Many homeowners in Dalworthington, TX, don’t understand the different problems that can go unnoticed for years. Plumbing is an essential part of a functioning home. The pipes, drain, and plumbing fixtures keep water flowing to where you need it and then safely out of your home. Unfortunately, when something goes wrong with your plumbing system, it can be a messy and stressful experience.
The good news is that, with a bit of attention to detail, some warning signs will let you know if something is not quite right in your home’s plumbing system and require attention from a plumber. And if you can identify these problems early on, they are often much easier and less expensive to fix than if they are left to worsen over time. Here are several key indicators that there may be a problem lurking somewhere in your plumbing system.
Look for Signs of Water Damage
Water damage is one of the most straightforward problems to spot, but it can also be difficult to fix because it can affect drywall and other difficult areas to access. Water damage can present in peeling paint on the walls or ceiling, discoloration of wood or drywall, or even warping floors. These can be signs of leaks behind walls or above ceilings. If you see any of these signs in your home, call your plumber for an inspection. Look for discolorations in your walls, ceilings, and floors, and check behind appliances whenever possible.
Notice the Color of Your Water
If you have noticed that your water has a strange color, it could be due to leaking pipes. This is more common when your water has reddish coloring, though it may also appear green or brown. If you notice your water has a strange color, check all visible pipes for leaks and look for puddles on the floor beneath your sink or washing machine. You may also want to feel around your walls and floors for dampness, indicating a possible leak in those areas. If you notice this coloring, contact a plumber immediately.
Water Stains or Mold on Walls and Ceilings
You have a severe plumbing problem if you notice water spilling down your walls. A leak that significant means that the water has nowhere else to go, but the story behind the leak could be what is upsetting. You might have a significant crack somewhere in your pipes, or your sink may not be attached properly. These two issues will require the help of a professional plumber.
Water stains and mold on walls usually indicate a leak somewhere. The most likely culprit is an upstairs toilet. Toilets are often installed by running water lines through the wall, so you can have a leaky pipe in the wall without any sign of dripping from the ceiling below it. If you see water or mold on a wall, have a plumber check the toilet above it for signs of a leak.
Buckling of Floors or Walls
This severe problem could indicate structural damage caused by hidden leaks in water supply lines or drain pipes behind walls, ceilings, or floors. When floors or walls buckle, your house has a water leak somewhere inside the walls. If you notice buckling, call a plumber as soon as possible to have the problem investigated. Foundation difficulties can also cause buckling, so a structural engineer may be needed to determine the source of the problem and make repairs.
Sagging or Rotting in Subflooring, Walls, And Ceilings
Sometimes, the damage you see from water infiltration is easy to distinguish from general wear-and-tear in an older home in Dalworthington, TX. But the shape of your walls and ceilings can tell you a lot about what kind of damage is occurring within them.
If you can see a sagging area right above where the door jambs meet, or if you notice any rot or mold along the baseboards within your home, you likely leak somewhere. These things can be hard to spot at first, but they’re worth noting and taken care of right away by a plumber.
Frequent Toilet Clogs
If your toilet is frequently clogging, chances are there is a severe problem with the plumbing system. It could be a broken pipe or an obstruction in the sewer line that’s causing other drains to back up.
The first thing you should do is contact a plumber in Dalworthington, TX, for an inspection of your plumbing. If there’s a more severe issue, it needs to be addressed quickly to avoid further damage. Also, if a water supply issue causes the clogs, you’ll want to have it repaired immediately.
Unfortunately, that isn’t the only problem that could cause frequent toilet clogs. Many different things can go wrong with the plumbing system, and most of them require professional plumber attention.
Sewer lines can become blocked by tree roots growing into them over time. This is a severe problem because it can lead to other drains becoming blocked. If you notice that your toilet is frequently clogging and you’ve recently moved into the home in Dalworthington, TX, it may be due to tree roots growing into the sewer line from outside. You’ll need to call a plumber for this one because they’ll need to dig and remove the roots.
See If Your Fixtures Are Leaking
A leaking faucet may not seem like a big deal at first, but it can add to wasted water over time. It’s also one of the first signs that your plumbing system is starting to wear out and will need a plumber to repair it soon. You may want to replace your faucets every 10-15 years, depending on how often they’re used and what type of water flows. You should also be aware that certain faucets require specific parts and accessories; it’s not always easy to find compatible parts for older or custom fixtures in Dalworthington, TX.
Worn washers or O-rings may cause faucet leaks in the valve assembly or by loose connections between the pipes and the faucet body. These small seals keep water from leaking out of the valve as it travels past it when you turn on your tap or pull on a lever to open the valve.
