6 Small Signs that can Indicate a Large Plumbing Problem

 

 

 

As we spend more time at home and indoors this holiday season, your home plumbing can take a beating. And while there’s never a good time for a plumbing emergency, the holidays are the last time you want a costly and inconvenient plumbing issue. Look for these six signs around your home that seem small but might point to a larger plumbing issue:

 

Weak or Unreliable Water Pressure

Is your shower more of a trickle than a relaxing stream? Inconsistent or weak water pressure can range from a small annoyance to a big irritation. Depending on whether it’s one fixture or several, poor water pressure can indicate an issue with the faucet itself, or a larger problem in your home’s plumbing such as a clog or leaky pipe.

Slow or Gurgling Drains

While a single clogged drain in your kitchen or shower is a common issue, repeated clogs despite diligent cleaning or use of strainers over your drains can point to a larger sewage issue. According to Casey Blackwell, JK Mechanical’s Plumbing department manager, a gurgling drain or toilet can mean that there is a big issue with the sewer line or septic tank. If you are hearing more noise than normal as water drains, call for plumbing service.

Higher Water Bills

Sticker shock on your water bill? High water bills don’t just hurt your wallet: they can be a sign of a hidden leak, which often means a lot of damage. Using a leak or flow detection system like the Moen Flo sends real-time usage data to your smartphone, in addition to a built-in smart emergency stop, giving you the ability to turn your water on and off remotely with the push of a button.

Filmy Fixtures or Bad Hair Days

Seeing spots? Day to day, hard water can cause spotty buildup on your kitchen and bath fixtures, irritate your skin, and leave your hair feeling dry, built-up, and filmy. Over time, that buildup can put undue wear-and-tear on your fixtures and your appliances as well. If you are noticing signs of hard water, consider adding a water softener to your home plumbing system.

If you already have a softener and are seeing these signs of hard water, it’s time to get your system checked out to see why it isn’t working properly.

Stained Ceilings or Peeling Wallpaper

Water spots on your ceiling and peeling, bubbling paint or wallpaper are also signs of a hidden leak or excess moisture in your home.

If you’ve had a plumbing inspection and the damage doesn’t seem to be related to a leak, the same signs can indicate too much humidity in your home. In that case, installing a whole-home dehumidifier can help protect your home as well as improving your health and supporting your AC in the summer.

 

When it comes to your home heating & cooling, electrical, or plumbing, our JK technicians always strive to identify small problems before they become big problems. Contact us today to schedule your Preventative Maintenance appointment with one of our experienced plumbers.

 

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