You’re bound to come across a plumbing problem at some point, but how do you know you have a serious issue on hand when it doesn’t make any noise? Here are 8 silent signs you need to look out for when it comes to your plumbing.
Slow Drains
Having one slow drain isn’t usually a big problem. It can be caused by a hair clog or food and can be easy to fix. However, when multiple drains are slow, that can be a sign of a deeper plumbing problem.
Slow drains are one of the first signs of a problem somewhere in your system, and left alone could lead to bigger issues. This could mean leaks and water damage, dirty and stagnant water in your home, water stains, and sewage back up.
Water is Discolored
When you turn on your faucet, you always expect to get clean, fresh water. So, when you turn on the tap and see yellow, green, or brown water, it might gross you out. Aside from being a surprising sight, it can be indicative of a serious plumbing problem.
Yellow, green, or brown water can mean your pipes have corroded and are about to leak or burst. Yellow or brown water can be a result of rust in your pipes. Green water can mean there’s a lot of corrosion in copper water pipes. Whichever color you come across, if it’s not clear, it needs to be dealt with ASAP.
Wobbly Toilet
If your toilet wobbles when you sit, it’s a sign that something is wrong.
Hopefully, the only thing wrong is that the seat needs a little tightening. But if the bowl is wobbling, examine the bolts on the floor that keep the toilet in place. If the bolts are tight, and it is still wobbling, then we’ve got a plumbing problem. The wobbling means there’s a chance that the wax seal around your toilet drain has failed, and water is eating away at your sub-floor.
Wall or Ceiling Paint Bubbling
Most water leaks won’t be a gush of water. Instead, they’re usually slow leaks that drip onto other surfaces. If you’ve got a leaking pipe in the wall, you’ll probably be none the wiser. That is until you see your wall or ceiling paint begin to bubble. If you notice bubbles or blisters in your wall or ceiling paint (or other discoloration, for that matter), that means that leak is getting worse and is starting to destroy your wall.
Discolored Pipes
If you notice discoloration on your pipes, you may think it’s a normal part of your pipes aging. However, this can be a big plumbing problem. You’re correct in assuming discoloration = aging, but old pipes are prone to a host of issues such as corrosion, decay, and even leaks or bursts.
If your copper pipes have white or green discoloration, and your cast iron or galvanized steel pipes have red patches, it’s best to book an appointment with a plumber right away.
Puddles of Water Outside
Most of the time mysterious puddles inside the home are cause for alarm and a call to the plumber. But mysterious outdoor puddles can oftentimes be ignored. If you notice a puddle or soft spot in your yard, it usually indicates that there’s a leak or burst pipe.
Water Meter is Running for No Apparent Reason
When no water is flowing in your home, your water meter’s needle or digital output won’t move or change numbers. If you’re home alone with everything turned off and your water meter is still giving you a reading, that’s not a good sign.
This means that you have a water leak somewhere in your system. Can’t figure out where the leak is? Call a plumber to locate and repair the leak.
Spiking Water Bill
If your water bill has shot up and you haven’t changed your water habits, you probably aren’t the problem. A spike in your water bill is a sign that something has changed in your plumbing system. If you’ve checked in with family members about their usage and suspect a hidden leak might be the culprit, get your plumber to come out and track down the problem.
Saving You from Plumbing Problems
If you notice any one of these silent plumbing problems, don’t panic. In fact, this is a good thing. You’ve spotted the problem and now we at Wyman Plumbing & Mechanical can help fix it! Our plumbers are licensed, insured, and dedicated to giving you the highest level of service. While headquartered in North Phoenix, we proudly service the entire North Valley area and are ready to help you with your plumbing needs!
