Diagnosing Plumbing Problems
It may be tempting to ignore minor plumbing issues, like a leaky faucet or a weird smell coming from the drain. However, there may be a severe underlying problem behind a leaky faucet, and overlooking it could be making it worse. Here are some signs of a plumbing problem you should address promptly.
Foul Odors are One of the Signs of A Plumbing Problem
When you smell a foul odor coming from your drain, you may assume it’s time for a good cleaning. But what happens when you clean and it still smells off? Determining a cause and solution depends on the location of the drain. If it’s your shower drain, there is a good chance there is just a clog or buildup of hair and soap scum.
If you don’t have a chemical drain cleaner or you prefer not to use one, there’s an alternative you can try instead. Add a half cup of baking soda and a half cup of vinegar to your drain. After about 20-30 minutes, pour boiling water down the drain to clear it out. Doing so will help remove lingering odors and clogs or buildup. If you are unsure what type of plumbing system you have, stick with your classic drain cleaner or drain snake.
Call your plumber or use a professional drain cleaner if you have persistent smelly drains or clogs. Foul odors consistently coming from drains are signs of a plumbing problem.
Slow or Weak Flow from Your Faucets
A couple of different issues can cause low water pressure. If it’s only happening at one spot, it likely just means that you need to fix the faucet aerator, which is an easy DIY repair. Clean the inlet screen and check the aerator on your faucet for buildup.
However, if the issue occurs in multiple areas throughout the home, these are signs of a plumbing problem. You may have an active leak in the supply line or possibly a water main or water heater problem. If you notice low water pressure across your house, call a plumber. Poor water pressure is one of the signs of a plumbing problem that you should not ignore.
Dripping or Leaky Faucets are Signs of a Plumbing Problem
Some leaks are more obvious than others. Dripping faucets are often pretty simple to fix and can be repaired on your own most of the time. There is likely a worn-down part that needs replacing, such as an old washer or gasket or a loose O-ring. It could also be some corrosion in the valve seat that’s causing your problem. Look for a faucet repair kit to make fixes on your own. If the issue persists, contact a professional.
A musty smell around your sink is one of the signs of a plumbing problem. It means you have a hidden leak that is causing mold or mildew. With hidden leaks, you may not have any other evidence that there’s an issue aside from an odor in the affected area.
Another way to tell if you have a leak is if there’s a sudden increase in your water bill. You will need to call a plumber if you notice these signs of a plumbing problem. They’ll find the leak and make necessary repairs to your plumbing.
Brand Name Home Inspections provides new construction inspections and other inspection services to Northern California. Contact us to schedule yours before closing on your new home.