the trap and feeding a wire drain snake into the wall pipe while cranking the handle.
- Water Damage
Few phrases strike fear in the heart of homeowners like “water damage.” Whether it’s due to a leaking pipe behind the wall, a broken water heater or something else, if you have water damage, call a plumber immediately.
Your plumbing system is an advanced network of pipes, faucets, hose bibbs and more. While most of it is hidden from view, it still wears out over time. By identifying common plumbing issues and calling Bartingale Mechanical when needed, you can save money and prevent major damage to your home.
