Problems in plumbing can be a culprit in increased water and electric bill. The signs are pretty hard to identify considering that plumbing components are not as visible as the other components at home. Sometimes, these problems are ignored because we are not familiar with how plumbing goes. There are ways on how we can avoid these circumstances. Not that they will only cut the electric and water costs, they will also regulate smoother plumbing operations.
In identifying the signs, you have to be observant with the interior and exterior environment at home. Are there any unusual odor or sound that you smell or hear? Did you encounter weak water flow while you were taking a bath? To help you out, here are four signs of plumbing problems at home.
Dripping Faucets
Most people are fond of dripping faucets. They think it’s normal when they are not closed properly. Little did they know that dripping faucets require immediate attention. You might say that those are just small amounts of water. But when add it all up, it constitutes to the gallons of water wasted in a year. You don’t just put the water into waste, you also tolerate the increase in your water bill. It may seem inconvenient to have it all fixed but preventing them from worsening is better than replacing everything.
You might be wondering how dripping faucets progress over time. Faucets, as water fixtures, they have washers in the base which wears out over time. Considering that they are used on a daily basis in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry, backyard, and toilet, their durability has their limitations too. Constant utilization can cause them to wear off. You can either have your plumber repair them or replace them. Save money by attending immediately to dripping faucets.
Discolored Shut-off Valves
Shut-off valves vary in color, size, and material composition. As they are known to be resilient, different valves are designed for different utilization. Know that poor quality valves have their consequences in the long run. With all the trusted valve manufacturers in the market, XHVAL is one of the top choices. They provide you the best valve which suits the plumbing at home. Ensuring that they work aligned to their tight shut features.
Shut-off valves made of different types of steel are preferred considering their durability. But when these are not properly maintained, the color wears off and corrosion progresses. These can cause leakages, discoloration in the water, and weak water flow. When the material of the valves are turning flaky and discolored, have a plumber check them immediately. When they are not immediately replaced, they might damage the plumbing system increasing replacement costs.
Unpleasant Smell and Debris in Water
The visible signs of plumbing problems are the debris in the water and its unpleasant smell. When the water is stuck for a period of time with several issues in the pipeline, it carries the debris along. They make the water not suitable for human consumption even if it is just for basic washing. The discoloration of water may be a sign of rust and or leakage in the pipeline. When ignored, the color darkens in time.
Along with its unusual color is the unpleasant smell. These changes can damage the pipeline more especially when the pressure of water is higher than normal. Seek for professional plumbing help as soon as possible to have it resolved. Besides, these changes affect the water flow throughout the whole house. You have to attend to them immediately before they damage the whole water system.
Weak Water Flow
Have you ever experienced showering but there is not enough water coming out? This is a common issue among house plumbing which is an indication of a problem in water distribution. When the water flow is weak in most of the areas inside the house, it’s a sign of a bigger plumbing problem. The root cause of weak water flow might be a problem in the hot water system, the main source, or a leak in the pipeline.
Before scheduling a plumber to have them checked, see first what you can do at your end to boost the water pressure. Since the water pressure is the main problem, there are ways on how to increase the water pressure without calling the plumber. The problem is either along the pipeline or obstruction in the faucet or shower head. Thoroughly inspect the pipes and see debris build up that you can remove to improve the flow of water.
If the pipelines are not blocked, leaking pipes are the next suspect which causes flow problems. You will notice small amounts of water flowing through the paint of the walls. This will not just induce an unpleasant odor, they can also weaken the tough spots in your house when left unattended.
Conclusion
For preventive measures, make it a point that you check your plumbing system two to three times a month. Clean the plumbing components regularly and see if there are any which requires replacement. You may find it time-consuming but time is better spent than money. Make it to a point that you also read researches online about basic plumbing maintenance you can work on your own.
