Jake PopistIf you’ve ever had a plumbing nightmare, where you had no water for a few days or a burst pipe in the kitchen, you know how annoying it is. The majority of people wait until they have an accident before calling a plumber, but if you pay attention to the signs, you might save yourself a massive headache.
It’s common to call a plumber when you have a dripping faucet or a slow-running drain, but other problems might be harder to spot. For instance, an unusually high water bill could mean there’s a problem with the water line and a foul odor is a sign you have something wrong with the drainpipes.
Deposit Buildup or Stains on Faucets
Depending on where you live, the water quality can vary significantly as it has different additives and trace minerals. High concentration can lead to green, brown, and white buildup or staining on the faucets and fixtures. The problem is that they can also appear inside the pipes and affect the water flow. A good idea is to install point-of-use filters or house purification systems.
Lack of a Main Shutoff Valve
If you don’t have a main shutoff valve or don’t know where it is, make sure you have one installed and learn how to use it. In the event of an emergency, it’s important to shut your water off as quickly as you can to prevent any considerable damage to your property.
Slow-Running Sink or Drain
Most clogged and slow-running drains can be easily fixed with a plunger or a healthy dose of caustic soda. However, these solutions are just temporary, and chemicals could be damaging the pipes if used too frequently. If you have a persistent problem, you might need professional help.
High Water Bills
High water bills are expected during the summer, when you water the garden more frequently. However, an unusual spike could indicate a possible break or leakage in the main water line. If that’s the case, you should immediately call a plumber to assess and fix the issue.
Bad Smell Near Appliances
Most of the time a bad smell occurs due to a clogged pipe, but if it’s happening near an appliance, it’s possible that the drainpipes are being improperly ventilated. Sewer gases leaking into your home can be awful, but don’t forget they’re also a health hazard and need to be dealt with.
Dripping Faucets and Leaky Fixtures
Did you know that according to the Environmental Protection Agency, a leak of one drip per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year? Replacing the rubber washer should fix the problem, but if it doesn’t, you might want to call someone to have a proper look.
Major complications such as a burst pipe are impossible to predict, but the most common household plumbing issues don’t happen overnight. You should always be on the lookout for anything unusual, as it might give you a clue about an underlying problem that can easily be fixed by a professional.
Jake Popist
