If you have a plumbing problem, you want to fix it right away before it becomes an even bigger issue. Here are 7 warning signs that your plumbing needs repair.
If you’ve got a plumbing problem, you can choose to DIY and try to save money because of the relatively high cost to hire a plumber. Not all cases are easy to diagnose, though, so you might need professional help.
We are here to help you understand when you might need help with your plumbing or that it might be time for some DIY repairs. Continue reading this article to learn the top warning signs that your plumbing needs to be repaired.
1. Skyrocketing Water Bill
Unless you’re substantially changing up your water usage, you shouldn’t experience a skyrocketing water bill. Before you start worrying that you might have a plumbing problem, think about the time of year it is.
Is it summer when the kids are outside playing with the sprinkler? Did you fill up your pool or use the water for anything else major?
If you can’t think of anything that should have sent your bill through the sky, you might be dealing with a significant leak or even small leaks from a fixture. Even small leaks can cost you hundreds of dollars over time, so don’t overlook these.
2. Standing Water
Standing water is never good, but you can take a breath. Sometimes standing water isn’t as bad as we think it is and can be resolved with a “snake” or even a plunger.
If your toilet backed up and leaked water around the base, that’s one thing. On the other hand, if you have standing water around your toilet, your toilet may not have been installed correctly, which needs to be remedied right away. If your toilet wasn’t installed correctly, you might have a very stinky situation on your hands if you let it go.
3. Odd Smelling & Discolored Water
Have you noticed there is a strange smell in your house, but you aren’t sure what it is? Go to the faucet, turn on the water, and give it a sniff.
If you’re repulsed by what you smelled or even if there is a light odor, you might have a problem on your hands. The water coming out of your faucets should not have any odor, let alone a cringy smell.
You shouldn’t drink smelly water since it could be a health issue. If it has an odor and it is discolored — that’s even worse.
If you’re drinking brown water, that could be a sign that you’re consuming water that has a lot of iron or even contamination. A green tint could be a sign of copper corrosion.
Don’t let your stomach turn on this one, but the worst-case scenario might even be that you have sewage in your drinking water.
4. Toilet Overflowing
Overflowing toilets is one of the most disgusting plumbing issues you can deal with. While most people no longer have carpet in their bathrooms, it’s still not fun when you have sewage all over your tile!
Fixing a toilet can be a complicated task, but always try the plunger and a snake to see if the toilet has a clog from bowel movements gone by.
If you can’t figure out what is causing the problem on your own, you should contact a professional. You don’t want the problem to escalate to an exploding toilet.
5. Busted Pipe
Busted pipes are usually pretty easy to notice, but that’s not always the case. If the pipe is in the garage, or another area where you don’t spend a lot of time, you might not notice it if the leak isn’t large.
If you do notice that you have a busted or burst pipe, you need to find a temporary solution while you contact a professional plumber. Look for the main water supply and shut it off to keep it from causing more damage.
Even when the plumber gets there, you should clear the area of anything you don’t want to get wet. You never know when some unexpected water is going to make an entrance.
6. Running Water Sound
What’s that sound? Do you hear water?
If you hear running water, but no one has the sink or tub running, follow the sound and figure out what’s going on. While you’re finding where the sound of the water is coming from, you should be calling the plumber.
If you don’t see where the water sound is coming from, it’s likely behind the walls wreaking havoc.
7. Mold in Your Home
If there is water hanging out in your home or even dampness — mold is so grateful that you’ve not taken care of that problem yet because you’ve given it the perfect place to live. When you find mold, you can be sure there is water damage in the home.
After you call the plumber, you might also consider contacting a mold remediation company for help with the mold problem.
Don’t Ignore Major Problems
If you’ve noticed any of these signs that you might have problems with your plumbing, you should look into a fix right away. If the problem persists, the water could significantly damage the house.
Depending on the problem, you might need help with redoing the pipes in your walls, under slab plumbing, or even a simple drain unclogging. The longer you wait to fix the problem, the more likely it is to become a next-level issue.
Remedy Your Plumbing Problem
Now you know more about how to notice you have a plumbing problem. Keeping a lookout for common problems will keep you from having to deal with broader issues.
Do you feel like you need further help with plumbing and other essential home issues? Our site is full of articles that can help you as you’re working on your home and keeping it safe and sound.
Browse our site, find your favorite DIY articles, drop a bookmark, and come back soon to read more.
