It’s easy to forget that your plumbing system is important. When you use something every day, wear and tear is inevitable, and regular maintenance is necessary. It is important that you know how to spot plumbing problems so that you can fix them as soon as possible. If allowed to get out of hand, a minor leak can quickly become a much more serious problem, which can lead to costly repairs.
Poorly maintained plumbing can still cost you money even if you don’t know about the risk of burst pipes, flooding, or a contaminated supply. Over time, small leaks and loose fittings can cause the system to lose water, which in turn can affect your water pressure and the quality of your supply.
If you know what to look out for, many plumbing issues can be easily detected. Here are a few typical warning signs, and the steps you can take to mitigate or prevent further damage to your home.
Leaks and Puddles
A build up of water in your house is one of the most obvious indicators that something is not right. It is a good idea to check hidden pipes for leaks if a room seems damp or has mould growth. This could mean looking in the cupboard, behind the furniture, and in the crawl spaces.
If you find a pool of water, or see something dripping, it’s possible that you have a damaged pipe or some kind of obstruction. In the event of a leak, stop the water supply to the problem pipe. If the issue is a backed-up drain, you may be able to remove the obstruction by hand or with a plunger.
A more aggressive method such as drain snaking can be used to remove hair, grease, and food from the drain. Many chemical drain cleaners rely on corrosive ingredients which can damage the inside of your pipes.
You should be especially cautious of backed up sewage as it can pose a serious health risk and should not be handled without adequate protection. If you notice a sewage leak or build up, you should seek professional help.
Poor Water Quality
A reduction in the quality of your water supply is one of the telltale signs that all is not as it should be. Your supply may be contaminated if it begins to taste strange, develops an unpleasant odour, or looks discoloured even after being allowed to settle.
It’s possible that your pipes have been damaged internally and that this could affect your water pressure. It is possible that your plumbing system needs an update if you notice that your water tastes metallic or has a rust-like appearance.
Damage to your main supply can be the cause of contamination. Roots and gradual shifting of the land can crack underground pipes or pull sections apart. Earth and similar debris can enter your water supply, which can affect the quality. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may be able to clear the pipe with a drain snake. It is possible that it is necessary to repair the damaged sections.
Noisy Pipes
If air gets trapped in your pipes, it can cause an increase in their internal pressure. This causes your plumbing to be under strain, loosens joints, and increases the chances of pipes cracking or becoming deformed. The trapped air causes pipes to rattle and groan as water moves through them, and this is an easy problem to spot.
The air pockets should be flushed out by running the taps. If the problem persists, you should seek professional help, as the rattling may be a sign of a more serious issue.
If water reaches an abrupt stopping point, it can cause a sound in the pipe that can cause strain on the joints. Flooding and severe damage to your home can be caused by this, as it can loosen or distort sections of pipe over time. Minor adjustments to your pipe configuration can often be made to resolve this problem. It is possible to reduce the noise by padding the problem sections with foam or lagging material.
Taps Running Slow
Low pressure can be just as troublesome as high pressure, and may be a sign of pump failure or leak. Water companies are required to supply water at statutory minimum pressure. Depending on your country, town, or city, this can change. Some properties receive their supply at a lower pressure than they should.
Reducing the flow from your taps is one of the first signs that your pressure has gone down. Some shower heads may no longer function due to the fact that they require water at a minimum pressure.
Ensure that the issue is not within the main supply or that there is a temporary reduction in service by contacting your supplier. If you find evidence that your pipes are damaged or blocked, your plumbing company should be able to advise you on how to fix the problem and get your supply back to normal. It is possible to install a pressure gauge to help you monitor the health of your system and identify problems before they can do any damage.
Lack of Maintenance
If you haven’t checked over your system in a while, there is a good chance that something will need to be fixed. It is possible to reduce your chances of facing a serious breakdown, flood, or loss of supply by making sure that your pipes are insulated, that your drains are clear, and that your fittings are secure.
Many of these jobs can be done on their own, but if you are unsure about any aspect of your system’s maintenance, your local plumbing company can provide guidance and support. Ensuring the long-term health of your water supply is a big step towards this, and annual drain snaking will help to keep your main and sewage lines clear.
When it comes to keeping plumbing in good working order, the most important step is to deal with problems as soon as possible. A well-maintained system will save you money through increased efficiency and reduced need for emergency repairs, and will be less likely to suddenly break down or flood your home. Accidents can happen, so make sure you know the location of your mains stop valve in case.