Have you ever been trying to fall asleep when you suddenly hear the drip of a faucet or the noise from a running toilet? Well, this is letting you know that you probably have a plumbing issue on your hands. But what if you don’t hear any sounds? How will you know if you have a problem? Keep reading to find out 10 silent warnings of major plumbing problems.
10 Silent Signs Your House Has A Major Plumbing Problem
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Below, we share some signs to keep an eye out for. Whenever you notice one of these signs, be sure to call in a plumbing professional right away.
Discolored Plumbing Pipes
Examine your pipes for signs of discoloration. If you notice anything, there’s a high likelihood of moisture in the area. This is likely caused by a drain line, a sink drip, or even something more serious, like a leak in the supply line. A supply line leak is definitely something that should be prioritized. A slow leak has the possibility to become a disaster quickly because it is pressurized. This is a situation where you should call a plumber immediately.
Sewer Odor
In plumbing, each drain needs a trap, and each trap needs a vent. Drains and traps stop sewer gas from going into your home. The vents move sewer odors up to the roof, and the drain traps act as a “water plug” barrier. This stops sewer odors from coming into the sink drain. If you happen to smell sewer gas in your home, a trap has run dry or a vent line has broken. Fixing a dry trap is easy, all you need to do is refill it with water. You may need to check it out for signs of a leak too. Dealing with a cracked sewer vent can be much harder since they are usually in a wall.
Green Patch In The Yard
A typical sign of a sewer problem is if one part of your yard is a lot greener than the surrounding areas. If the patch is between the street and your house this is likely because that is the most common path for a sewer line. A leaking sewer drain can also cause sunken areas in the yard. This is because extra fluids make the dirt around them compact. Degrading materials or invasive tree roots can cause this to occur and the silent damage to your plumbing system will need to be fixed quickly!
Weak Water Flow In Multiple Locations
Low water pressure or a slow stream points to an issue in distribution. It’s an easy fix if it’s only happening in one location. This likely means it’s an issue with the faucet aerator. You have a bigger problem on your hands if the water pressure is low in multiple areas. If this is the case, you should look for the problem in your hot water heater, at the water main, or the supply line. If you have low water pressure in combination with any of the other items on this list, it’s important to fix the problem quickly.
No Water In Winter
If you notice your water pressure drops or stops during the winter, it’s likely that your pipes are frozen. It’s important this is dealt with immediately because it is a big issue.
This is a common problem with homes that have supply lines running through a crawlspace, an attic, or another unheated space. The biggest hazard of frozen pipes is when they thaw because the ice is like a plug. It is holding the water back from rushing out. If you think your pipes are frozen, carefully troubleshoot, and be prepared to deal with a leak. Sometimes frozen pipes thaw without any issues, like copper ones, but most likely that won’t happen again next time. It’s important to immediately remedy the situation.
Bubbling Ceiling Or Wall Paint
A common sign of excess moisture is if wall or ceiling paint starts to bubble or peel off. A frequent cause of this annoyance is a leak in the plumbing system or roof. If you see brown spots on a wall or ceiling or paint bubbling and blistering, it’s time to call a plumber.
Spiking Water Bills
An abrupt increase in your water bills is an indication that something changed in your plumbing system. If you haven’t been doing anything that would cause a spike in water usage, you should find out if there is a leak. It’s always best to call a professional plumber who can spot the hidden water leaks.
A running toilet is the most common reason for a water bill to increase. Most people don’t realize a large amount of water that a toilet uses. It’s not unusual for one running toilet to end up using hundreds of dollars of water. This is why you should get a leak fixed right away by a plumber!
Slow Drain
It’s should be obvious that a slow drain is an indication of a problem with your plumbing. Depending on where the problem is located, it could be an easy fix or something that requires serious work to be done. With a bit of looking around, you should be able to find the problem. A simple clog is an easy fix, but slow drains are usually an indicator of a major issue.
Wobbly Toilet
Another sign that something is wrong is if your toilet is wobbly. Hopefully, it’s an easy fix and you just need to tighten the seat. But if the bowl is what is wobbling, take a look at the bolts on the floor. The wax seal around your toilet drain may have failed if the bolts are tight, yet the toilet still wobbles. In this case, you will have to call a plumber to reseat or replace a toilet.
Shocking Water Color
An easy way to know if something is going on is if the water from your faucet is discolored. Any air in pipes often causes cloudy water and brown or yellow water signifies rust. A green tint is caused by copper pipes corrosion, although this is less common. These are all signs to call a plumber to look at your system as soon as possible!
Also, if you use a water softener and are starting to notice mineral buildup or discoloration, it is likely time to schedule a repair or maintenance for your water softener.
Call Robinson Plumbing For All Of Your Plumbing Requirements
Contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the most trusted plumbing companies in the Lehigh Valley, for reliable plumbing services. We have lots of plumbing services ranging from professional plumbing inspections, faucet repairs and replacements, water leak repairs, clogged drain repairs, and installation of water-efficient plumbing fixtures. We always give a wide range of solutions when possible for any plumbing repairs. This allows you to choose the best options for your budget and home.
We proudly offer the most affordable and best plumbing services in the Lehigh Valley area. Our plumbers all have the proper licenses and expertise to ensure your satisfaction. All of our work is backed with a guarantee. Contact Robinson Plumbing today and schedule your free estimate.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or click here to contact us for any questions that you might have!