Plumbing problems may not always be noticeable, especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. Some issues can be major and others are an easy, do-it-yourself fix. Here are 10 signs of a plumbing problem at home.
1. Slow Drains are Signs of a Plumbing Problem
Sinks and showers often get clogged with debris, so it’s normal for a sink to occasionally drain slowly. However, you should be concerned if all of the drains in your home are draining slowly. This often means that there is a clog in the main sewer line.
2. Brown Spots on the Ceiling Could Indicate a Plumbing Problem at Home
A brown water stain on your ceiling means that water has leaked from above. Find the source of the leak and make repairs as soon as possible.
3. Water Pressure is Low
Low water pressure is not only annoying when you shower and clean dishes, but it can also be a sign of a significant plumbing issue. Low pressure may mean that something has clogged your pipes or that there is a leak. If your water pressure suddenly seems lower, consult with a plumber.
4. The Drain Smells
Another sign of a plumbing problem at home is a smelly drain. Bathrooms and kitchens can be a source of foul smells due to clogged drains harboring bacteria. Usually using a drain snake and cleaning with bleach will solve that problem. But if you notice a consistent, foul smell coming from your drain, that’s often a sign of damage or a blockage in your sewer line or vent.
5. Your Water Bills Have Skyrocketed
If your water bill has spiked for no apparent reason, that’s a sign of a leak somewhere in your home. Call a plumber for help determining where the water is leaking.
6. Noisy Pipes are Signs of a Plumbing Problem
You may occasionally hear water running through your pipes, but they should be mostly silent. If your pipes are rattling, this is a sign of a plumbing problem at home. Noisy pipes can be a result of high water pressure or a flooded air chamber. Your pipes may also be making noise if they are not secured properly.
7. Your Paint or Wallpaper is Peeling
If the paint or wallpaper in your bathroom is starting to peel or bubble, you should have it inspected. Peeling wallpaper and paint are indicators of a leak behind the walls.
8. Your Toilet Makes a Gurgling Sound
If you begin to notice that your toilet is making noise when it is not being flushed, this may mean there’s a vent blockage or the sewer line itself is blocked.
9. Clogged Toilets are Signs of a Plumbing Problem
Consistently clogged toilets are not normal and could be a sign of a bigger issue. If your toilets and other plumbing fixtures are getting backed up often, it could mean that your sewer line is clogged.
10. Your Cabinets and Walls are Growing Mold
Another sign of a plumbing problem at home is mold growth. If mold is beginning to grow on the walls of your bathroom or the cabinets under sinks, this could be a sign of leaking water. Help prevent mold growth by repairing the issue as soon as possible.
Plumbing problems are troublesome and the signs are not always clear. If you notice any of these signs of a plumbing problem, be sure to consult with a home inspector or professional plumber immediately. Have the issues fixed before they become a larger problem.
Robertson Home Inspection offers home inspections to the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina. Contact us to request an appointment.