5 Signs Your Plumbing System Needs Professional Attention

Most homeowners only give their plumbing much thought once something goes wrong. But knowing the warning signs can help you avoid major problems like clogs, leaky pipes, and flooding.

Screeching noises from your pipes are usually an indication that there is air in them. Pressure issues, loose support straps, or a bent pipe can cause this.

Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets might seem minor, but they signify more significant problems. If left unchecked, they can lead to expensive pipe damage, water leaks, and mold or mildew in your home.

Over time, sediment can build up in your pipes, corroding the valve seat and causing drips. In addition, a dripping faucet can increase your water bill and wastewater that could have been used for something else.

When you notice a dripping faucet, shut off your water supply and look at the problem. Remove the faucet handle to expose the screw, packing nut, and stem. If necessary, remove the washer and O-ring to replace them. Use a plumber-approved replacement to ensure the new parts are an exact fit.

If your dripping faucet persists after trying these at-home fixes, it’s time to call the New Braunfels plumbing professionals. A plumber can identify the source of your plumbing problem and take care of it before it worsens. A sudden and drastic increase in your water bill indicates it’s time to call a plumber.

Water Leaks

If you notice any water leaks around your home, it’s time to call in a professional. Even the most minor leaks can cause significant damage over time, so it’s best to have them examined immediately.

Leaking pipes also indicate that your plumbing system isn’t in good condition. If left unchecked, the leaks can lead to expensive water damage and mold issues throughout your home.

Water line leaks can occur due to several factors, including damage, age, or rapid changes in water temperature. A professional must look at it immediately if you notice any signs of a leak, such as a higher-than-normal water bill or puddles around your home’s plumbing fixtures.

Since most of your home’s pipes are concealed behind walls and ceilings, it’s difficult for homeowners to spot them when they develop problems. But there are some warning signs that you can watch for, like banging noises when you turn on the water or a musty smell coming from your drains. These are all signs that your home’s pipes need tender loving care from a plumber.

Low Water Pressure

Water pressure decreases when minerals such as rust, limestone, or sediment build up within plumbing pipes. These deposits restrict the diameter of piping and diminish water flow. Low water pressure is also an indicator that there may be a significant leak in your home’s plumbing system.

Most homeowners need to learn when their water pressure drops or that it could indicate a plumbing problem. But a professional plumber can identify the cause of your low water pressure and repair it to prevent more significant issues.

Homeowners should notice whether low water pressure affects only one fixture or multiple locations. If only one place is concerned, the faucet or its supply line may be the issue. If the issue affects various locations, it is likely a more severe problem in your home’s plumbing supply system.

In addition, homeowners should listen to knocking noises near water pipes. These noises are often caused by rushing water banging against pipes, which can lead to damage and require immediate professional attention. Additionally, homeowners should check both main shut-off valves to ensure they are fully open.

Puddles

Whether it’s raining or not, water puddles are unsightly and dangerous. They can cause people to slip and hurt themselves, especially on tile or wooden floors. They are also an excellent breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Puddles are caused not by the rain but by clogged gutters or drains. The rainwater cannot easily seep into the soil because of this and instead pools around the foundation of a house. If this occurs in your home, hiring a Maryland well line service to inspect and repair the drainage system is essential.

An excellent way to help students understand this concept is by showing them a video of a puddle drying up after it has stopped raining. Then have them discuss where they think the water went when it dried up. This will help them understand that the water from a puddle goes into the air, becomes part of a cloud, and then comes back down to Earth as rain. The process is called the water cycle. The same principle applies to a home’s plumbing system.

Slow Draining

Whether it’s the toilet, tub, shower, or sink draining slowly, this is a sign that there’s a problem with the drain pipe. This can be a simple clog caused by fats, oils, and greases (which plumbers affectionately call FOGs) or a more significant problem like a broken sewer line. If left untreated, slow draining can cause water to back into the home, creating substantial damage and a costly repair bill.

When simple methods like a pipe snake or boiling water aren’t working to clear a clog, it’s time for a professional plumber to take a look. Often, the clog is located further down the drain pipe, where it’s more challenging to reach.

It’s also worth calling a plumber for any repeat drain problems, which could indicate a severe pipe issue. For example, a bathtub that repeatedly clogs after bathing the dog could indicate a cracked or broken pipe needing replacement. Knocking noises from the lines can be a more severe problem, and a plumber should also look at these as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Samantha

Samantha hails from Virginia and is a proud wife to a retired Deputy Sheriff and mother to two amazing little boys named Jack & William. A veteran product reviewer; Samantha has been reviewing products for 8 years and offers high quality product reviews with original photography.