Water Pressure Fluctuation
Another most common plumbing problem in Dalworthington, TX, is a fluctuation in water pressure. It can be dangerous, especially if the pressure is too low. A water pressure gauge can help you identify plumbing problems. Water pressure fluctuation is often a telltale sign of a plumbing problem. If you notice water pressure in your home fluctuates, talk to a plumber as soon as possible.
If your water pressure is suddenly much higher than usual, it could be a sign of a leak somewhere in your home’s pipes. A large enough leak can cause the water pressure to rise. A drop in water pressure is typically a sign of a clogged or slow draining pipe. When the drain becomes partially blocked, it can cause water to back up and create slow drainage problems. It can also be a sign that you leak somewhere in your plumbing system because water pressure decreases when you have leaks. If you notice that some faucets have intense pressure and others don’t, this may also be due to blocked pipes.
If you suspect a leak somewhere in your pipes, contact a professional plumber to help you find and repair it as quickly as possible before it causes extensive damage and drives up your water bill.
Dripping Pipes
Dripping sounds coming from the pipes in your home can be annoying, but they may also be the first sign of a problem.
In addition to being a nuisance, a dripping faucet can also waste gallons of water over time. To avoid this waste and prevent more severe issues, it’s essential to learn how to identify plumbing problems so you can have a plumber fix them before they get worse.
A dripping pipe is usually an easy fix because most cases result from a worn-out washer or faulty valve seat. However, if nothing seems wrong with your fixtures and you still hear dripping sounds from your pipes, it could be a sign of hidden damage in your plumbing system.
Running Toilets
A running toilet is one of the most annoying plumbing problems in Dalworthington, TX. Water from the tank constantly flows into the bowl when a toilet runs, even when it’s not being flushed. At first, it might seem like a running toilet is nothing to worry about. Many people ignore the problem, hoping that it will go away.
However, one of the biggest problems with running toilets is that they cost more money over time because they waste water. If your toilet is leaking water continuously, you are paying for water that does nothing but goes down the drain. Having a plumber fix will save you money down the line.
Why Does My Toilet Run?
Several parts of your toilet could be causing the problem. Here are some common causes:
- The flapper valve may be worn out and needs to be replaced. The flapper valve is located at the bottom of the tank and stops water from flowing from the tank into the bowl once it’s full.
- The chain connecting the handle to the flapper valve may have become twisted or bent, so it doesn’t pull up the flapper correctly.
- The fill valve may have been knocked out of alignment during cleaning or some other type of maintenance, or it may need to be adjusted. The fill valve is located at the tank top and controls how much water flows into it as it refills after being flushed.
Moisture Spots Around the Floor Drain, Toilets, And Sinks
These spots could be signs of leaks. Leaks will affect your monthly water bill and can cause further damage to your home if not addressed promptly. Hardwood floors could swell and warp because of the moisture if you have hardwood floors. When dealing with hardwood floors, it’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible because permanent damage can occur fast.
Strange Noises
There are many strange noises that a plumbing system could make. If you hear gurgling, bubbling, or banging noises, this might suggest a blocked drain. If the water in your sink is draining slowly, this could also signify a blocked drain or sewer line. You should have your pipes inspected by a professional plumber to identify the problem and find out if it’s something that needs immediate attention.
The longer you wait, the worse the problem will get and the more expensive it will become to fix it. Faucets can be noisy if they haven’t been used in a while and the air gets trapped inside them, but the noise usually goes away after the water runs for a few seconds. There may be sediment lodged in the valve seat or pipe blocking water flow when running a faucet if you hear a banging noise. The same thing happens when sediment accumulates in hot-water heaters, except it makes noise whenever hot water flows somewhere in the house.
High Water Bills
For some homeowners in Dalworthington, TX, a high-water bill may indicate a leak in your plumbing system. Check all exposed pipes for signs of sweating or leaking around fittings and valves when you suspect a problem. Also, check toilet flappers and other components that could fail or wear out. If you have any of these issues, then it’s a good idea to call a plumber as soon as possible.
Slow Draining Tubs and Showers
If you find that the tub or shower is draining slowly, it could result from a clogged drain. Slow draining tubs and showers are inconvenient but can also cause damage to your bathroom flooring from water pooling around the drain opening.
To keep your drains running smoothly, you should use a drain strainer and clean off any soap scum or residue before it has a chance to build up. If you have problems with hair clogging your drain, you may need to call in a professional plumber.
Like most people you may ignore plumbing problems until they become severe or catastrophic. But by then, the damage may be done, and your only option is to hire a professional plumber to repair the problem. If you’re proud of your home and want it to be as efficient and comfortable as possible, it’s in your best interest to remain mindful of any problems in your plumbing.
Hire a professional plumber to regularly inspect your system to ensure everything is in working order. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth plumbers are the best in the business and can help you keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly.
Call us today to schedule a consultation or service call. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and provide you with a free estimate. Let us show you why we’re the best plumbing company in Dalworthington!