Your plumbing system is responsible for making sure water flows efficiently throughout your home. When you have a frozen pipe, notice a leak or smell a strange odor, delaying the repair can lead to catastrophic water damage. This is why it’s best to remain proactive in matters related to plumbing. Keep an eye out for these common plumbing issues.
1. Water Heater Operations
Having a constant supply of hot water in your home is crucial. If you notice that your hot water supply is running out faster than usual, it might be a sign that there’s an issue with your water heater. It’s also worth paying attention to any strange noises coming from the water heater. Take a look at the unit and check for any cracks or leaks. If you spot any, it’s crucial to get them fixed as soon as possible to avoid any potential hazards.
2. Mold/Mildew
When it comes to your home’s plumbing, there are a variety of fixtures that you should inspect regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. From your sinks and bathtubs to your toilets and faucets, it’s important to check for any signs of wear or damage. One common issue to watch out for is the development of mold or mildew around your plumbing fixtures.
If you notice any of these signs, it could be an indication of a leak or crack in your plumbing that needs to be addressed. It’s important to keep in mind that your plumbing fixtures should never produce mold or mildew, so it’s best to take action as soon as you notice any signs of these issues.
3. Low Water Pressure
Lowering your water pressure is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and conserve water, but if you notice that your water pressure has decreased on its own, it could be a sign of a larger issue. In some cases, lower water pressure can indicate a blockage or clog in one of your pipes. If this is the case, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to your plumbing system.
Additionally, if you suspect that there may be an issue with your water supply, it’s best to contact your water company to investigate the problem. A leak in your plumbing system can also cause a decrease in water pressure, so it’s important to stay on top of any necessary repairs to save energy, and water and prevent any potential damage to your home.
4. Sewer Line Concerns
A great way to know if there might be a sewer line issue involves your front yard. If you’re someone who regularly waters your lawn, pay attention to whether certain patches of grass seem to be thriving while other patches of grass are withering away. With this level of inconsistency, the sewer line blockage might be the culprit.
5. Toilet Efficiency
As a major plumbing fixture in your home, toilets and their efficiency play a crucial role in your plumbing system. If they continue to run after you’ve flushed them, it could lead to a spike in your water bills and create an environment for water damage to occur. In such cases, there might be something wrong with a particular toilet that needs repair.
6. Offensive Odors
Whether it’s coming from the kitchen sink, the toilets or the bathtub drain, an offensive odor can point to several issues with the plumbing. Sometimes, a bad smell means that there’s a blockage with the sewer line. In this case, it’s best to call a professional plumber to take care of the problem.
If the odor is coming from the kitchen sink, it might be an indication that you’ve been placing food or the wrong materials down the kitchen drain. In such cases, it’s recommended to utilize the trash can as opposed to the garbage disposal to prevent clogs and unpleasant odors.
7. Corrosion
There can be various reasons why pipes corrode. One common reason is the consistent use of chemical drain cleaners. Another possibility is a reduction in water pressure or the presence of hard water. Additionally, high temperatures or metals in the water can also contribute to corrosion over time. In many cases, visible corrosion is just the tip of the iceberg, and there could be even worse corrosion behind the scenes. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to call a plumber as soon as you notice any visible signs of pipe corrosion.
8. Strange-Colored Water
If you’ve noticed that your water has an unusual color, it is important to take action. In most cases, the cause of discolored water is beyond your control, so it is recommended to contact your water supply company to determine if there is an issue in your area.
However, rust in the pipes can also cause water discoloration. If this is the case, there are several solutions available such as flushing the rust out of the pipes or installing a rust filtration system.
9. Draining Issues
If you’re experiencing slow drainage in your tub, sink or toilet, chances are that there’s a blockage. Instead of immediately resorting to chemical drain cleaners, consider using mechanical options like a plumbing snake or a plunger. Chemical drain cleaners contain harmful chemicals that can damage your pipes over time. If the blockage persists, it’s best to seek professional assistance.
10. Water Usage Spike
If you’ve noticed that your water bill is higher than usual, it’s a good idea to check the trends provided by the water bill company to see how much your usage typically is around a certain billing cycle. If you still find the bill to be unusually high, you can always call the utility company to ask them to read the meter or check to see if something’s wrong with it. If nothing’s wrong with the meter, this might be an indication that there’s a leak somewhere in your plumbing system that’s causing your water bill to spike.
11. Frozen Pipes
Protecting your pipes during the winter is essential. Don’t let the frigid temperatures cause your pipes to freeze and burst, potentially causing costly damage to your home. One simple trick is to keep your kitchen cabinets slightly open to maintain warmth.
Additionally, insulated pipes are a smart investment as they reduce the risk of freezing. Keep a close eye on pipes that make strange noises or have reduced water flow as these could be signs of freezing. In the case of frozen pipes, it’s best to seek professional assistance. Don’t take any chances with your home’s plumbing; take the necessary steps to protect your pipes this winter.
Including Professional Help
With so many components involved in maintaining an efficient plumbing system, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Thankfully, you can enlist the help of our professionals at Level 9 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing. Since 1975, we’ve offered a wide range of services to Washington, St. Louis, and surrounding cities. Whether you need assistance with plumbing, heating or indoor air quality, contact our team to learn how we can help you today!
Contact Level 9 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing today to schedule the plumbing services that you need.
