We rely heavily on the plumbing in our homes and businesses in order to keep them functional and sanitary. Whenever there is a problem with your plumbing, even small, it is important to address it quickly. This is because plumbing problems do not go away on their own…in fact, they tend to get worse quickly. The longer you wait to correct a plumbing problem, the more extensive the issue will become and the more expensive it will be to correct. Listed below are 5 warning signs you should not ignore with your plumbing:
Discolored Pipes
The next time you’re in your basement or poking around under the kitchen sink, take a long look at your pipes to see if there are any signs of discoloration, especially around a union. If so, it’s a strong sign there’s moisture present. This may be caused by dripping from a sink or drain line, or something more serious, such as a slow leak in the supply line. If it’s the latter, then you should definitely put this at the top of your to-do list. Plumbing supply lines are pressurized, which means that a slow leak has the potential to turn into a big mess fast! If you are seeing discoloration and build-up, here’s how to stop leaks in plumbing joints.
Sewer Odor
Without getting too far into building science, a general plumbing rule of thumb is that every drain needs a trap, and every trap needs a vent. All those traps and drains are designed to prevent sewer gas from entering your home. The vents in your home should channel sewer odor up to the roof, while drain traps create a “water plug” that acts as a barrier stopping sewer odors from coming through the sink drain. If you smell sewer gas in your home, that means either a trap has run dry or a vent line has cracked. A dry trap can be fixed as easily as refilling it with water, or you may need to examine it for signs of the leak. Tracking down a cracked sewer vent can be much more difficult, as they are often enclosed in a wall, and will require a bit of drywall surgery in order to find and repair. Here’s where you can learn more about how to eliminate sewer odors.
Weak Water Flow in Multiple Locations
A slow stream or low water pressure indicates an issue in distribution. If it’s only occurring at one location, it’s usually an issue in the faucet aerator—which is usually an easy fix. But if the water pressure is low in several spots around your home, that’s the sign of a bigger problem. In that case, you’re looking for a problem at the water main, in the hot water heater, or (worst case) an active leak in the supply line. If you’re seeing low water pressure in conjunction with some of the other items on this list, such as bubbling wall paint, it’s imperative that you take action right away. If you simply would like to have a stronger flow at your faucets, here’s how to boost the water pressure in your home.
Slow Drain
It’s no surprise that a slow drain is a sign of a problem in your plumbing. Depending on where the issue is, it may be an easily removed clog near the drain, or it could be an issue farther down the line that will require significant snaking to resolve. Luckily, a little bit of detective work should help zero in on the problem. Cleaning out a simple clog is a great DIY fix, but slow drains throughout the home are often an indicator that there may be a major issue, like tree roots, in the sewer line. Here’s how to unclog a sink drain without using chemicals.
Bubbling Ceiling or Wall Paint
If the paint on a wall or ceiling suddenly begin to bubble or peel off, it’s most often a sign of moisture. The most common cause of this headache is a leak in either the roof or plumbing system. Should you see paint bubbling or blistering, or brown spots appearing on a ceiling or wall, it’s time to begin the investigative process to find out what’s wrong. Here’s more great advice on how to find and repair hidden plumbing leaks.
Most Affordable Plumbers in Orange, TX
At Spindletop Plumbing LLC, nothing means more to us than the happiness and satisfaction of our customers. We are a state-licensed and insured, locally owned, service and repair plumbing company located in Orange, Texas. Our skilled and experienced staff offers a wide range of reliable plumbing services to both residential and commercial spaces. From small repairs to major reconstructions, our team is here to find the best plumbing solutions for your space. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer and how we can increase the functionality of your space.
Spindletop Plumbing
409-748-5186
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