Plumbing problems can range from a minor headache to a living nightmare. It’s strange how something invisible and utilized by everyone in the home can suddenly stop working. Sometimes it works well beyond its expected lifetime, shaking your faith in the illusion of forever. And sometimes, you’re left scratching your head, wondering if it’s even worth fixing at all. Either way, you’ve got a plumbing problem, and that means it’s time to look at plumbing solutions. So how do you know when it’s time to replace your plumbing?
Leaks
You might think that a leaky faucet is just an annoyance, but it can lead to bigger problems. Not only does it waste water, but it also wastes money and increases your water bill. In most cases, the cause of a leaky faucet is a worn–out O–ring or gasket in the valve seat.
Leaks can be caused by several things, but they all have one thing in common: They’re bad for your plumbing. A quick fix may not be enough if there’s damage that goes beyond what you can see on the surface. For example, if there are cracks in your pipes or joints where pipes connect together, these may be signs that more serious problems exist beneath the surface. You may also notice drips coming from drains or toilets – these are signs that something is wrong with your system.
Rusty Water
Rusty water in your sink or bathtub can be caused by a number of things, including aging pipes and water heaters. The most common cause is a slow leak in the pipes, which can be detected with a simple test.
Rusty water is often the first sign of a failing water heater or corroded pipes. When rust builds up inside the plumbing system, it can cause leaks and other damage that will be expensive compared to the cost to replace the plumbing system. Rust also stains clothes, linens, and other fabrics, so if your towels are starting to look dingy or there are brown stains on your shower curtain, it could be time to replace your plumbing system before you end up with rusty–colored towels.
Foul Smell
The most common cause of foul–smelling water is bacteria or algae growth in the pipes. This can happen if you have a leaky pipe somewhere in your home and the water keeps running for an extended period of time. In addition to producing an unpleasant odor, this leads to health issues as well because the bacteria could potentially cause illness and disease if consumed by people or pets.
If you notice a foul smell coming from your plumbing system, the first thing you should do is isolate where the odor is coming from by turning off all of the faucets and drains in your home. If this doesn’t work, try running some cold water through all of them at once to help flush out any trapped debris that might be causing the smell.
Your Water Pressure Is Low
If you notice that your water pressure is getting low, it could be a sign of problems with your plumbing. If you’ve noticed that you’re having to turn on the faucet and wait for a bit before your water comes out, this could be an indication that there’s something wrong with your pipes. This is especially true if this happens every time you turn on the faucet or if it happens when you first get up in the morning. You should have at least 50 pounds per square inch (PSI) of water pressure in your home. If you don’t, then it might be time to call a plumber.
Your Water Bill Is Rising Inexplicably
Many homes have meters that measure both electricity and gas consumption in addition to water use. If this is the case for you, then you should check the other meters as well as your water bill for any sudden changes in usage patterns. If one of them has increased significantly without explanation, then it could mean that there’s a problem with your plumbing system that needs fixing.
Strange Noises Coming From the Pipes
Plumbing pipes are used every day and are constantly being filled and drained with water. This means that they’re subject to wear and tear over time – especially if you have older pipes in your home. While this isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, it’s important to keep an ear out for unusual sounds coming from your plumbing system.
If you hear loud banging noises coming from inside one of your walls or under a sink, it could mean that there is something blocking the flow of water through your pipes. It could also mean that there is air trapped inside them which can cause serious problems if not addressed immediately hence the need for pipe replacement.
Mold Growth
While some mold growth is normal and expected in a bathroom and kitchen, you should be concerned if you see excessive mold growth in other parts of your home. The presence of mold in your home can be a sign that there are problems with your plumbing system.
Plumbing has a tendency to give way long before you expect it. Knowing your pipes is an essential part of life and preparing for the future. You can have a plumber identify and repair problems before they happen, which will prevent costly damages in the future. If you’ve noticed these signs that it’s time for replacement, then call Dan’s Drains and Digs – we get the job done right the first time.