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9 Signs You Have Plumbing Problems

April 3, 2023

Plumbing problems can be one of the most frustrating issues homeowners encounter. With the potential for unpleasant smells, toxic gases, and water damage to your home, it is essential to be aware of the signs of plumbing problems so you can have them addressed before they lead to extensive damage. Check out these nine signs of plumbing problems in your home.

Your Toilet Won’t Stop Running

While it’s normal for toilets to make a sound after they’ve been flushed, if your toilet is constantly running even when it has not been used recently, it is a sign that you have a plumbing problem. Moreover, a toilet that is constantly running can cause your water bills to skyrocket. Be sure to have a plumber check out your toilet right away to minimize the damage.

Your Faucet Is Constantly Dripping

A dripping faucet

The sound of a constantly dripping faucet is more than an annoyance that keeps you up at night; it can also indicate a more serious problem in your plumbing system. Many times, faucets leak or drip because of issues with their valve. This is not a complicated repair, but if you are experiencing problems with one valve in your house, it is a good idea to have the rest of them checked out as well. Act quickly as dripping faucets can cause a noticeable increase in your water bill.

Multiple Drains in Your Home Are Slow

If just one drain in your home empties slowly, it may not indicate a major problem. For example, if your shower is draining slowly, a hair clog could be to blame. However, if you are experiencing multiple slow drains in your home at once, it could mean that there is a partially blocked sewer line that you will need to call a plumber in to clean out properly.

You Have Low Water Pressure

Sometimes you may experience temporary low water pressure in one sink, and this is not usually a problem if it resolves quickly. However, if you’re experiencing low water pressure throughout your home, it could be due to a municipal water supply problem or a leak in your water main. You may notice, for example, that the water that comes out of your shower head no longer comes out in a steady stream and is instead a weaker trickle. If your water bill is also on the rise or you notice signs of damage to your walls or discolored water, there could be a more serious problem, so it is essential to call a plumber right away.

You Have a Puddle in Your Yard That Cannot Be Explained

It is not unusual to find a yard full of puddles following an extended period of rain, but if you notice a puddle or a softer sunken spot in your yard despite a lack of recent rain, it could be due to a partial or full collapse of your sewer pipe. This is something that will need to be replaced immediately.

Your Water Is Discolored

Reddish-rusted water coming out of a sink faucet

The water that comes out of the faucets in your home should be clear. If the water that comes out of one or more faucets is a different color, it is a sign of a plumbing problem.

For example, brown or yellow water could indicate that there is rust in your water pipes, while green water can be a sign of excessive corrosion in copper water pipes. Regardless of the color, discolored water often means that your pipes are severely corroded and could be about to burst or leak. This is one problem that you will want to have addressed before it turns into something more serious.

Your Water Bills Have Risen Inexplicably

If you have not made any major changes to your typical water usage patterns and your supplier has not instituted a rate hike but your bills are rising exponentially on a monthly basis. This is a strong sign that there is a leak somewhere within your home’s plumbing system. Plumbers can examine your home to find any leaks that could be causing you to spend more money than necessary on your water bills.

Your Water Meter Is Running When You Are Not Using Water

On a similar note, if you are home alone and are certain that all of the water fixtures and appliances that use water are turned off but you notice the needle or digital output in your water meter changing numbers, you likely have a water leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

You Notice an Unpleasant Odor in Your Home

A woman experiencing an unpleasant smell inside the house

If you notice a foul smell when you enter your home after being out for a period of time or when you wake up in the morning, it could indicate a major plumbing problem.

Sometimes the smell may resemble that of rotten eggs, which can indicate that there may be a gas leak. In some cases, you may notice the smell of sulfur or human excrement. In these cases, sewer gas could be seeping into your home, and this is harmful to your health if you inhale it for a long period of time. Therefore, it is essential to call a plumber to identify the source of the smell and ensure your family’s safety.

Get in Touch With O’Connor Plumbing

If you notice any of these signs, then you could have a plumbing problem. Get in touch with the experienced professionals at O’Connor Plumbing. Our team of D.C. Metro-area licensed plumbers can diagnose and solve your problem.

*Disclaimer

Articles published by O'Connor Plumbing are purely for educational purposes and provides generalized information of the topic(s) covered. These articles should not be considered as expert advice.

Please contact the team at O'Connor Plumbing for more information regarding your plumbing needs.

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