It’s never convenient when your plumbing gives you problems.
In fact, they seem to wait until 2 AM on Sunday, or the day before a dinner party. And then, when they decide to act up, it’s always an all-out assault. The worst part?
Most homeowners miss the warning signs until it’s way too late.
Truth is…
Water damage statistics show that 14,000 people in the United States alone are affected by water damage each and every day. That’s not a misprint. Every. Single. Day. And the scariest part about that is that most of this damage is completely preventable if it was caught early enough.
The good news?
Your home gives you lots of warning signs that a plumbing disaster is on the way. Your job is to be paying attention.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Warning signs you should never ignore
- The financial disaster that inaction will cause you
- Sneaky problems that cause serious damage
- How to know when you need to call in the cavalry
Why Plumbing Problems Require Immediate Attention
Let’s just look at the numbers for a second…
Water damage and freezing are responsible for a full 28% of all insurance claims by homeowners, according to the Insurance Information Institute. That’s almost 1/3 of all homeowners in the United States every year. The average claim total?
You guessed it…$13,954
That’s a whole lot of money for something that was likely caused by a relatively small leak.
When it comes to the plumbing services you need for your home, early intervention is always the best policy. Your trusted local plumber can catch problems before they turn into big, expensive headaches. But first, you need to know what to look for.
Consider…
That little drip under your bathroom sink may seem like nothing to worry about. But if you leave it, that drip becomes a flood. The flood leads to mould. The mould becomes a health hazard. And the health hazard turns into an expense of several thousand dollars to rectify.
Very frustrating indeed.
Warning Signs That You Cannot Ignore
Your home is trying to tell you things. The key is to be paying attention. Here are some big red flags that your house is saying “call a plumber right now.”
Multiple Slow Drains
One slow drain is one thing. Multiple slow drains is a problem.
If it’s taking forever for water to drain out of your kitchen sink, your bathroom sink, and your washing machine, you have a problem with your home’s main sewer line. A bottle of Drano won’t fix this issue.
Look for these clues:
- Water backing up in more than one fixture
- Drainage that gurgles as it drains
- Drainage that’s slowed over time
- Strong, bad odours coming out of your drain openings
All of these are symptoms of a deep blockage in your home’s plumbing system. And blockages only get worse over time.
Water Bills Increase Without Explanation
When did your water bill suddenly skyrocket for no discernable reason?
It’s one of the most glaring warning signs of a hidden leak. And this is the kicker…Research has found that 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons of water or more, day after day, year after year.
That’s a lot of water going down the drain each month. Your wallet certainly notices it even if you can’t see the leak.
Take a look at your water meter when no one is using water in your home. If it continues to move, you have a leak somewhere in your system.
Water Stains and Discolouration
Brown stains on your ceiling or walls aren’t “cosmetic issues.”
They are a warning sign of water damage happening somewhere behind the scenes. By the time you notice a water stain, the leak has likely been happening for weeks or even months.
Look in these trouble spots:
- Ceiling stains that appear below bathrooms
- Walls discolouration around plumbing fixtures
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Warped or buckled flooring
Don’t just paint over the stains and call it a day. Look for the source and correct the issue.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure in your home is a warning sign. You should not suddenly be getting weak showers.
There are a number of things that can cause this issue. Pipes corroded over time, hidden leaks, blocked water lines, or issues with your home’s main water supply are all possibilities.
If it’s only one fixture that has low water pressure, you may be able to easily fix it yourself. But if it’s the whole house, you need to call for professional help, stat.
Strange Noises Coming From Your Pipes
Your home’s plumbing should not make noise.
Banging, whistling, gurgling…those are noises that mean something is wrong with your pipes. Water hammer (that loud banging noise) is especially bad, as the noise can actually damage your pipe connections over time.
Here are some of the most common sounds and what they indicate:
- Banging = water hammer or loose pipes
- Whistling = worn valve or high water pressure
- Gurgling = blocked vent or drain issues
- Hissing = leaking pipe or valve
Listen to what your plumbing is telling you when it makes those noises. It’s telling you it needs help.
Visible Corrosion or Rust on Pipes
Take a look at your home’s exposed pipes. Any green discoloration on copper pipes? Orange rust stains on steel pipes?
Pipe corrosion is a bad sign. Corrosion will eat through your pipes from the inside out. Weak pipes = burst pipes. Burst pipes = damage that will ruin your entire week.
Older homes are especially at risk. If your home was built prior to 1970, your plumbing may be at the end of its useful lifespan.
Sewage Odours
This one is obvious but it must be said.
If your home is smelling like sewage, something has gone very, very wrong. Cracked sewer lines and dried out traps can both allow harmful gases to seep into your home.
Don’t ignore this sign. Sewer gas has methane and other dangerous compounds inside of it. Get it checked out right away.
When Small Problems Turn into Big Disasters
Here is what happens when you leave things alone…
That small leak under your bathroom sink will eventually seep down into the subfloor. The subfloor begins to rot. The rotting subfloor develops mould. The mould spreads to your walls. Three months later, you are faced with a complete bathroom reno.
All because of a leak that you should have been able to fix for a tiny fraction of that cost.
Time is of the essence as well. Mould will begin to grow 24 to 48 hours after water exposure. Within a week, you will begin to see structural damage to your home. The longer you wait, the worse it becomes.
Addressing Plumbing Problems Before They Become Emergencies
The best time to address plumbing issues is always before they become emergencies.
- Schedule annual plumbing inspections for your home
- Address small problems before they become big ones
- Know where your home’s main water shut-off is located
- Keep the number of your local plumber at the ready
Prevention is always better than the cost of repair. A small investment in routine maintenance will save you major headaches down the road.
Final Thoughts
Your home’s plumbing system is hard at work every day. It deserves your attention before things get out of control.
Pay attention to those warning signs. Take action when you notice them. Don’t be afraid to call in professionals when something just doesn’t look right.
The cost of prevention will never be more than the cost of disaster. Always.
Go check those pipes now.
