Plumbing problems are not always easy to spot in your home, but not noticing them (or ignoring them) could be a very expensive mistake, since long-term damage could be the result. Even a small drip could cause major issues in your home. Keep an eye out for the following signs of plumbing problems if you want to avoid expensive home repairs.
Screeching, Rattling or Pinging Faucets: If this happens when you turn your faucet off or on, you probably have air in the pipes, which may mean the system for bleeding off air is not working properly.
Low Water Pressure: Leaky plumbing, clogged pipes or pipes that are not properly sized can all cause low water pressure. This can make your home’s plumbing less effective.
Mold or Wet Spots: Closely examine any enclosed spaces (such as your home’s crawl spaces) for any signs of mold or wet spots caused by leaks. It’s especially important to check under your sinks and directly below the pipes.
Bad Smelling Drain: If you have a sink that hasn’t been used recently and that’s emitting a bad smell, it may be that the P-trap (the section of the pipe that keeps smells from backing up) may have dried out. Run a little water and see if this eliminates the your problem.
Gurgling Drains: If you have gurgling drains or ones that drain slowly, this could indicate that the pipe is blocked. Use one of the available methods to remove the blockage (such as drain cleaner or a plumbing snake) or call in a professional to do it for you.
Toilet Backing up Constantly: If your home’s toilet is constantly backing up so you have to plunge it regularly, this could indicate either that tree roots have made their way into the pipe (resulting in a blockage) or that your home septic tank is full and should be emptied.
Water Heater Issues: You or a professional should regularly inspect your water heater for any signs of corrosion or rust on both the pipes and the tank. With a gas fired water heater, make sure that the gas lines are not leaking by applying a bit of soapy water and looking for bubbles.
Discolored Water: If the water coming out of your faucets is discolored or brown, it may be time to replace your water heater.
Leaky Faucets: If your faucets leak when on, this usually means that the washers or O-rings should be replaced. If they leak when they’re not on, you may have mineral buildup or may need to replace your faucets entirely.
Check Hidden Leaks: You may have trouble finding some of the leaks in your home or even determining if you have any at all. One way to be sure whether you have a leak is to turn off all of the faucets and other equipment in your home (including your water heater) that uses water. Then check your water meter. If it’s running, this is a sign you may have a leak.
Charlie Teschner started MESA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in 1982. Charlie has a journeyman and master plumber’s license. He was raised with a strong work ethic and he now applies those values to tasks such as Longmont, CO heating repair.
