Picture this – you have an important errand to run, and the toilet isn’t flushing – again! The problem always seems to recur despite having a plumber over to your house a few times before.
So what is the issue? How did your plumbing problems get so bad?
In this post, we discuss seven signs that you have a severe plumbing problem.
1. Running Toilet
A toilet that’s always running causes an annoying sound and wastes water. It occurs when the inner components malfunction. A flapper valve that doesn’t fit properly, a loose-fill tube, an imbalanced float, and a leak are some reasons for a running toilet.
Checking the components will help you determine the specific problem. The filler tube is a thin, flexible tube inside the tank and should be securely attached and directed towards the overflow tube.
Check the chain attached to the flapper and ensure it’s not tangled. Simple adjustments like these should work and if not, consider replacing the internal components.
You can get a toilet repair kit at home improvement stores, and they are relatively easy to use. However, we recommend professional repair. Call a plumber from Plumbing Pros DMV for professional help with a running toilet or other toilet repairs.
2. Leaky Faucets and Pipes
Leaking faucets and pipes are more of a nuisance than a plumbing emergency. However, if left unattended, the drips add up quickly and increase the cost of water in your home.
The EPA estimates that a faucet leaking one drip per second adds up to more than 3000 gallons in a year – which is the equivalent of over 150 showers. Similarly, fixing the leaks in your house can reduce your water bills by up to 10%.
It’s easy to spot a leaking faucet because water drips when the faucet is turned off. More often than not, you can hear it when in another room. On the other hand, leaking pipes are more difficult to detect and can cause a lot of damage if not repaired immediately.
You can often hear dripping or see a puddle below the pipe after some time. A dripping faucet is usually due to a damaged seal, while a leaking pipe is caused by deterioration, high pressure, shifting, or other damage. Fixing both of these jobs can be a DIY job, but it’s more effective with specialty tools and skills.
Let a professional from Plumbing Pros DMV handle the job to get lasting results.
3. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is a common plumbing problem in old homes but can also occur in new houses. It can occur suddenly or develop over time, depending on the cause. Low water pressure makes it difficult to enjoy a shower or rinse things, and as such, resolving the problem should be a priority.
A few possible causes of low water pressure include a water main break, a leaking pipe, and the buildup of minerals and sediment in the showerheads, pipes, or faucet aerators.
Cleaning the aerators and showerheads with vinegar will loosen the buildup. If that doesn’t restore the water pressure, call a professional plumber.
4. Unpleasant Smells from the Plumbing
Stinky plumbing issues are common and occur for several reasons, including bacteria buildup, clogged or missing vent pipes, issues with the P-Trap, and garbage disposal.
The more concerning possibility is a pipe breach when holes plague pipes due to high-pressure clogs. Probing tree roots and the line splitting after sinking into the ground can also cause a pipe breach.
There is no easy way to diagnose and fix many of the causes of plumbing odor. You will need to call a professional from Plumbing Pros DMV as soon as possible to limit the expenses and avoid a more prominent issue down the line.
5. Clogged Drains and Toilets
Clogged drains are often characterized by water backing up as you shower or empty a sink. For a clogged toilet, you’ll notice water backs up into the bowl and sometimes overflows. Clogged drains occur when something partially or fully blocks the drains.
Hair and items like a small toy or shampoo lid are often the culprits in clogged showers and sinks. Toilets tend to clog when someone flushes something that’s not dissolvable.
Using a plunger on a clogged drain or toilet can effectively loosen the blockage. Place the open end of the plunger over the drain and create suction by moving it up and down. If you draw the blockage close enough, remove it from the drain using a pair of tweezers or pliers.
You can also use a plumbing snake to dislodge the blockage and get the water flowing. Remember to call a plumber for effective toilet clog repair without damage to the pipes.
6. Unusual Water Color
The color of the water is one of the early signs that your plumbing has a problem. If the water coming out of your taps is red or brown, you probably have a corrosion issue. It’s a common problem in older homes where the iron pipes have been rusting and eroding for a long time.
Yellowish water indicates a manganese concentration, while blue or green water is a sign of rust issues in copper pipes. It can cause serious health problems if ingested and often indicates imminent pipe failure.
If you have colored water coming from your taps, call a professional from Plumbing Pros DMV for a thorough inspection and repair.
7. Water Heater Issues
It’s easy to spot an issue with your water heater – puddles of water, cold water, strange noises coming from the unit, and discolored water. Whether these issues are due to a stuck valve, a bad gasket, a corroded tank, or a faulty temperature and pressure valve, immediate repair is of paramount importance.
Water heater issues are complex and have a high potential for danger. It’s best to leave the repair to a professional plumber. In the meantime, take immediate steps to ensure your safety.
Ensure you shut off the power to the unit. Wear gloves and ensure you’re dry if you have an electric heater. You’ll also want to turn off the water to prevent continued leaking and move items away from the unit.
Got Plumbing Problems? Call A Plumber!
If you notice any of the above signs of plumbing problems, give Plumbing Pros DMV a call today for reliable services. We offer timely and effective plumbing solutions in Alexandria VA, Germantown MD, Manassas VA, Centreville VA, Gainesville VA, and surrounding areas.
Feel to contact us today for fast and professional plumbing service.
