10 Signs of Possible Plumbing Trouble at Home

Some parts of your house may seem to work on auto-pilot, but your plumbing system needs your attention. Problems can often go unnoticed until it’s too late and a costly repair bill is incurred.

Pay close attention to the following signs of plumbing problems at home to help prevent a disaster in your pipes.

Slow Drains

While clogged drains are frustrating, they can also be an early warning sign of a larger plumbing issue. If you use a plunger or handheld drain snake and the problem persists, it’s time to call in a professional plumber. A plumber will use a more effective method to clear your slow-draining sink, such as by hand-cranking the clog or using a pipe snake. They will also clean your pipes, remove any sediment accumulation and ensure the system is properly vented.

Keep in mind that your drainpipes extend well beyond the ones that connect to your sinks. A clogged drain or broken pipe that goes undetected can eventually lead to a sewage backup, which requires costly repair work. That’s why it’s important to watch for these silent warning signs and address them promptly. This can save you from expensive plumbing emergencies in the future.

Water Stains

A plumbing problem that goes unnoticed can lead to catastrophic results. Unaddressed water damage can ruin furniture, fixtures and irreplaceable family valuables. But, if homeowners familiarize themselves with the early warning signs of plumbing problems, they can take steps to catch them before they become a major catastrophe.

Water stains on walls and ceilings are a common sign that there is a leak somewhere in your home’s plumbing system. These stains can be caused by either a faulty pipe or condensation from water-using appliances like air conditioners.

Leaks may also manifest as bubbling paint or discolored wet stains on walls and ceilings. If you notice any of these, call a plumber right away. Water leaking from hidden pipes is not only inconvenient, but it can cause expensive damage to your property and increase your water bill.

Unusual Noises

The plumbing running through your walls often doesn’t get much attention until it stops working properly. Whether it’s loud banging, rattling or whistling, unusual noises coming from your pipes can be a sign of serious problems.

Gurgling sounds may indicate a partial clog in the drain or wastewater pipes. These types of clogs can be difficult to fix and may require the help of a plumber.

Thudding sounds can be caused by air chambers, which are usually present in older homes. These can cause water hammer, which can damage your pipes and your home’s structure. You can avoid these problems by having a plumber install water hammer arrestors. Other causes of thudding noises include loose or cracked fittings and misaligned water lines. A plumber can determine the cause and recommend the best course of action.

Low Water Pressure

A sudden low water pressure can be a sign that there’s something wrong with your pipes. If this happens, it’s important to consult with a professional plumber right away so they can diagnose and repair the problem before it escalates.

A plumber can help clear clogs, replace or repair water pressure regulators and fix leaks to restore your home’s proper water pressure. They may also install a booster pump to increase your home’s water pressure, depending on the cause of the low pressure.

If you experience a drop in water pressure that affects the entire neighborhood, it could be a sign of a water main break. This is common in older homes and can happen during the winter when the water pipes are most likely to freeze and crack. This can lead to flooding, high water bills and potential health hazards.

Smelly Drains

A musty smell that lingers in your bathroom or kitchen is often caused by the build-up of food particles, grease, hair and soap scum. This organic material rots in the drain and releases a foul gas known as hydrogen sulfide that can cause a strong, sickly smell.

A musty odor may also mean there is an active leak in your plumbing system. Leaks are a serious concern, as they can lead to mold and mildew growth which will affect indoor air quality. If you notice a musty odor, call in a plumber right away to inspect your home’s plumbing system. A plumber, especially experts like the Greensboro plumbers, will check to make sure the odor isn’t coming from a dry P-trap, a cracked vent or a broken sewer line. They will then determine the source and fix it.

Stains or Damaged Walls

If you notice water stains or discoloration on your walls, ceilings, or elsewhere in your home, it could be a sign that you have a plumbing leak. These stains are typically caused by leaking pipes behind walls and need to be addressed immediately to avoid structural damage and potential health hazards.

Unpleasant odors can also indicate a plumbing problem. If you notice a foul smell coming from your sinks or drains, it may be a sign that the sewer vent is blocked. A blocked sewer vent allows sewer gas into your home, which can cause a variety of plumbing problems.

Unexplained increases in your water bill are another possible sign of a plumbing issue. Keep track of your water usage and investigate any sudden increases that may be caused by hidden leaks in your walls or ceilings.

Water Leaks

Most plumbing issues make themselves known with obvious signs, like a leaky faucet or a flooded bathroom. However, some plumbing problems are quieter and can be difficult to spot.

Water leaks can cause significant damage to your home if left unaddressed. If you see an unexplained increase in your water bill, check your water meter to find the source of the leak.

You can also notice a leak if you find damp spots on your walls or ceilings, especially if these areas are accompanied by a foul smell. Persistent water leaks can cause mildew and mold, which are both harmful to your health and cause further damage to your home. If you suspect you have a leak, get in touch with your local plumber to fix it ASAP before it gets out of hand. Water leaks are often a sign of hidden issues, such as loose connections or damaged pipes.

Water Heater Issues

When people think of plumbing problems, they often imagine major catastrophes such as flooded basements and broken pipes. But these disasters can be avoided with a little routine maintenance and attention to warning signs.

For example, a sudden change in water pressure could indicate an issue with a valve or blockage that needs to be addressed. Water discoloration may be a sign of rust or other metals in the water line. And if your energy bill is higher than usual, it could be an indicator that your home’s water heater is leaking.

These are just a few of the important warning signs that should never be ignored. Addressing these issues immediately can help prevent serious damage and costly repairs. Schedule a service call with our team to get your home’s plumbing back in tip-top shape.

Clogged Drains

A clogged drain is a common household problem, but it can escalate quickly into a plumbing emergency. When you run water in a sink or toilet and it gurgles or backs up, that’s usually a sign that there is a blocked pipe or sewer line.

A foul smell is another telltale sign of a clogged drain. When a kitchen drain becomes clogged, it often means that fat, oil, or vegetable scraps have been washed down the pipes. These substances can create a smelly, sludge-like buildup that blocks liquid flow.

In bathrooms, hair is one of the leading causes of clogged drains. You can try to prevent these problems by installing a drain stopper and being careful about what you wash down your drains. You can also use a mixture of baking soda, salt, and vinegar to unclog a drain.

Clogged Toilet

A clogged toilet is a sign of plumbing trouble that should not be ignored. An unaddressed clog can lead to water damage and costly repairs.

A persistent clogged toilet could mean you have an issue with your sewer line. Clogged sewer lines can cause other drains in your home to clog. A plumber can assess the situation and provide a solution.

A simple clog can be resolved with the trusty plunger, but more severe clogs may require a plumber’s snake. You can try adding a bit of dish soap to the mix to help break up any organic or paper materials causing the clog. You can also add hot water to the toilet to help with lubrication. If all else fails, it’s time to call a plumber. This will help you avoid major water damage and expensive repair bills.