Plumbing is an important part of your home. You need it to function properly, and a leak or a malfunction can cause serious damage.
Fortunately, many plumbing problems can be easily fixed or prevented if you know what to look for. However, sometimes it can be difficult to tell if you have an issue. A plumber in Glenelg can help you identify plumbing problems in your home.
Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets are often the most obvious sign that you have a plumbing issue. They are annoying, costly, and can also lead to mold growth and health issues.
Drip faucets can be a sign of water pressure problems or broken valves. If they are persistent, the constant dripping can wear down your bathroom fixtures and damage the pipes.
Besides dripping, faucets can also make a rattling or banging noise when you turn them on. This could be a sign that air is trapped inside your pipes, which can cause leaks and other issues.
In addition, faucets on exterior walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures. ‘When the temperature drops below freezing, the pipes that are connected to your faucet can freeze,’ explains Jake Romano, a plumber at Ottawa Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Company (opens in new tab).
Smelly Drains
A foul odor coming from your drains can be an indicator of an issue with the plumbing in your home. It could be caused by a blockage in your sewer line, bacteria in your water heater or an improperly installed vent pipe.
Typically, smelly drains in your bathroom or kitchen sink are caused by trapped food particles, hair and other organic materials that don’t get completely washed out of the pipes. The simplest way to remove these clogs is by pouring hot water and bleach down the pipes, which helps dislodge stuck items and wash them away.
If you want to try something more natural, a combination of baking soda and vinegar will also work well. Just pour several tablespoons of each down your drain, quickly block it, and let it fizz for about an hour before flushing it with hot water.
Climbing Water Bill
A spike in your water bill isn’t necessarily a good thing. Luckily, you can usually trace the culprit back to one of a number of issues that can be tackled with the help of your local plumber. The biggest challenge is figuring out where the leak is and how to fix it. The best part is that it can usually be done for a fraction of the cost of a complete plumbing overhaul. You may need to call in the pros if you don’t have the time or patience to figure it out yourself. The best part is that they will most likely have the nifty trifecta of tools and gadgets to get your job done right. You can also
expect a fair price for the quality you get!
Slow Drains
Slow drains are an early warning sign that something is wrong with your plumbing. Usually this is caused by some kind of blockage or deterioration of the pipes in your house that can be easily fixed.
Most drains are connected to your main sewer line, which distributes waste to wastewater treatment facilities. Any problems in this line will affect all the water fixtures in your home.
A slow sink drain can be caused by a build-up of hair or soap scum that has collected in the sink stopper or on the pipe beneath it. If the problem is significant, it might require professional help to remove the obstruction.
Yellow or Brown Water
If you notice a sudden change in the color of your water, it could be an indicator of a plumbing problem. Discolored water often comes from internal pipe rust and sediment.
This can happen due to municipal utility flushing, fire hydrant use, or other activities that affect the water distribution system in your area.
It’s also possible that your aging pipes are causing the discoloration. If you notice this, contact a licensed plumber for an assessment.
While yellow water is not harmful to drink, it can be unappealing, so you should avoid using it for cooking or washing until you can figure out the cause. It’s also a good idea to consult with several plumbers for more rounded opinions.
