If you have a toilet that won't flush or a faucet that drips, drips, drips every night when you try to sleep, you probably know you have a plumbing problem that needs to be fixed.
But how can you tell if there is a problem if there are no obvious signs?
A problem that, if not addressed, has the potential to escalate into a true emergency?
Let's look at some warning signs that you should either get out your plumbing tools or call a professional before it's too late.
How Do You Know If Something Is Wrong With Plumbing?
As a homeowner, determining whether your plumbing requires maintenance can be especially difficult because it is a system that is mostly hidden from view. There are, however, some telltale, albeit often subtle, signs that your plumbing needs some tender loving care.
Here are some of the most common signs that your pipes are leaking somewhere deep within your plumbing system. Here are the signs on how to tell if your plumbing is bad or something wrong and needs to be replaced:
- Odd sounds coming from the faucets.
- Low water pressure.
- Unpleasant smells coming from the drains.
- Sluggish drains.
- Stains or damaged walls.
What Can Mess Up Plumbing?
Plumbing is one of those things that we don't really think about until it breaks down. Although some plumbing mishaps are beyond our control, others are the result of our own carelessness.
Do not do these things below if you don’t want to mess up plumbing.
- Relying on liquid drain cleaners
- Flushing foreign objects
- Pouring grease down the drain
- Using drop-in toilet fresheners
- Not replacing hoses on washing machines and dishwashers
- Putting potato skins down the garbage disposal
- Failing to take freezing pipe precautions
- Leaving hoses connected in the winter
- Not replacing your water heater
- Thinking you can handle a big plumbing job
How Often Should You Check Your Plumbing?
When it comes to plumbing inspections, it is recommended that you get one every two years. An annual inspection may not be required because plumbing systems do not degrade as quickly as mechanical systems such as HVAC systems. As a result, having a professional inspect it every 24 months makes sense.
How Do You Tell If Your Pipes Are Clogged?
Here are the signs hon ow to tell if your pipes are clogged:
- Slow Draining. If the drains in your sinks, shower, or tub are slow to empty, this is a sign of something inside the sewer drain pipe that is reducing the flow of water.
- Sewer odors.
- Gurgling Sounds
- Changes in the Toilet Water Level
- Backing Up