The plumbing system is something most homeowners take for granted until it breaks down. If left unchecked, it can lead to major damage to your home and expensive repairs.
But how do you know when your plumbing needs attention? Luckily, your plumbing will usually let you know that there’s an issue with subtle warning signs.
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Slow Drains
Every drain in your home is connected to the main sewer line. If that line becomes clogged, it could lead to more serious issues throughout your house.
If you find that your toilets don’t flush well, the shower or bathtub takes a long time to drain, or your kitchen sink isn’t emptying quickly, this indicates that something is blocking the line. A professional plumber should be consulted right away to prevent the problem from getting worse.
If your clogged drains aren’t responsive to simple methods like pouring baking soda and vinegar, try using a wire coat hanger (or one of those Marie Kondo-inspired metal ones) to bend it in a way that helps dislodge the blockage. This will usually work, but if not, it might be time to call in a professional.
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Yellow or Green Water
Turning on your faucet and seeing discolored water is more than just annoying, it can indicate that you have a plumbing problem. Certain colors of water don’t pose any health risks but others can be dangerous and may require professional help to remedy.
Yellow water is typically caused by a regional issue, originating from marshy areas or city water systems with high amounts of sediment in the pipes. A water filter can help if this is the cause.
Green or blue water can be a sign of corrosion of copper pipes, causing unsafe levels of metals in the drinking water. It can also indicate a bacteria issue in your plumbing or in the public water supply. These issues can cause stains on sinks, tubs and fixtures that can be cleaned with white vinegar and a nylon sponge.
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Smelly Drains
A foul, rotten smell coming from your drain indicates that something in the line has gone bad. This is usually due to a clog of hair, soap, grease, or food debris. It can also indicate that a sewer gas leak is present.
A clog can often be resolved with boiling water. The vapors from the boiling water dislodge and break up smaller clogs.
A plunger can also be used to dislodge a stinky drain. This works by filling the sink
with water and pushing out any air pockets that are trapped. In addition to these DIY methods, regularly treating your drains with baking soda and vinegar can prevent stinky drains from returning. For stubborn clogs, a drain auger can be used to open the P-trap and clear the line.
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Climbing Water Bill
Paying your water bill is an inevitable part of owning a home. However, a sudden increase in your monthly water bill can indicate that you have a plumbing issue. A rising water bill can be caused by a number of things such as increased usage, but it can also be a sign of a hidden leak in your home. Hidden leaks are often behind toilets, under sinks, and at infrequently used outdoor faucets. These hidden leaks can end up costing you in a big way by wasting water that you don’t need.
To check for a hidden leak you can use food coloring in your toilet tank or listen for hissing noises from the back of your toilet. If you notice a leak you should call in a plumber.
- Gurgling Sound
A gurgling sound is a sure sign that your plumbing system is struggling. If you hear a gurgling noise when you turn on the sink or flush the toilet, it may indicate that your drain lines are blocked. This could be caused by food, hair or grease that is stuck in the drain or it could be a result of poor venting. It’s important to identify which drain is making the gurgling noise to help narrow down where the clog might be located.
If it’s coming from your sink, you should first check the P-trap under your sink to see if there is a blockage. If that isn’t the problem, it may be a result of a water hammer which can cause pipes to bang together as they move through the piping system.
Sites such as https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-canberra/ will provide all the necessary information regarding plumbing concerns. Staying on top of the maintenance and allowing a plumber to identify issues will help you with your plumbing problems.
