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Plumbing is a critical element in any home. Who doesn’t love the convenience of getting water from a tap? How about the joy of indoor plumbing instead of using an outhouse. It would be easy to take such simple pleasures for granted. As long as everything works, there is no need to worry.
But now you are starting to notice some small plumbing issues. The water pressure does not seem to be as high as it usually is. No matter how much you pump the sink, clogging seems to be a recurring issue. There is also some clanging in the pipes that keeps you up at night.
For some people, as long as they can still get a level of functionality, it does not cross their minds to call in the plumber. Now here is one thing they may not know. Those seemingly ‘small issues’ are a precursor to bigger ones. Read on to find out plumbing issues you should never ignore.
- Leaking Pipes and Taps Plumbing Issues
Do you know how much water goes to waste every year due to leaks? Well, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) put the estimate at 10,000 gallons from an average household. 10% of the homes lose upwards of 90 gallons every single day. Yes, that dripping faucet could significantly run up your water bill.
Now, here is where it gets challenging. The source of leaks are so many that they can be hard to identify. These include dripping faucets, worn toilet flappers, and leaking valves. It becomes easy to fix when you can quickly identify the problem area.
But what about when you cannot see the leak? Let’s say it is happening underground or behind the walls. You will notice a spike in your water bills without knowing where it is coming from. Also, when you turn off all the water using appliances, the meter keeps running.
If you don’t take care of the problem, you may eventually have to deal with water damage. A quote from the repair contractors could put you into a state of depression.
- Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure may occur from one faucet. In this case, it may be a simple issue like clogging of the aerator. A simple clean-up should take care of the problem.
The significant challenge comes when all the faucets within the home have weak water flows. It is indicative of a larger systemic issue that will require professional management. There could, for example, be a clog in the main water line. In other cases, there could be a leak within the system, contributing to the low water pressure.
Now would be a good time to call in premier quality plumbing service. The experts know what to look for and have the relevant tools and technologies to take care of such problems.
- Slow Draining Sinks and Foul Odors
Slow draining sinks can be pretty inconvenient. You find that you have to pump the sink every time you use it. A one-off blockage should not be a significant cause of concern. You can easily take care of the problem with the plunger. Homemade solutions like vinegar and baking soda can also help dissolve the buildup.
But, if the problem keeps recurring, call in a professional plumber. What you could be experiencing is a buildup within the drains. The accompanying smell will have you thinking there is a skunk on the loose.
The solution may lie in disassembling some parts to get to the problem areas. If you do not take care of it immediately, the water will start to backup. Over time, it will find an outlet in other areas. Like in the case of leaking pipes or taps, the result could be severe water damage.
Note that the average cost of water damage repair and restoration is anywhere from $1,200 to $5,000. It gets worse, depending on the type of damage. You could end up parting with $50,000 for black water extraction. This will typically happen due to sewer backup plumbing issues.
- Clanging, Rattling, or Loud Pipes
Horror movie fans are pretty familiar with weird sounds coming from the pipes. In real life, though, it is not a sign of the manifestation of evil spirits within the home. That sound shows that the pipes are under abnormal strain for some reason.
You may have, for example, ignored clogged drains for a long time. The constant pumping and buildup end up making the pipes unstable. Some parts may also become loose, thus the rattling and clunking sounds.
Over time, you can be sure of higher water bills due to leaks. And, at this point, you know that water damage is inevitable.
- Water Heater Issues
Picture this scenario. Maybe you have even experienced it, so you will know what we are talking about. You have been dreaming about a hot shower the whole day. There is something soothing about hot water running from your head down to your toes. You are starting to unwind when suddenly the water turns cold. Talk about an anticlimax to what was such a good idea.
Other than a sudden electricity blackout, the issue could be sediment buildup in the tank. Hard water sediments will form a layer on the water heater. This reduces the efficiency of the appliance, and can end up damaging it. The buildup could also lead to leaks, which we have discussed above.
Professional plumbers will recommend a thorough flush of the system at least once a year. Look for plumbers who specialize in electrical plumbing components as well. They will remove the limescale from the heater, thus restoring it to full functionality.
Final Thoughts
Some plumbing issues are easy to fix. All you may need are simple DIY solutions like the use of a plunger or unclogging solutions. Systemic problems within the system will require professional handling. Please take note of the small plumbing issues that can grow into bigger ones. Quick action can save you the stress and cost of bigger fixes.
