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Look out for these issues to avoid devastating structural damage and costly repairs.
Of all the problems in the home plumbing is a difficult one. The problems usually start in areas you cannot see and deterioration is hard to detect until the problem is more than a quick clean up. Leaks, of course are the most prevalent and little did you know that the average American home loses between 2,000 and 20,000 gallons of water per year due to leaks. Many are detected by noticing dripping sinks or running toilets but leaky pipes in the walls or around the foundation are not so evident.
One possibly quick warning sign is your water bill. Check your bills and an unusually high bill might be an indicator. Also listen for sounds they too can be an indicator that all is not well, and it is time to call the plumber.
Scan Your Walls for Water Spots
Water spots……. They are a clear and obvious sign for leaking pipe. Drywall will typically turn a yellow color or brownish tint. If this shows up for instance on the ceiling below your upstairs bathroom you can be assured, you probably have a leak there.
Low Water Pressure
This is often the first warning sign that a leak might be occurring. A drop in water pressure could be a first sign there is a leak somewhere in the plumbing system. Clogged pipes and faulty valves on water heaters may be to blame for water pressure but at this time it is best to have the whole system looked at.
Listen for Drips
Always keep your ears open. There may not be any visual signs of the water leak but that does not mean it’s not there. Listen for slight drips or running water. Run your water in various rooms and move around to others keeping your ears open for any unusual sounds.
Check Under Your Sink
Look under your sinks. Plumbing traps, the U-shaped bend often seen in a bathroom’s plumbing, are frequently the source of internal leaks in a home. Looking in a cabinet or vanity under a sink will give you an immediate answer if something is wrong. Water will be present or possibly mold as it will grow quickly if untreated.
Wobbly Shower Heads
Check your shower heads. It is a common place for leaks due to the amount of use and the moving the shower head from side to side. The connections can weaken, crack, or break causing water to leak behind the shower.
Lingering Odors and Smells
Don’t forget about the sewage pipes. They too can crack or break causing serious problems. It can leak inside the home but also in the exterior where the sewer pipes head out to the public system. If you use the toilet and immediately notice an off-putting odor after flushing, it’s time to call in professionals.