Many plumbing problems are highly evident due to the telltale signs they produce. There are, however, several less obvious plumbing issues that never make a peep. And, if your plumbing system is suffering from one of the more sneaky signs of failure, you may have a water disaster on the horizon.
At Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, it’s our job to make sure your plumbing system is fully intact and functional. Below, we’ve outlined a few of the sneakiest signs that your house has a plumbing problem, and how you should handle them.
#1: Multiple Faucets With Low Water Pressure
If several of your faucets have low water pressure, that’s a solid indication that you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. Usually, the culprit is your hot water heater, your water main, or, worst-case scenario, your supply line.
If you consistently observe low water pressure in several areas around the house, it’s imperative that you contact a plumber immediately. Allowing the issue to persist unchecked almost always results in a disastrous leak and extensive water damage.
#2: Bubbling Interior Paint
Have you noticed bubbles developing in the paint on your ceiling or walls? If so, your plumbing is probably in trouble. Bubbling paint is almost always a sign of moisture, which, in many cases, stems from a leak in your plumbing system. Whether you can locate the leak yourself depends on your knowledge of your plumbing system. For a thorough plumbing inspection and recommendations on the most cost-effective, lasting course of action, contact a plumber at your earliest convenience.
#3: Pipe Discoloration
Have your pipes turned colors? Have you ever examined them to find out? The next time you’re digging around under your kitchen sink or heading into the basement, take a few moments to inspect the pipes for signs of discoloration. You’ll want to examine the entire pipe, but pay special attention to the area immediately around each joint.
Pipe discoloration is a strong indication that there’s a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. It could be something as simple as a dripping faucet, but it could also be something more serious, such as a minor break in your water supply line. In either case, you’ll want to contact a plumber immediately to avoid a more serious leak and extensive home water damage.
#4: Sky-High Water Bills
If your water bills are gradually increasing, despite attempts to reduce your water use, you might have a plumbing problem on your hands. Likewise, if there’s a sudden cost spike, that could also indicate a leak somewhere in the system.
Most frequently, rising water bills are due to an overactive toilet, so try investigating your bathroom first. Even a single, constantly running toilet can consume hundreds of gallons of water in a month’s time, which translates to an ever-increasing bill. Other areas to examine include:
● Old sink faucets
● Leaky shower or bathtub fixtures
● Landscaping irrigation system
● Damage to your water meter
If you can’t locate the leak yourself, it may exist in a buried supply line, which only a professional plumber can access safely. To avoid a potentially disastrous water leak, contact a plumber as soon as you can.
Steve’s Plumbing & Heating: Your Source for Guaranteed Plumbing Services
At Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our plumbing services, so if you’re unsatisfied for any reason, we’ll redo the job for free. With over 85 years of experience among our highly-trained team, you can trust that when we take care of your plumbing, we’ll do the job right. For nearly three decades, Central Wisconsin residents have trusted us to provide prompt, professional service, and we’re ready and waiting to serve you, too.
To learn more about our plumbing services or to schedule your appointment, give our team a call at 715-421-1800. You can also feel free to send us a message on our contact page, and we’ll get back to you promptly!