Whether you’re a budding plumbing expert or someone who has no idea what the pipes and screws in your bathroom are connected to, there are certain red flags in your bathroom you should know about. While some leaks and drips may seem like small problems, they can turn into huge messes if left unattended for too long. From your first apartment after college to your big country house where you’re raising four kids, if you see these five things in your bathroom, it's time to call the plumber.
More than one clogged drain
It's a fact of life: drains clog. Whether you live in a household with many girls with long hair or young kids who shower off many layers of playground dirt at the end of the day, the occasional clog is inevitable. However, if you have a drain that's clogging over and over again, or multiple clogged drains in your bathroom or kitchen, that’s a red flag. More than one clogged drain could signify a problem deeper within your plumbing that a quick splash of Drano won’t fix. If you’re having this problem, it's time to call a professional.
Cloudy water
The water coming out of your tap should be clean and clear. If it's not, you have a problem. This could be an indicator of many issues including sediment in your pipes, a disintegrating faucet, or the need for a new filter cartridge. If your water is a different color, there are foreign particles in it, or it just doesn’t seem right, it's probably time to call your plumber. Addressing these problems as soon as possible will prevent long term problems and keep your family happy and healthy.
Uptick in your water bill
An abnormal spike in your water bill is another common plumbing red flag. If you have an uptick in your water bill and you haven’t, to your knowledge, been using more water than usual, that could mean a variety of plumbing problems. You may have a running toilet, or leaky faucets and fixtures in your bathroom and other areas within your house. If you see a spike in your water bill but no leaking water, this also may be a sign of an internal leak somewhere in your home’s plumbing. The EPA says household leaks account for over 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year. Don’t pay for water you’re not using, instead catch these problems in their beginning stages and call your plumber.
Abnormal Smell
An abnormal smell is another prominent red flag when it comes to plumbing. This could mean your pipes are not draining property or there is a sewage leak. These sorts of issues can be small problems with quick fixes, but if left unattended for too long they can grow and cause severe damage to your home. If you smell something out of place in your home, be sure to call your plumber ASAP.
Weak tile or stains on your walls and ceilings
Stains in your bathroom and other areas within your home are often indicators of plumbing problems. While some stains and wear and tear comes with age, oftentimes this is an indicator of a leak in your home as water damage can cause stains. If you see prominent stains or weaknesses in your home’s interior, call your plumber.
For renters, first time homeowners, and growing families alike, plumbing problems can become expensive and cause long term damage to your home. To avoid dealing with elevated water bills and damaged walls, it's important to catch these problems in their early stages and address them before they get out of hand. If you see any of these red flags in your bathroom or other parts of your home, contact Pioneer Plumbing today!
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