Are you wondering if you are having issues with the plumbing in your home? Keep reading to learn some of the most common signs your house has a serious plumbing issue.
The quality of plumbing in your property is one of the things that makes it livable. Poor quality or old plumbing is not only a health hazard but it could also compromise the structural integrity of the building. Yet, it’s not always easy to know whether you have a potential plumbing issue.
Some common plumbing problems such as blocked drains, clogged toilets, leaky pipes, or dripping faucets are fairly easy to detect. Others are a lot more obscure but there are certain indicators that could point to more serious plumbing problems.
Here are some of the telltale signs your house has a serious plumbing issue you should look out for. Early interventions enable you to stop the problems earlier and avoid hefty repair costs a few months or years down the line.
1. A Bad Odor Can Be a Sign Your House Has A Serious Plumbing Issue
Everything might seem fine with your plumbing but if you are increasingly getting persistent bad odors or a foul smell from your toilets, faucets, or the water supply system, it could be one of the signs your house has a serious plumbing issue.
A foul odor will mostly emanate from ruptured or broken sewer pipes or evacuation vents. If this is not fixed in time, it can cause additional damage to the building foundation. It will also have an adverse effect on your indoor air quality.
Whenever you get a persistent foul smell even after some thorough cleaning, it could be an indication of the deteriorating state of your plumbing.
2. Weak Water Pressure
Most houses have reasonably high water pressure. However, if you are seeing low water pressure in your taps or a sudden drop in pressure, it could be a sign your house has a serious plumbing issue or distribution problem somewhere.
This is especially so if this is happening throughout the house. It shows there could be much more extensive damage in the supply lines, water heater, or the water mains. In this case, it is prudent to promptly call a plumbing service before the damage gets worse and becomes costlier to fix.
3. Water Leakage or Drips
Occasional water leakage or drips in the bathroom or kitchen faucets is actually pretty common. This usually occurs when a small part of the faucet installation is worn out and needs to be replaced or screwed tightly in place.
However, if the drips or leaks are happening more frequently, it could be a sign your house has a serious plumbing issue or a water flow problem. This requires immediate attention to diagnose the source of the defect.
4. Unusual Water Color
Does the water coming from your faucets have a different color than the usual one that you are used to? If so, it’s certainly a sign your house has a serious plumbing issue that requires immediate attention.
If the water is yellowish or brownish in color, this could either be due to corrosion in the pipes or a cracked pipe that is allowing dirt to get into your water supply. This should be examined immediately not only to prevent contamination but also to prevent further degradation of your water pipes.
5. Slow Draining Water
A quick draining plumbing system after use is ideal. Whether you are washing dishes, your hair, or flushing the toilet, you want the dirty water to be flushed down the drains in an instant. Slow draining is not only an inconvenience but it is also a health hazard.
Slow draining plumbing can often be caused by blocked or clogged drains. A build-up of oils, hair, waste, or food particles will cause a blockage that prevents the water from draining quickly. For the most part, this can be solved easily by using a suction pump. However, if it persists, it could be a sign that your house has a serious plumbing issue.
If you are experiencing persistently slow draining sinks or toilet bowls, it is advisable to immediately call a professional plumber to have a look at it and assess the cause of the problem.
6. Gurgling Sound
If you are showering, flushing the toilet, or using the dishwasher and you keep hearing a gurgling sound, it could be a sign you have a plumbing issue. This usually happens when your plumbing system isn’t efficiently draining out the used water or there is another issue somewhere.
While it could just be simple clogging, it could also be another of the signs your house has a serious plumbing issue. For the avoidance of doubt, you should immediately contact a plumber in Cochrane, Alberta to address the issue.
7. Ghost Water Sounds
‘Ghost’ water sounds are a common and quite bothersome plumbing issue. In this case, you will keep hearing water flowing through your piping and plumbing even when none of the faucets in the house is being used. It’s quite intriguing because unless you are a professional plumber, it’s almost impossible to trace the source of the ‘ghost’ water flows.
However, it is usually a sure sign that there is a leak somewhere in the pipework. If the meter is also spinning at the same time to indicate active usage, call a plumber immediately to fix the leak.
Final Thoughts on Signs Your House Has A Serious Plumbing Issue
Plumbing systems are generally reliably installed and have been built for durability. However, certain malfunctions are bound to occur as the system is subjected to the daily strains of use over several years.