Nobody wants to deal with a plumbing problem. But, they’re sometimes inevitable, and what makes them an even bigger problem is they are often hard to detect without professional equipment, and experience. Most of your plumbing system is hidden from view, after all. The problems that typically affect this system are subtle to start, which is part of the reason why we recommend scheduling preventive maintenance at least once a year.
However, you should also familiarize yourself with some of the warning signs that your plumbing system is, in fact, experiencing some sort of problem. This way, on the rare chance that an issue occurs between your plumbing maintenance appointments, you can detect it fairly quickly and contact us right away for repairs.
A Decline in Water Pressure
A loss of water pressure is never a good sign. It could be indicative of a number of different things, depending on how severe the drop is and how quickly it declines. Usually, any loss of water pressure means you have a leak or a blockage somewhere within your system.
A slow loss of water pressure over time means you have a growing leak or blockage, such as with limescale. A sudden loss of water pressure, however, may mean you have a pipe rupture, which is an emergency situation that requires a call to our pros right away. Even if it’s not an emergency situation, yet, it’s a good idea to call in an experienced pro.
Unnaturally High Water Bills
You should keep a close eye on your water bills from month to month, just in case they begin to rise unexpectedly. If your water bills seem to be rising beyond what is typical for the amount of water you’re using, it could very well mean that you have a leak somewhere in the system. If your monthly bills say you’re using substantially more water than you are, it’s a good idea to have your plumbing system checked.
Running Water Meter
One easy way to see if your plumbing system is leaking is to turn off all the plumbing fixtures and appliances in your home, then check your water meter. Is it still running? If so, it means that water is likely still leaving your system somewhere, indicating you have a leak. Call a plumber if you do notice this occurring.
Visible Signs of Water Damage
Even if you’re diligent about this sort of thing, the unfortunate fact of the matter is that many plumbing problems only become noticeable once they’ve gotten far enough along to start inflicting damage. Pinhole leaks and other similar problems are often found only after they have already rotted out the surrounding area with water damage.
If you notice any signs of water damage on your walls or ceiling, it’s a good idea to call a professional to check on it as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the problem is likely going to get.