10 Silent Signs Your House Has a Major Plumbing Problem

Category

Blog

Date

July 18, 2023

Author

Marco

10 Silent Signs Your House Has a Major Plumbing Problem

Table of Contents

Your plumbing system is one of the most important parts of your home. It provides clean water, allows you to dispose of waste, and helps keep your home comfortable. Keeping your plumbing system healthy is essential for the well-being and functionality of your home.

But sometimes, plumbing problems are obvious. While some plumbing issues are apparent and demand immediate attention, others can silently wreak havoc if left undetected. To prevent major plumbing problems, recognise the minute warning indications that are often overlooked.

To help you understand those silent plumbing-related problems and take care of your home before a disaster happens, I will help you with this guide. I’ll discuss some of the silent signs that your house may have a major plumbing problem. Be with me until the end of the guide!

10 Silent Signs Your House Has a Major Plumbing Problem

Silent Signs Your House Has a Major Plumbing Problem

Sewer Gas Smell

Sewer gas is a combination of hydrogen sulphide, methane, and other gases that can harm your health. It can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, and even death.

If your nose detects foul odour from your toilets, drains, or other fixtures, it could be an indication of a sewer gas leak. This is a severe issue that should be handled instantly.

Discoloured Water

If your water is coming out of the faucets or shower heads with a strange colour, such as yellow, brown, or green, it could be a sign of a problem with your pipes.

This could be due to corrosion, mineral buildup, or lead contamination. Corrosion can wear out your pipes and cause leaks. Mineral buildup can clog your drains and make it challenging for water to float freely.

Lead contamination can be dangerous to your health. If you notice discoloured water, you should have your plumbing system examined by a skilled plumber.

Bubbling or Peeling Paint

If you see bubbling or peeling paint on your walls or ceilings, it could indicate a water leak behind the walls. This serious issue can lead to structural damage and mould growth. Mould growth can cause health problems, and structural damage can be costly to repair.

No Water in Winter

When your pipes freeze, it’s a big problem because your home won’t have any water. This indicates you won’t be able to wash dishes, take showers, or even drink water in some cases.

It’s especially important to address frozen pipes during the coldest months. If you don’t take action quickly, the pipes will thaw eventually, and the water will come back with a lot of pressure.

This high pressure can make the pipes burst, causing even more damage. So, fixing frozen pipes as soon as possible is crucial to avoid bursting and further complications.

10 Silent Signs Your House Has a Major Plumbing Problem

Slow Drains

If your drains are draining slowly or not at all, it directly stipulates an indication of a blockage or clog. A buildup of hair, grease, or other debris can cause this—mostly, you can open the blogs or blockages yourself.

However, if your drains are consistently slow or your water supply is meagre from multiple locations inside the home, it is a serious problem; there may be tree roots in the supply line that require the attention of a professional plumber.

Low Water Pressure

If you witness low water pressure throughout your home, it could indicate a problem with your water main or pipes, a blockage, or a leak. Low water pressure can make it problematic to do simple tasks, such as showering or washing dishes. 

Patches of Unusually Green Grass

Noticing patches of unusually green grass in your lawn? You might have some water leaks nearby. Well, you are seeing this as the water from the leak is seeping into the ground and nourishing the grass.

A water leak can cause your water bill to increase, and it can also damage your foundation. Therefore, you must closely see the spot where green grass is grown. If you think you can’t handle leaks yourself, having your yard inspected by a qualified plumber is important.

High Water Bills

If you observe that your water bill has unexpectedly skyrocketed, it could mean that you have a plumbing issue. It’s not just about the extra money you have to pay but also a sign that something is wrong with your plumbing system.

Suppose you haven’t been using more water than usual, like filling up a pool or watering your lawn excessively and still getting a sudden bill increment. In such a case, you should start investigating to catch if there’s a leak someplace in your house.

Knocking or gurgling noises in the pipes

Banging, clanking, or gurgling sounds from your pipes when using the plumbing fixtures could indicate a problem. These noises showcase a problem with your pipes, such as a leak or a clog, or even a blockage in the plumbing system.

Wet Carpet or Floor

If you see wet spots on your carpet or notice that your floor is sinking, even though no one has spilt water or taken a shower recently, you likely have a problem called a slab leak.

In houses with concrete slab foundations, the drain lines and water pipes are located underneath and inside the concrete slab. If one of these pipes leaks, the water seeps into the concrete and then shows up on your floors, coming from under your house.

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