Sometimes, it can be tough to distinguish between your everyday annoying, but run-of-the-mill, plumbing problems and those that might be more serious – and need immediate attention. While professional plumbers are always your best bet for diagnosing any potential issues, here are five signs that – despite seeming relatively minor- could mean something serious is going on with your plumbing.
Dripping faucets
Usually, a dripping faucet is nothing to be worried about, but it’s also a problem that’s better handled sooner rather than later. If could just be that a washer needs to be replaced, but experts warn that leaky faucets can also drive up your hydro bill and, worst of all, damage or corrode your valve seat, meaning the whole fixture will need to be replaced.
Slow drains
Clogs are unavoidable, but if they recur and you find yourself constantly using chemical drain cleaners to fix the problem, you may wind up doing major damage to your pipes. The solution, in this case, is either try to find the source of the clog and remove it yourself with pliers or call a professional who can use a drain snake to remove the clog and prevent any damage to your pipes.
Stains and bad odors
If you start seeing stains on your walls and ceilings, this might mean that you have leaky pipes. Also, be very careful of bad smells coming from your drains. It might simply mean some food is clogging the sink. However, the smell of rotting eggs might mean that your sewer line might be damaged, or that the drain vent is blocked and sewer gas is building up in your pipes. You could also have a sewer pipe damaged under your home. Either way – it’s time to call a professional.
Low water pressure
According to Nation.com, this can be a tricky problem to diagnose as low water pressure has many causes. It could simply be a blockage, but it could also be due to an eroded water line or fractured pipe. In both cases, diagnosing the problem early can save you a lot of money as this kind of issue could easily lead to a plumbing emergency.
Weird sounds
If you’re hearing gurgling sounds coming from one of your appliances or toilets, it could mean that the system is struggling for air and that a sewage backup is the culprit. In this case, Nation.com advises turning off the water and calling a plumber immediately, as there could be a major problem that could cause a plumbing emergency and damage your property.