Your plumbing system runs behind your walls, under your floors and in the ground. Which means that you can’t really see if there are any issues with it until there is a very noticeable problem that needs to be fixed. You should have your plumbing inspected regularly in order to catch these issues and have them repaired before you are hit with an unexpected bill. Here are six signs that your plumbing might need repair:
1. Damp walls and ceilings
Wet stains on the walls of your home or wet rings on the ceiling are definite signs of leaks or cracks in a plumbing line. If you ignore these signs for too long, you could soon be looking at some very expensive repairs. Keep an eye out for these visual signs to ensure you nip any leak in the bud.
2. Indoor flooding
If any part of the floor or basement is damp or flooded, the pipes may have sprung a leak, or you could have water coming in through your home’s foundation. If a pipe is leaking, it can damage your foundation, floors, drywall and other parts of your basement. Plus, this moisture will promote mildew growth and affect the air quality of your home. If you see dampness and think it is a plumbing-related issue, contact us immediately.
3. Outdoor flooding
A puddle in the backyard when it hasn’t been raining or snowing, for example, could mean there is a problem with the main underground pipe. This could result in a partial or full main line repair is in order. The first step with an outdoor water concern is to check with your city or county utilities department. The main lines outside of your home might be city – or county- owned, which means it’s their responsibility to fix.
4. No running water
If water isn’t running out of your taps, and it’s the dead of winter, your pipes may have frozen. If any section of the plumbing is exposed to the outdoors, check for any bulging on the pipes as this is usually an indicator of freezing; and if one pipe is frozen, there may be others, calling a professional plumber to help prevent further damage is probably a good idea.
No running water could also be a sign of hard water scale accumulation. The minerals in hard water leave deposits in the pipes and clog them up. These can continue to collect until there’s no option left but to replace the line.
5. Low water pressure
If the water pressure in your faucets has dropped, there might be a leak, which will cause most of the water to seep out elsewhere. As it’s difficult to be sure exactly where the problem is, you should have a certified plumber inspect your plumbing system and make the necessary repairs.
6. Unusually high water bill
Any problem with the water line can lead to a lot of undetected wasted water. If there is a sudden spike in your water bill, damaged and leaking plumbing might be the culprit. Contact us to inspect your plumbing system and fix the repair. Leaking pipes can create expensive water damage to other parts of your home if not dealt with promptly.
Do you have concerns about your plumbing? Want your pipes check for peace-of-mind? Call Sherwood Mechanical today at 780-449-5322.