Regular maintenance on your house is one of the most important responsibilities you have as a homeowner. Of all the problems that could pop up unexpectedly, some of the worst are plumbing problems. There’s nothing like a burst pipe or freezing cold water to throw off your entire day. Luckily, you can solve these issues as long as you catch them before they become huge problems. Keep an eye out for these early warning signs of plumbing problems, and your home will keep running smoothly.
A Gurgling Toilet
If you’re not using the toilet but you hear it making noise, you’ve got a developing problem on your hands. A gurgling toilet means the toilet is trying to get air. The reason it needs this air is most likely because there’s a clog in your pipes somewhere that won’t let water go down. The earlier you catch this, the easier it will be for a professional plumber to clear that clog quickly.
Discolored Pipes
No matter where they might be in your home, you want to periodically check on your home’s piping systems. Keep your eyes open for any sign of discoloration, especially on metal pipes that can accumulate rust. Discoloration could mean there’s a leak somewhere along the line. Make sure to call a professional quickly, as these lines are usually pressurized and can cause a lot of damage if left untreated.
No Water in the Cold Months
You’ll want good water pressure during the colder months of the year. If you suddenly can’t get very much water to come through your faucets, your pipes may have frozen over. Frozen pipes can be a nightmare to deal with as they thaw because the ice will have created a pressure buildup. Play it safe and call for help as soon as you notice this.
Slow Drains
Slow drainage is one of the clearest warning signs of plumbing problems. If your shower drain isn’t working properly or if the water in your kitchen sink won’t go down, it could mean there’s a large clog somewhere. You can snake your shower drain yourself, as hair is usually the culprit, but other drains may need a plumber’s tools to fully clear.
A Surprising Water Bill
Unless you’ve recently started using far more water for some reason, your water bill should remain roughly the same every time you pay it. If you notice a spike in price for seemingly no reason, it could mean you have a leak somewhere in your pipes that’s drawing way more water than it should. Save some money early by having this problem fixed sooner rather than later.
For more posts like this one, read these:
What are the most expensive plumbing repairs and how can you avoid them?
