We use a lot of water in the US.
In fact, the average 4-person household uses approximately 400 gallons of water every single day.
With showers, baths, toilets, and taps running consistently throughout the day, it isn’t hard to see how it all adds up! Plumbing systems can be as well-fitted and durable as you like, but with such vast quantities of water being used all the time, it’s just a matter of time before it starts to fail.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know when disaster’s about to strike. The early warning signs may be clear to a plumber. But the average person might not bat an eyelid.
What signs some clear signs that you might have a plumbing problem?
Keep reading to find out.
7 Signs You Have a Proper Plumbing Problem
With a lack of professional knowledge, it can be hard to know exactly when to call the plumber. However, the consequences of waiting too long can be incredibly damaging.
Check out these 7 signs that you should call a plumber now. Need help now? Use this helpful site for plumbing support.
1. You Can See Water Where it Shouldn’t Be
This might sound obvious. However, it’s likely that you have a problem when you can see water where there was none before.
Now, opening the door to a flood of water around your feet is a pretty clear sign you need a plumber. But it isn’t always that obvious!
Maybe you see a slight stain on the ceiling or a bit of water around the base of your toilet. Both are examples of potentially serious problems. Call a professional to check and sort it out straight away.
2. Your Taps are Dripping
No-one likes a leaky faucet.
The constant dripping is downright annoying. It’s also a hefty drain on resources. The environment suffers. Your bank balance does too.
In fact, it’s been found that a tap dripping every second for a year will waste 3,000 gallons of water. You’re literally leaking money.
A leaky tap might not signal impending plumbing doom. But they can be surprisingly difficult to fix without the right tools and know-how. A pro will get it done in no time.
3. You Can Hear Gurgling
A gurgling sound is rarely good, regardless of the context.
The same goes for your plumbing.
Do you hear a gurgling sound in the background whenever you use the toilet, or dishwasher, or the shower? It might be a sign that the drains are clogged. Turn off the water to avoid everything backing up into your home.
Then call a plumber to clear your drains.
4. You Can Hear Running Water
Okay, another somewhat common sense sign of a problem here.
Nonetheless, if you’re not running water, but you can hear water running, you may have a problem. It’s likely you’ve got a leak somewhere. You might see water damage on the ceiling or walls. It might start to pool in certain places.
In extreme cases, your ceiling can even cave in.
Do yourself a favor an ask a plumber for help. Do it now.
5. Your Pipes Have Frozen
Is it freezing cold outside?
Has your water stopped running? Can you hear strange, sinking-titanic-like sounds when you run the water? How about dodgy smells from the tap?
Your pipes might have frozen.
Get help.
Oh, and this is one of those situations where a DIY approach can hinder rather than help. Thawing your pipes can crack and/or burst them. Instead, in particularly cold weather you should let your faucets drip cold water. That should prevent pipes from freezing.
6. Your Pressure’s Dropped
Low water pressure is another sign your system may have an issue.
Low pressure is never fun. It makes for a very sad shower.
Now, the problem may be nothing serious, or it might be extremely serious. Either way, it’s a problem that a plumber can help with.
The less serious issue might be a build-up of dirt somewhere down the line. The more serious option is that there’s a leak somewhere. Call a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the problem!
7. Your Water Looks Iffy
Are you used to beautifully clear water from the faucet?
If so, then beware of suddenly odorous, murky, off-colored water. The precise color of the water can indicate the underlying problem. For instance, blue/green water may indicate that copper pipes are corroding somewhere.
Usually, you can replace the piping to resolve the issue. Likewise, there might be a problem with your . Regardless of the problem, you’ll need a plumber to fix it.
8. Bonus: Your Draining is Slow
Here’s an extra issue to keep an eye on.
We decided to include it as it’s immensely common. Slow drains are a frequent bane of household sinks. Chances are you can work a plunger. That’s good. They can definitely dislodge whatever’s clogging your drains.
However, sometimes nothing happens however hard you plunge. You might be tempted to use nasty chemical cleaners as a next step up. Again, that might work.
But they usually have a pretty bleak impact on the environment. That’s best avoided. Equally, they can erode the pipework over time and cause greater damage in the long run. For serious blockages where plungers won’t work, try calling a plumber.
They’ll have your drains draining quickly in no time.
Time to Call the Plumber
There you have it: 7 signs (plus a bonus one!) you have a serious plumbing problem and need help now!
Household water consumption is at an all-time high. Hundreds of gallons of water are flowing through our pipes on a daily basis. It’s only a matter of time before problems occur. That’s especially true in older houses, where the pipework may have been in place for donkey’s years.
It’s all too easy to let plumbing problems go unnoticed. Indeed, to the untrained ear and eye, it can be impossible to recognize the signs. Hopefully, the signs we’ve discussed here will draw your attention to any potential problems in your home!
It starts with understanding, moves to recognition, and ends with getting professional support!
Don’t wait to get your plumbing problems sorted out.
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