Burst pipes. Overflowing toilets. Zero water. All of these are very obvious signs that you have a plumbing issue in your home. Sometimes, though, you may have plumbing problems starting, and the signs aren’t as obvious. How do you know when to call a plumber to prevent a small problem from becoming a gigantic one?
- Discolored Pipes or Water
Any time you find yourself in the vicinity of your pipes, it’s a good idea to check to see if you notice any discoloration.This is especially common around joints.Discoloration anywhere along your pipes is a good indication that moisture is building up, likely from either a drip or a slow leak in a supply line which should be addressed immediately.Discolored pipes aren’t the only indication of problems.Cloudy water can indicate air buildup in the plumbing while brown water can be caused by rust buildup in the pipes.
- Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is not only super annoying, but also potentially problematic.When the low pressure is isolated to one area it’s not typically a problem.This is usually caused by a faulty faucet aerator and is easy to fix.The problem occurs when low water pressure is occurring in multiple areas of the home at the same time.This can indicate issues with the water heater, leaks in the supply line, or a problem at the water main.Widespread low water pressure should be addressed immediately before you end up with a gigantic mess on your hands.
- Foul Odor
Sewer gas odor is a definite sign that you need help from a plumber.This can indicate something as simple as a trap that has run dry to something as sever as a cracked vent line.A professional will be able to advise you on the probably source of the odor and whether it can be fixed on your own or if you’ll need help.
- Slow Drain
Drains that are backed up or moving slowly are a more obvious sign of a problem.These could be caused by an easily removed clog near the drain or an issue further down the line.If more than one drain is running slow it’s a good indication that there’s something wrong with your main sewer line, which is a major issue.
- Extra Green Grass
Have you noticed a portion of your yard is looking particularly green?It’s nice, right?Maybe not.Sections of grass that are much greener than the grass around them are a very common sign of sewer issues, especially if that patch is located between your house and the street.Other exterior signs of a sewer problem are sunken areas in the yard caused by compacted dirt due to excess moisture.
- Bubbling Paint
Bubbling paint in the ceiling or on the walls is a sure sign of a moisture problem.If you notice that the paint in your home is suddenly bubbling or peeling it might be time to call for help.Most often this is caused by either a roof leak or problems with the plumbing system.The location of the paint bubbles can help narrow down where the moisture is coming from, but you’ll probably still need help finding the exact source and fixing it.
- High Water Bills
If your water bill has suddenly spiked seemingly out of nowhere it’s very likely you have an issue with your plumbing somewhere in the house. Sudden rises in your water bill should always be linked to increased water usage like filling your pool for the summer or adding an additional person to the home who is doing laundry and showering. If you haven’t had a change in habits in your water usage and your water bill has risen significantly, you’ll want to investigate your home for problems like leaks, running toilets, or a garden hose that hasn’t been completely turned off.