A lot can go wrong in your home over the years, so it’s important to be able to understand basic problems that could arise as well as the appropriate professional to remedy the situation. In the case of plumbing issues, it’s helpful to have a trusted plumber to call when there’s a problem – sometimes even a small issue, because this can quickly escalate.
Following are some plumbing problems you may come across as a homeowner. It’s important to have an expert on hand to pinpoint and fix any issues before water damage occurs or you end up paying more in water bills thanks to deficiencies.
Four signs that you may need to call in a plumber include:
- Drips. Sink, bathtub, shower and dishwasher faucets and fixtures shouldn’t continue to drip in the off position. Frequently-used fixtures are susceptible to wear and tear over time, especially if the seals are damaged. Aside from being annoying, drips can also lead to higher water bills.
- Leaky pipes. These can pose a more serious problem than leaky faucets since water that gets behind walls or into your home’s insulation can cause extensive damage, and even lead to mould growth. Most pipes will begin to leak near the joints, so keep an eye out for wet spots. Leaky pipes are often a precursor to bursting pipes. Flooding damage that can result from a burst pipe is extremely expensive.
- Running toilets. Once the flush cycle is over – and the tank in the back of your toilet has filled up – your toilet should stop running. A running toilet is an internal water leak. If the problem isn’t remedied, this can lead to a lot of wasted water and increased water bills. If you’re having to jiggle the handle, the inner workings of your toilet – like the flapper valve, the float or the fill tube – may need to be adjusted or replaced.
- Clogged or slow-draining sinks. Food in the kitchen and hair in the bathroom are the most common reasons for clogging. While specialty liquid or gel unclogging methods may alleviate the problem, serious issues are best left to a professional. Using a strainer in sinks and tubs is a great way to keep unwanted debris from causing clogs.
Other common plumbing issues our inspectors often come across include:
- No water shut offs
- No backflow valve
- Improper fittings
- Incorrect dishwasher connections and improperly installed dishwasher drain lines
- Over/short cycling well pumps
- Loose toilets
- Poor water pressure
- Kitec plumbing
During your annual home maintenance inspection, your home inspector will be looking for many of these plumbing issues and may even have a local expert in mind who can help remedy any problems that are uncovered. This is also a great time to bring up any issues you’ve noticed throughout the year that weren’t remedied right away. Preventative maintenance not only offers homeowners peace of mind, but it can also point to areas that, if addressed sooner rather than later, can actually help save money.
Find an Inspector near you: https://abuyerschoice.com/locations
