Identifying the warning signs of a pending plumbing issue can help you avoid the inconveniences of lost service. It can also save you from the potential they carry for causing expensive damage to your home. A plumbing system is a vital component of your home and everyday life. It provides you with a steady stream of fresh water, both hot and cold for bathing, cooking and washing your clothes. In addition, your plumbing system is responsible for diverting waste water into the sewer system or septic tank.
Knocking or Rattling Sounds within the Walls
If you experience knocking or rattling sounds within the walls when you flush the toilet, take a shower or use a faucet, you potentially have a problem. Several circumstances can cause your pipes to rattle including loose strapping, loose valves and water hammer, which is caused by a pressure surge within the plumbing system. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to leaking, cracked or burst pipes that will spill gallons of water into your home.
Low Water Pressure
Often, low water pressure is an easy fix by simply cleaning a clogged shower head or faucet aerator. However, it can also point to a more severe plumbing issue. For example, deteriorated, corroded or blocked water supply lines can burst and cause causing water loss or damage to your home.
Dripping Fixtures
According to the USGS, a single faucet that drips one drip per minute will waste 104 gallons of freshwater per year. Not only does this waste one of the earth’s most precious resources, it can also drive up your monthly water usage and bill. In addition, as time passes, and the cause of the drip — deteriorating washers or seals — worsens, you can expect the volume of dripping water to increase.
Slow Drainage
A slow draining tub, toilet or sink is a sure sign something is wrong within your home’s sewer lines. This problem could be caused by something as simple as a wad of hair stuck in the drain or a more serious problem such as tree roots invading your sewer line. Avoiding this problem will not make it magically disappear. It is recommended that you call a professional plumber to get to the root of the problem before the problem worsens and eventually causes a sewage backup.
Hot Water Issues
If you are always cutting your showers short due to a lack of hot water, you most likely have a water heater problem. While a leaking or burst hot water supply line could be the cause, most often the problem can lie within the water heater itself. Most water heaters rely on dual heating elements to maintain water temperatures and energy efficiency. When one fails, the remaining element cannot keep up with the demand. If you are experiencing inadequate hot water supplies, or any of the problems mentioned above, it may be time to call in the professionals.
Ignoring the signs that point to a potential plumbing issue could be costly. For answers to your questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
