Preventing small plumbing issues from becoming big problems often comes down to recognizing the warning signs. One of the most basic—and important—things to listen for is whether your plumbing has started to make odd noises. If you find yourself using a water fixture (like a sink or toilet) and the pipes behind it are gurgling, bubbling, or clinking, your plumbing is trying to tell you something. The two most common "something's not right" noises are made when water is trying to get past a blockage or when parts in the plumbing system are failing to work together smoothly. Aside from these plumbing problem sounds, another big red flag that should get your attention is a sudden change in water pressure—especially if your plumbing has been working pretty consistently up until now.
Another vital element to think about is the presence of any apparent water leakage, which can cause serious harm if not dealt with swiftly and can lead to "extensive damage and disaster." The first part of this penetrating inspection of the home's plumbing system focuses on infiltration of water that may be undetectable to the homeowner until it is too late. Signs of this kind of water damage, which may be indicative of a hidden leak, include:
- wall or ceiling stains
- warped flooring
- damp carpet patches
These problems can lead to structural damage (think: weakened support beams) and mold growth (think: disaster-scenario mold that the family can't see until a doctor has drained the hideous growth with a powerful antibiotic). Once this kind of warping and staining occurs, chances are that the homeowner's insurance is going to be a big help in mopping up the expense of these serious, and seriously subpar, health threats.
When deciding whether to call a plumber, you should never underestimate the importance of smell. When you detect a foul odor coming from a drain or anywhere else on your property, it is not only unpleasant but also a sure sign that some part of your plumbing is not operating correctly. The causes can run the gamut from a simple blockage to serious issues with the sewer line or venting system. However, almost none of the causes are good news. If the smell is strong enough, it could mean that sewage is finding its way to places it shouldn't be and could soon become a serious health hazard.
Definitely pay attention to any smell of sewage or gas. Those are severe warning signs. You should also investigate any clogged drain or backup problem that's happening more than once. Both types of situation are signposts indicating that something deeper inside your plumbing network isn't right and could soon cause actual damage to your home.
