Introduction
Homeowners often take their plumbing for granted until something goes wrong. While a dripping faucet might seem like a minor annoyance, it can often be a symptom of a much larger issue lurking behind your walls.
Ignoring these early warning signs can lead to costly water damage and expensive emergency repairs. To help you protect your home, we have compiled the five most common signs that it is time to call in a professional.
1. Low Water Pressure
If you turn on the faucet and the water only trickles out, you have low water pressure. This is sometimes caused by a clogged aerator, which is an easy fix. However, if the problem persists across multiple faucets in your home, it could indicate a breach in the main line or significant sediment build-up in your pipes.
2. Slow Draining Sinks and Showers
A slow drain is usually caused by a clog forming in the pipe. While you might be tempted to use a chemical drain cleaner, these can actually corrode your pipes over time. If a plunger doesn't fix the issue, you likely need a professional to snake the drain and remove the obstruction safely.
3. Unpleasant Odors
You should never smell your plumbing. If you notice a persistent smell of rotten eggs or sewage coming from your drains, it could indicate:
- A dried-out P-trap.
- A break in the sewer line.
- Ventilation issues in the plumbing stack.
This is a health hazard and should be addressed immediately.
4. Spikes in Your Water Bill
Have you noticed a sudden increase in your water bill without a change in your usage habits? This is the number one indicator of a "silent leak." You may have a running toilet or a leaking pipe in a crawl space that is wasting hundreds of gallons of water a month.
5. Gurgling Sounds
If your toilet gurgles when you run the shower, or your sink bubbles when you flush the toilet, your plumbing system is struggling to find air. This usually points to a blocked sewer line or a clogged vent stack.