Signs That Your Plumbing System is in Trouble
Most of the different problems that can afflict a plumbing system do not show themselves easily. Normally, the first sign a homeowner has that their plumbing system is in trouble is when there’s already visible water damage or some other obviously severe problem. Not really the best time to know that you have a problem. If you want to protect your plumbing system from problems as much as possible, the best thing you can do is to schedule preventive maintenance for it at least once a year. Preventive maintenance is not a guarantee, though, which means it’s still a good idea to know how to identify plumbing problems early. Read on for some well-known symptoms that indicate a plumbing problem.
High Water Bills
If your monthly water bills are rising faster than you think is warranted by how much you use from month to month, it may not be a simple error on your utility company’s part. Oftentimes, unexpected spikes in water bills can indicate that you have a leak in your plumbing. Leaks of sufficient size or number can divert enough water out of your system that it will be reflected in your water bills. If you suspect that this is the reason why your water bills are so high, we recommend that you call for repairs as soon as you can.
Limescale
Limescale is a kind of mineral deposit that tends to build up in plumbing systems that are exposed to hard water over a long period of time. As the mineral deposits build in the pipes, they will gradually restrict the flow of water through the system. If the limescale isn’t caught and removed in-time, it will harden and become nearly impossible to remove without replacing the pipes. Aside from the slow drop of water pressure, you can tell whether or not your system is experiencing limescale issues by looking around your faucets and in your sink. If you notice a white, chalky sort of film in those areas, then you should probably talk to a plumber about limescale remediation.
Visible Water Damage
You should never, ever ignore any visible water damage that you find in your home. Sometimes, leaks are small enough that they have months to rot out the surrounding area before they’re discovered by homeowners. If your home has water damage in it, it might be because there’s a leak in that area that can cause further issues if it isn’t fixed.
Falling Water Pressure
If your water pressure is dropping, it could mean that you have one of a number of different problems to deal with in your home. You might have limescale, as we discussed above, or you might have a pipe rupture that you need to deal with as soon as possible. Regardless of the cause, dropping water pressure isn’t a good sign. Contact your plumber as soon as you can if you notice this issue.
