There are some fixes and faults in the home that, occasionally, you can wait on. You might have more pressing matters to attend to first, after all. However, when it comes to your plumbing, you need to be a little more vigilant, as some issues might be a little more pressing under the surface than they appear. Here, we’re going to look at plumbing problem symptoms that should flip a switch in your head and get you gearing up to fix it.
Persistently Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure over a short period of time might not be anything to worry about, but if your shower or taps are consistently low in pressure, then there are a wide range of fixes. A clog in the system might come loose or be easy to fix, but hidden leaks, pipe corrosion, or damage to the main supply line can get a lot more expensive when they’re left to linger. In time, the causes behind water pressure drops can lead to ruptured pipes.
An Unexplained Increase In Your Bills
When you’re trying to manage your family budget, finding your water bills skyrocketing might be the last thing that you want to see. Sometimes, prices increased based on supplier decisions. However, unexplained spikes in your home without any increase in usage are often a sign of a hidden leak. These leaks can easily happen behind walls, under floors, or in outdoor lines, which can waste thousands of litres of water before they become visible. Set aside some time in the day to avoid using water entirely, and check your water meter before and after. If you see increased water usage there, then there’s a leak, and a professional might have to help you find it.
Slow Drains And Frequent Blockages
You don’t need to panic if the toilet bowl drains more slowly after a flush. However, if it happens repeatedly, then the fixture might have a blockage to address. If blockages are happening throughout the home, then you may need professional plumbers out to address what is more likely to be a serious issue deeper in your drainage systems. Don’t simply keep using chemical drain cleaners, as they can offer some relief but, over time, cause damage to your pipes.
Discoloured Or Odd Smelling Water
There are regional issues with drinking water quality that you should be cognizant of. However, if you have water coming out of the taps that’s tinted brown, yellow, or rusty, then it could be an issue with pipe corrosion or sediment buildup. This can be a temporary issue caused by maintenance work in the area, but persistent issues shouldn’t be ignored. A plumber can help you address the root cause of the issue, but you should be sure to avoid using discoloured water for drinking, cooking, or laundry, as it can cause health issues.
Not all plumbing problems are quite so urgent, but any of the signs above should have you calling the pros to get to the bottom of it and prevent much more costly damage down the line.