Nothing can be more frustrating and costly than a full-blown plumbing problem. A clogged drain and a dripping or leaking tap are problems that are easy to fix. Burst pipes, blocked or broken toilets, and colored, odorous water coming out of your taps are more serious issues that require expensive and lengthy repair services.
Learning to spot the early warning signs of the usual plumbing problems can save you thousands of dollars. It will also prevent the need for expensive, inconvenient, and overlong repairs.
Plumbing Problem Signs to Watch Out For
The team at Blue Diamond Plumbing shares a list of the usual signs that indicate the beginning or presence of a plumbing problem that needs to addressed quickly and properly:
1. High monthly water bills
One or two high water bills a year, on separate occasions, are bearable. However, if you already had a huge water bill last month and the amount is more or less the same now and you can’t think of any changes in your average water usage, chances are, you may have a hidden leak.
Since you can’t see the leak or leaks, you will have to call a professional trustworthy plumber so that he can pinpoint the exact location of the dripping pipe.
2. Mold and mildew inside cabinets and on walls outside the bathroom
Mold and mildew thrive in damp or humid areas. It is true that some homes experience high levels of humidity to allow mold and mildew to appear even in the absence of leaking pipes.
However, these harmful fungi typically spring up when leaking or broken pipes provide a higher than normal level of water in the walls. As such, their presence means you have one or more leaky or damaged pipes hidden somewhere in your home that needs to be repaired immediately.
3. Leaking pipes
If you see water dripping from a pipe whenever you open the cabinet beneath your kitchen or bathroom sink, there’s a high chance that you already have a plumbing problem which will get exponentially worse if it is not fixed immediately.
A leaking pipe usually means that it is already rusting and has holes where the water can seep through. To avoid this plumbing problem from getting worse, the rotted section of the pipe or possibly the whole pipe must be replaced.
4. Sudden drops in water pressure
If you experience a sudden decrease in the water pressure, this is usually a sign of dangerous clogged or leaking pipes.
These clogs can lead to pipe ruptures which, in turn, can damage your home’s foundation, walls and roof. These leaky and blocked pipes can also cause the formation of mold and mildew.
5. Cloudy, discolored, or rusty water coming out of the faucet
Contaminants and other impurities can cause discoloration or clouding of water. usually, the water will have an unpleasant or rusty smell as well.
Most contaminants come from problems in your water supply. However, old or leaking pipes and water heaters can also cause water contamination and discoloration.
6. Recurring toilet backups or clogs
Nothing can be more annoying than being unable to flush the toilet; this is not only gross, but it can also become a huge sanitary issue.
If this is a problem you consistently have in your bathroom, call a professional plumber. You may have an issue somewhere in the toilet tank or you may need to have your septic tank emptied.
7. Slow draining sink and bathtub
If it seems like you need ages to empty your sink and bathtub or the water isn’t draining at all, you most likely have a blocked pipe.
Although you can use certain products and tools to fix this problem, it is still best to have a professional plumber clear the clog. Aside from getting rid of the blockage, the plumber can check to make sure it isn’t a part of a bigger issue.
Once you discover a plumbing issue, whether it seems easy to fix or not, it is always best to call a professional plumber immediately. You will save more money and avoid a lot of inconveniences if you let the pros deal with the problem from the start.
See also: Find commercial three compartment sinks, faucets and stainless steel appliances at Elli Bistro Restaurant Services here.
About the Author
Based in South Melbourne, Blue Diamond Plumbing was founded in 1985, working on new homes, repairs and commercial contracts. Over time they have grown to become some of the best plumbers Melbourne has to offer. Since 2001 the company has specialised in Emergency Plumbing and Property Maintenance, Repairs and Renovations for homes and businesses in Melbourne and inner city suburbs. Owner Rod Diamond has over 30 years experience with emergency plumbing in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
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