No homeowner wants to imagine that their water pipes have problems. But sometimes, the signs are too obvious to ignore.
Knowing the signs of potential pipe problems can avert water damage, which can lead to mold growth and costly repairs and remediation.
Keep an eye out for these eight internal and external signs.
High Water Bill
Scrutinize your monthly water bills. Do you see any surge in the last month or two or a discrepancy between normal water usage and the figures on the bill? It’s likely there’s a broken pipe that’s constantly dripping somewhere around your home. If you are not a heavy user of water, you can expect to spend between $10 and $15 a month on water. Anything on the higher side is an indication of potential leakage.
Water Leaks
Minor water leaks around your home mean your connections need tightening or the washers and gaskets need to be swapped out. If these fixes don’t resolve the leaks, call your plumber to perform water leak detection. Small leaks around your shower heads, toilets, faucets, and pipes can lead to further damage to your water lines and your home. So have them fixed promptly.
Lower Water Pressure or Flow
Another possible sign you have a damaged pipe in your Virginia Beach, VA, home is low water pressure or flow. Both are two different things. Water pressure refers to the force of moving water as it runs through your water lines. Low pressure is an indication of a cracked, burst, or expanded pipe. On the other hand, water flow refers to the water volume that comes out of your faucet or shower heads. If there’s less flow, there might be a leak somewhere along the piping. Inspect your water pipes carefully to determine where the issue is originating from. Several things can cause low water pressure and flow. Ensure you rule out all the factors before you arrive at a conclusion.
Awful Smells
Whenever there’s a leaking pipe, water will drip constantly and dampen your floors and walls. Mold and mildew are likely to grow due to the moist conditions, leaving behind a musty odor. The smell can be an annoyance, but it’s not any more dangerous than the spores that get released into the air. If you notice a funky smell that won’t go away on its own, it’s likely water is dripping from your pipes and moisture has built up.
Persistent Clogging
Another unmistakable sign of a broken or damaged pipe is persistent clogging. The cause could be debris, chunks of hair, or grease. If the problem persists after drain cleaning, the problem might be a break in your sewage system.
You can clear simple drain clogs with a plunger. If the problem is deep within the pipes, snaking might remove the clog. Avoid using chemical cleaners, as they’re known to damage plumbing systems. If the clog is stubborn, ask your plumber to come and troubleshoot its location and clear the lines safely.
Rust That Contaminates Water
Over time, pipes may develop rust in areas where they shouldn’t naturally. Rust is an indication that iron is present in the water. Rusty water could mean one of these two things: You have old water lines or old water heaters that need urgent replacement. In some cases, the problem might be with the water itself. Don’t ignore these signs. Contact your local plumber the moment your faucet starts spouting rust-colored or visibly murky water. Water treatment solutions, water softeners, and water filtration might help prevent the risk of contamination.
Damp Spots
If no one has spilled water on your floor or along the wall, water could be leaking from a damaged pipe. Don’t ignore damp spots, as they can attract mold and mildew. Locating the source of leaks can be difficult, especially if the pipes run under the floors or between walls. Only a licensed plumber with the right tool and years of plumbing experience can diagnose the problem. The crux of the problem could be where pipes stay concealed for months or years.
Left unaddressed, water leaks can lead to wastage and costly water damage restoration. Contact your local plumber as soon as the signs of pipe repair become obvious to avoid a water disaster.
Wet Patches
Green and soggy patches around the yard could also be a sign of a pipe leak outside your house. Check the irrigation system to make sure that’s not the cause. If that’s not the cause, the other likely culprit is leaking in your underground sewer line. Ask your plumber to perform the necessary repairs sooner than later. If the smell originates from the outside, the problem could be a sewer line that’s just about to back up.
Professional Plumbing Service
If you notice one or more of the above signs, contact the experts at A1 Sewer & Drain for an inspection and quote. We have plenty of experience troubleshooting and fixing broken pipes in Hampton Roads, Richmond, and Northeastern North Carolina. We can perform the necessary repairs to stop annoying leaks and costly water damage.
