The warning signs of plumbing damage often go unnoticed; however, this may wreak havoc in your home. The damage may cause back-flowing water from the kitchen sink or the toilet, thereby flooding your house with stinky water. Though any such situation is a nightmare for homeowners, the signs of damage and need for regular maintenance still gets little or no attention. There are just a few homeowners who take the time to notice the tell-tale signs of damaged pipes and leaky faucets.
Identifying the plumbing damage can be tricky because it’s a system that mostly remains hidden from plain sight. However, some telltale signs can tell if your plumbing is bad so that you can address small issues before they become larger ones. By timely addressing these signs and keeping your home’s water pipes in top shape, you can prevent expensive disasters. Thus, to avoid the terrible situation of water flooding your home, we’ve listed some of the signs and symptoms of plumbing problems and how you can prevent them from keeping your home in tip-top shape.
Check the Water Pressure
A quite common issue, especially in older homes, is low water pressure. Ideally, the inlet water pressure should be around 60 psi, but mostly it is found in the range of 40-45 psi. The water pressure should neither be too high nor too low. There are various reasons behind low water pressure, such as a leak in your system, clogged pipes due to sedimentary deposits, corrosion in the pipes, or poorly sized pipes that fail to provide the right water pressure. If the pressure is not sufficiently high, try cleaning out the faucet aerator or turning up the water shut-off valve.
Odd sounds coming from the faucets
Do you hear screeching noises and rattling sounds? If so, this strange sound is actually an indication of a possible plumbing problem. When you turn on your faucet, the noise you hear comes from the pipes, which usually indicate that there is air in them. Such a problem arises either due to poor installation or worn-out pipes. When your pipes become old and rusty, it’s time to call a professional plumber to replace it.
Corrosion on Pipes
Often due to the water leak, corrosion builds up. Thus, to detect signs of water leakage, inspect the drain pipes and water pipes for corrosion. If you notice corrosion on a pipe beneath the sink, look for the signs of water damage around. Water leak should never be neglected because it often leads to extensive water damage. To diagnose the root cause, seek the help of a professional plumber and waterproofing contractor.
Sluggish drains
Another common issue is a slow drain, which is a sign of poor plumbing maintenance or a sewer clog. When the lowest drains, such as the bathtub and shower drains, are slow, this could sign a sewer problem. On the other hand, when various drains are slow, it indicates clogs in the drains. When you notice a smell coming from all of your drains and experience frequent clogging, your sewer line could be damaged. It is important to clean the drain by using a power drain cleaning solution or a drain snake to prevent blockage in the pipes.
