Young people, particularly post-millennials, often overlook housework and maintenance problems as the current economy means that most can only settle in rentals. However, hidden issues can arise even in rental accommodations, so knowing how to identify the warning signs can save you from dealing with costly consequences.
Conversely, knowing the red flags of plumbing problems early on will help you determine whether or not you need to put your professional plumber on speed dial. The list below explores what you need to watch out for:
Sign #1: A Dripping Faucet
A dripping faucet is a common problem that may seem minor on the surface, but letting the water drip for extended periods can spike up your water bill and accumulate hundreds of gallons of water wastage per year.
It’s an invisible problem that doesn’t seem to leave much of an impact other than the annoyance, but the damages can be paramount. A dripping faucet typically reveals problems with the washers, which are designed to prevent leaks when you turn off your taps.
Drips and leaks show that these washers may have become worn out, which means you will have to replace the fixture as soon as possible to minimize the extent of its damages.
Sign #2: Slow or Clogged Drain
Clogged drains are also a common problem in households, one that anyone can temporarily fix using a plunger. You can try to use pliers to remove any food or debris that causing the clog. You can also use a clog remover, but at this point, it’s better to leave the dirty work to a professional plumbing company as these chemicals can do serious damage to the pipe materials if you don’t know what you’re doing.
If all DIY methods fail, then you really need to put your plumber on speed dial as the blockage may be due to something serious like an overflowing septic tank or even tree roots growing into your pipe system.
Sign #3: Low Water Pressure
When you notice a weak, stream of water trickling down from the tap, then it’s a sign that you have low water pressure. The culprit behind the problem typically falls on residues that have built up inside the pipe system over the years due to debris and other deposits.
Sign #4: A Running Toilet
Not only is a running toiler irritating, but it’s one of the quickest ways to drive up your utility bills if you ignore the problem. It also indicates that there is a problem with the toilet’s flapper valve or the fill tube, both of which you need to replace.
The Bottom Line
Plumbing emergencies aren’t always obvious. However, there are tell-tale signs that can worsen and cause severe damage to your home when the troubling symptoms are left unchecked. These issues, no matter how minor, can lead to rot and mold growth, both of which can do damage to the property and your health.
Once you notice the red flags mentioned above, it’s in your best interest to call a professional plumbing company to flush your problems down the drain properly. We’re a professional plumbing company in San Diego, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.