Wouldn’t it be nice if our plumbing system had a check engine light? The reality is most homeowners don’t think about their plumbing. They assume they don’t need to and that it will take care of itself. Your plumbing is like a car; the better you look after it, the longer it will last.
The most obvious signs of plumbing problems – a broken water heater, a clogged drain, and a garbage disposal – are easily recognizable, but subtle red flags are far more common. If you receive a water bill higher than usual, if the water pressure is low, if you smell sewage outside, or if you often have a blocked toilet or sink, it is best to call for a plumbing check before a greater problem develops. Red flags will warn you that something is not quite right, and you can take action before a small problem turns into a big problem.
A High Water Bill is An Indicator that You Need Your Plumbing Checked
If a leak exists, your water bill will go through the roof. Leaks that originate in the slab, sometimes known as slab leaks, can take a while to manifest, but you can keep an eye out for them by looking for certain clues: tiles getting colored, laminate starting to buckle, and dark blotches in your concrete. Discoloration of your tiles, laminate buckling, or dark spots on your concrete are all things to be aware of. A soggy carpet is also a sign, as is pulling back a damp carpet to reveal mold. If you have puddling around your home, that is a clear sign of a pipe leak.
When you see those signs, it’s a great time to call a well-equipped technician to have your plumbing checked. Your technician can use a leak locator to pinpoint the leak with precision. Other leaks, sometimes in copper pipes, are often easier to see—water streaming through drywall or a ceiling that looks like a stormy sky. Whatever the symptoms, finding them in time can help you quickly stay on top of the leaks and keep your home healthy.
There Are Many Things that Lead to Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can signal that you should have your plumbing checked. Sometimes, the problem is an easy fix, such as a mineral deposit clogging your showerhead and aerator. This can be remedied by unscrewing the showerhead or aerator, placing it in a bowl of white vinegar overnight, and brushing away the residue in the morning with a toothbrush.
Faulty fixtures could be the simplest explanation, but a malfunctioning shut-off valve, a clogged water pipe, a broken pressure regulator, or corroded pipes can also cause low water pressure. When you notice low water pressure regularly, give Big B’s Plumbing a call. They can diagnose the problem and give your plumbing system a fresh start.
Frequently Clogged Drains: What’s the Solution?
If your drains keep getting clogged, now is the perfect time to call a professional plumber to have your plumbing checked. Every residential and commercial plumbing company has a plumber’s snake in their tool chest. Plumber’s snakes are excellent at clearing drains, but they can have some limitations. A powerful plumber’s snake may be able to chew through some tree roots, yet root remnants can be left behind, growing back later. Removing heavy grease and sludge with a plumber’s snake may leave behind grease residue that will cause the same problem to arise again.
For the most effective, long-lasting solution to plugged drains, ask about our hydrojetting service. Our hydro jetters are on call 24-7. So, call Big B’s plumbing and schedule your in-home estimate. License #986152
Bulging Drywall or Stains on Walls and Ceilings
A leak in the wall may be harder to detect, but a little detective work using all your senses should help. If you suspect you have a leak in your kitchen, bath, or laundry room, here is what you should look for.
First of all, if the wall or ceiling is bulging or staining from water or mold, is present you have a water leak. Mold is a good indication of a water leak. Second, if you hear the sound of running water in the wall, it is almost certain you have a water leak. You can turn the water off at the shut-off valve, and the sound should stop.
Third, smell is another good indicator. Can you smell mold or mildew odor? If so, check your carpets and around your house for any signs of water. If you see, hear, or smell any of these signs, shut off the water to your home and call a plumber. Once the plumbing contractor finds the problem, the issue can be repaired before it does any further damage. Early detection is best for any major plumbing.
Leaks Can Lead to Water Damage and Mold Growth
Frequent leaks can signify a more serious problem, such as a corroded pipe or a faulty valve. Leaks can also lead to water damage, mold growth, and increased utility bills. A plumbing inspection will allow our technician to identify the problem, preventing the leaks from further causing further damage. Call us today; you’ll always get the service you deserve. Big B’s Plumbing will meet or exceed all your plumbing needs. We are professionals and have provided leak detection services in Inland Empie and San Diego for over a decade.
Noisy Pipes: Your Pipes Were Not Meant to Make Noise
Your plumbing system was not meant to make noise, so when it does, it’s time to call in reinforcements. Cracking, gurgling, squealing, and banging sounds from your plumbing pipes can mean that they are experiencing trapped air, too much pressure in the water lines, water traps that have become clogged with debris, or plumbing bolts or joints that have loosened or even come loose because air has filled the pipes. Air in your pipes is another culprit, along with worn-out plumbing hardware.
These sounds are your plumbing’s warning that it needs attention. A plumber can quickly diagnose and fix the problem, and your plumbing will function perfectly before you know it. Failure to fix an existing problem always leaves the door open for other issues down the line.
A Wobbling Toilet Could Cause Damage in the Long Run
Sometimes, a wobbly toilet needs a little tightening, but if the bolts seem tight enough, there might be a deeper plumbing problem. A wobbling bowl can result from a broken wax seal around the toilet drain. When this happens, water begins to seep into the floor. Even if this doesn’t cause problems right now, it can cause damage in the long term. And if you catch it early, you might avoid a much larger plumbing repair down the road if the problem worsens. If the toilet is still wobbling after all attempts to tighten the bolts, you may need to call your plumber.
Rusty or Discolored Pipes
Visible rust or discoloration on pipes indicates corrosion or weak plumbing. These signs cause bursts and major damage to the pipe. So, if you have this type of strong visual sign in your pipe, then you should need your plumbing checked. These are those early warning signals you need to resolve before they become more expensive problems and to maintain the integrity of the plumbing system in your home. A licensed plumber will come out and assess your needs and provide you with the repair or replacement needed to maintain the safety of your home and keep your bathroom running smoothly. With some preventative measures now, you won’t have costly repairs down the road, and you will have peace of mind.
Your Home Or Business Is Older than 20 Years
If your home or business is 20 years old or older, you’re overdue for a plumbing inspection. Pipes wear out over time, but regular maintenance and inspections can help you prevent serious problems before they begin and prolong your plumbing’s lifespan.
This proactive step will keep your pipes in tip-top shape and also prevent any costly surprises in the form of emergency repairs later. A licensed plumber who is called over should be able to provide you with maintenance suggestions or pinpoint minor issues before they transform into costly plumbing issues. Having your plumbing checked will keep every aspect of your home up and running at optimum capacity.
Don’t Wait for a Small Problem to Become a Big Headache
Recognizing the signs that it’s time to get your plumbing checked is essential for maintaining the health and efficiency of your home or business. Whether it’s unusual noises, visible rust, frequent clogs, or changes in water pressure, these indicators are your system’s way of asking for attention. Regular inspections and timely maintenance can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems, ensuring your plumbing operates smoothly for years to come. Don’t wait for a small problem to become a big headache—schedule a professional plumbing inspection today and enjoy peace of mind with a well-maintained system.
