The majority of people will occasionally encounter minor plumbing issues in their homes. These issues sometimes appear to be nothing more than minor hassles and indeed, they may be just that.
In other cases, numerous minor plumbing issues might be covering up more serious issues. Sometimes it is best to contact a local plumber and get the situation professionally evaluated.
Here are a few circumstances that may first appear to be minor plumbing issues. Upon further examination, they may be something more serious that needs the attention of a competent plumber.
Recurring Clogs
Are your drains prone to clogging? Clogs of small size are annoying and may be easy to remedy by yourself. Persistent or recurring clogs, on the other hand, may indicate a more serious issue.
It is possible for water to back up in other parts of your plumbing system if your drains or pipes leading away from your drains are seriously clogged. Additionally, if your pipes are old and showing signs of corrosion, they might burst, leading to a serious clog—one that certainly needs competent and prompt attention. If you have recurring clogs, you should have your drains cleaned by a professional plumber.
Lack of Sufficient Water Pressure
Low water pressure in the home is clearly a nuisance, but it can also be a sign of a bigger problem. However, low water pressure is not something to dismiss lightly. It could be a sign of a serious plumbing leak.
Sadly, not all of your plumbing system’s pipes are readily visible for easy inspection for a leak. There are portions of the system that you simply cannot see because they are concealed in the walls or below the floor. If there is a leak, you need to fix it right away to stop the water from causing more damage to your property. If you suspect a hidden leak, contact a plumber immediately.
Continuously Running Toilets
A continuously or intermittently running toilet might not appear to be a significant issue. It can, however, be a sign of a bigger problem. Furthermore, a running toilet will cost you more money when you pay your water bill. A toilet that runs constantly can use up hundreds of gallons of water in a single day!
Sometimes a do-it-yourself inspection and quick fix are all you need. If that doesn’t work, then call your local plumber to save money on your future water bills.
Lack of Hot Water
If it takes over an hour for your water to be as hot as you expect it to be, then your hot water heater may be the cause. As these appliances get older, problems with hot water heaters become more common. They generally provide at least a decade of dependable service.
Your water heater can be evaluated by a plumbing company to figure out what’s wrong. Rust and corrosion are common problems that develop with age in water heaters. Also, the anode rods of your water heater can deteriorate and cause the tank to corrode if they become corroded.
Sewage Backup
The majority of people don’t give their home sewage system much thought. In point of fact, if problems with the sewage arise, you might even believe that it is a municipal issue. However, if sewer issues begin to cause a backup in your home, they can be very serious. Bacteria that are harmful to the health of pets and humans can be found in sewage. Additionally, it is an awful mess that requires careful cleanup.
Don’t just assume that the sewer line has a clog if you think it might be minor. The functioning of the sewer line is essential for the entire plumbing system of your home. Food or grease accumulation in the sewer line can result in a clogged line. However, it could also be the result of a collapsed sewer pipe or encroaching tree roots. If the pipe has burst, no amount of drain cleaner can fix it, so don’t use these products from the beginning.
Sewer problems require professional assistance. If you have them, contact a plumbing expert.
Loud Pipe Noises
Rattling pipes, especially in an older home, can be something that you’d like to ignore. Unfortunately, if your pipes are loud and rattling, then they are not secure. In fact, the likelihood of your pipes becoming even more unsecured increases the longer you ignore the rattling. As water moves through the lines and makes them clatter, the consistent shaking can cause a crack to form in the piping. A solution to this issue is required.
Secure the leaking pipes as best you can. Then, inspect their condition with the help of your plumber. Remember, contacting a plumber while these issues are still considered to be “small problems” will save you money in the long run.
Unusually High Utility Costs
Are you paying more than usual for your water bills lately? Your high water utility bills may also indicate a plumbing system leak.
It would be prudent to check with your plumbing company to see what they have to say. Schedule a plumbing system maintenance appointment if it has been a while since your last one. If there is a leak somewhere, a savvy plumber can find it. If there is, it is essential to quickly repair it and assess the potential damage that the leaking water has caused.
Don’t let these minor issues with the plumbing turn into major ones. Since major issues can arise quickly, it is best to address minor plumbing issues as soon as possible.
For all plumbing services, connecting with Tioga Plumbing & Electric will be your best move. They have an expert team of licensed and certified plumbers with years of local experience. You can trust your fixtures and plumbing system with them. In fact, you can count on their prompt, courteous, and cost-effective service.
See our recent blog on this topic here.
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