The key is to know the warning signs of plumbing problems and then address the issues as quickly as possible with the help of a professional. Everyone knows that a leaky faucet is annoying. A toilet that doesn't stop working. It's all too easy to brush out a stinky drain or rule out low water pressure as simply a symptom of an old house or an insignificant problem.
But, as an experienced plumber, I've seen too many homeowners ignore these problems only to discover that they were symptoms of a bigger problem that could have been avoided. One of the most obvious signs that you should call a plumber is when you have leaky faucets. It usually comes in the form of a slow drip. You might hear it late at night when the house is quiet and still.
Sometimes, it can be obvious enough to notice when you're standing next to the sink or even when you're passing by. If they're still relatively new, you might be able to get away with repairing them instead of replacing them. Most pipes are designed to last for decades, so even if they're 20 years old, you should be able to get some life out of them. Galvanized steel pipes, in particular, are known to corrode. Once corrosion begins, it's only a matter of time before you have to replace your plumbing pipes to allow water to flow freely through them again. As with discolored water, there's a chance that the drop in water pressure in your home could be an indication of a problem in your area.
If, for example, there is a problem with a main water pipe on the street, it could cause low water pressure. However, if it seems like there's always a drop in water pressure in your home, it could be your plumbing system's way of telling you that you need to install new plumbing pipes. The old ones may not be cut to supply the water pressure you need. However, what some people don't know is that lead pipes are still prevalent in many parts of the country. About 10 million homes get water through lead service lines, and some even have lead pipes. Nobody wants to see muddy water when they turn on a faucet or take a shower.
Discolored water is never a good sign. While yellow or brown water is often an indication of rusty pipes, it can also indicate a leak as a result of corrosion. We would be happy to send a knowledgeable and experienced plumber to your home to see if you need to replace a pipe.But you can also consider the possibility that your pipes will corrode from the inside out. Here are seven warning signs that will tell you it's time to call a professional to replace the pipes:
- Leaky Faucets
- Discolored Water
- Low Water Pressure
- Lead Pipes
- Corrosion
- Noisy Pipes
- Foul Odors
Adding insulation when needed can help prevent pipes from freezing, thus preventing major breaks and extreme water damage in your home once everything thaws in the heat of spring. Water pressure depends on a strong and constant flow of water through the pipes, which causes water to flow out of the shower head and from the sink faucets. However, if the smell spreads throughout the house, it may mean that the pipes are clogged or that there is a break in the sewer line. If you're not sure what type of plumbing pipes you have in your home, ask the plumber to check them the next time you visit. If you have PVC pipes in your home, you'll probably never have to worry about replacing them. As an experienced homeowner, it's very important that you know how to tell if your pipes are in bad shape so you can address small problems before they get worse. This may seem obvious, but you'll probably be surprised at how many people get used to noisy pipes and therefore ignore them.
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