It can also be quite easily overlooked when plumbing services are required. Water is flowing, water is going down, and life is business as usual, so everything looks fine, even if something small is going terribly wrong. Sometimes, people also tend to hold back when they realize there’s something amiss, thinking they can delay before seeking an expert’s help, although in many cases, plumbing issues do not resolve on their own.
Recognizing signs of your plumbing system is essential in helping you avoid making costly repairs by taking proactive steps before such issues happen. Nevertheless, there are signs that your plumbing system requires professional help. Below are some of the warning signs indicating that your plumbing system requires professional help, why, and why you should not ignore them.
Slow Drainage
A single slow drain can easily be attributed to hair or soap buildup, while more than one sink, shower, or bathtub draining slowly can mean there might be an issue. Obstructions in the sewer line/piping can cause problems with draining for the water.
Chemical drain cleaners can provide temporary relief but are definitely not a long-term solution to the problem. In addition, chemical substances can cause potential damage to the pipes, particularly to older houses. A professional plumber such as Koala Plumbing, uses all the tools needed to determine the location as well as the cause of the water restriction on the drains.
Unexpected Rises in Water Charges
When there is a sudden rise in your water bill but nothing much has changed with respect to your usage, it is only a manifestation that there is a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing system. Leaks are mostly located either behind walls or may be below the ground.
Leaks of any kind and scale can lead to the wastage of thousands of liters of water annually. According to the Water Corporation in Australia, leaks in domestic settings lead to a remarkable amount of wastage of water. Plumbers are able to offer services of checking the pressure in a building in a bid to detect leaks before damage is caused.
Low water pressure that does not improve
Low water pressure can sometimes be very frustrating, especially when it pertains to showers and faucet plumbing in residential settings. While, at times, water supply issues may be the cause of water pressure fluctuations in some homes, when water pressure in some homes is continually low, problems related to plumbing in homes are suggested.
These may include corroded pipes, valves that are partially or fully closed, hidden leaks, or accumulated sediments. In existing Adelaide homes, corroded pipes can lead to such issues in old buildings. A site analysis is required since improper pipe replacement and lining can lead to pressure and compliance issues.
Discolored or Rusty Water
If your water is brown, yellow, or cloudy, this is certainly something that should not be treated lightly. This is primarily because water discoloration usually means that your pipes contain rust and/or that your water has sediment in it. The discoloration of water is usually expected after water mains repairs.
Rusty pipes may be susceptible to degradation and even rupturing. It may also be the case that the stained water may impact the quality of the water itself. A professional plumber would be able to determine if the difficulty is rooted in the pipes or the hot water heater.
Strange Noises Coming from Pipes
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Knocking, whistling, or rattling noises occurring in the walls during the turn-on and turn-off times of the tap water are warning signs that your plumbing installation is experiencing stress. The sources of such noises may include water hammer, air locks in the pipes, or loose joints in the water pipes.
While the sounds do not seem to be detrimental to the pipes, the constant pressure surge can be damaging to joints and valves. With time, this can result in the failure of the pipes. A professional plumber can assist in using a pressure regulator or even fixing the pipes in place.
Damp Odors/Mould Growth That Persists
Odors that have the characteristics of dampness, moisture spots, and mold growth might indicate leaks. Leaks in the plumbing systems can create ideal conditions that can promote the growth of mold. Mold can spread very rapidly and affect indoor air.
Mold can cause respiratory and allergy-related problems, particularly in the case of children and older individuals. Apart from the possibility of health concerns, the moisture may cause deterioration of the wood or plaster framing of the building. Repairing plumbing problems before resorting to cleaning the mould repeatedly is much more desirable.
Sound of Gurgling in Sinks and Toilets
Bubbling noises in drainage systems or toilets may be signs of poor airflow within plumbing pipes. This may result from blocked vents or partial obstructions of sewer lines.
The house and bathroom needs adequate ventilation if good flow of the drainage system is to be realized, as it will ensure the prevention of sewer gas from entering into the living quarters. Some of the problems associated with ignoring the sound of the drainage include slow draining, draining smells, and draining backups.
Ongoing Toilet Backup or Overflow Problems
Occasionally, the commode may clog, but if this frequently occurs, then there must be something else occurring in the pipes, aside from the presence of the toilet paper. This could be in relation to the sewer line, tree roots, or possibly an improperly positioned plumbing line.
Overflowing toilets can both present a health and flooring concern. However, instead of concealing this issue with plungers, it is imperative that a professional is contacted to resolve this issue.
Wall, Ceiling, and Floor Water Stains
Water stains: Appearance of water leak, which has existed for a period of time, can be identified by ceilings, paints, floors, yellow, or brown coloring, or blisters and buckles to show where water seepage is happening instead of where it should.
By the time the stains appear, water damage may have already been caused by the insulation, frame, and/or electric components. The professional plumber will be able to determine where the problem is originating from and what solutions are required prior to cosmetic damage becoming structural.
Hot Water Systems Problems
Changes in water temperatures, the rumbling noise, and the reduced quantity of hot water within the house may potentially indicate an underlying problem within the hot water system. Sediment accumulation in the hot water system may be amongst the causes. Additionally, the process of accessing hot water may also be another cause of the problem.
Hot water systems are pressurized with temperature zones that also require proper handling. DIY projects may pose a risk and potentially void the warranty given to the hot water system. Professional services enhance the longevity of hot water systems. Such services also ensure that safety standards are met as required by Australia.
Drainage Odors in or out of Your House
Sewage smells are never normal and therefore should be dealt with right away. The origin of the smell might be due to drying trap seals, damaged pipes, and choked sewers that allow gas to enter. In addition to being unpleasant, sewer gases contain harmful bacteria, as well as methane. Not to mention the unpleasant smell of sewer gas, experienced plumbers understand how to address issues associated with sewers.
Frequent Repairs of Plumbing in a Given Area
If it is the same problem that periodically keeps cropping up in your plumbing system, this may actually be a sign that the previous repairs were simply a method of handling symptoms rather than a treatment of the problem. If leaks or blockages in your plumbing system are keeping happening on a regular basis in a specific place, then it may be a clue that your pipes are degrading. A skilled plumber would be able to show efficient and long-term solutions compared to short-term solutions and this would go on to benefit the house in terms of both time and finances.
Why Early Professional Attention Matters
The plumbing system is also interlinked. This means that even the smallest issue can quickly affect an entire house. It would be appropriate to engage the services of plumbers relatively earlier. Plumbers can also ensure that all their work is aligned to the standards and regulations required in the region, and this is significant when individuals opt to sell their properties and when they decide to undertake any home improvements.
According to the Australian Building Codes Board, if you need to fix the plumbing issue that affects more than one fixture, when it results in observable damage, unusual smells and sounds, and higher than normal water bills, it is not an option to engage the services of any plumber. Beginning plumbing repairs not only ensures that you enjoy the required comfort, but it also ensures that your home is saved from damage.
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