If you’ve ever dealt with a huge unexpected repair in your home, you might be able to look back and discover early warning signs that you ignored. There’s nothing worse than dealing with a nasty, expensive mess that could have been avoided and plumbing system failures are notorious for creating expensive mayhem. So what do you look for? Here are six signs of an impending plumbing disaster.
Pressure drops
If you experience a sudden or new drop off in water pressure, it could mean a broken pipe and leakage. Do an inspection of any areas that you know have pipes, including outside where your main supply comes in. If you notice a slow but noticeable drop off, a blockage could be forming in your supply pipes. This could be due to mineral deposits or corrosion that leads to weak spots and pipe failure.
Visible corrosion
A corroded pipe doesn’t maintain its properties, making it a potential point of failure. If you see extensive corrosion, it’s time to call in a professional to review the conditions of your pipework and advise you on the next step.
Shaky toilet
Having a shaky toilet is more than mere annoyance. It indicates a poor seal around the base. Leaks can be slow and undetected for a long time until one day, you discover water raining into the kitchen every time you flush (yuck!!). If you have a toilet that shifts at the base, you need to have it removed and reinstalled with a new seal.
Discolored water
There are multiple reasons for discolored water, including causes that are outside of your control (like municipal supply flushing). However, this can also indicate issues with piping, fittings and other components of your plumbing system. Call in a pro to help you figure out if your discolored water is a symptom of something bigger.
The sound of dripping
Sometimes the first sign of a leak isn’t visible. If you hear a dripping sound, whether continuous or intermittent, don’t waste time getting to the root of the problem. Any early sign of a leak is an opportunity to avoid a major disaster.
Multiple clogs
Sinks develop clogs from time to time and regular cleaning will ensure that clogs remain localized and manageable. Multiple clogs occurring simultaneously in various places indicate a bigger blockage, possibly in your main sewage line. If you encounter this situation and clearing each drain isn’t working, you need a more in depth inspection to find the cause before you have a major sanitary flood on your hands.
If you need help preventing or dealing with any plumbing disasters, give us a call!
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