Unchecked plumbing problems can break the bank and haunt you when water is needed the most. According to the 2014 Government Accountability Report, an average household leak can waste more than 9,000 gallons of water per year.
Most of the time, plumbing problems can go undetected for a long while. That’s why you need to check on them regularly. Here are some of the most notorious plumbing problems homeowners need to be aware of.
Faulty fixtures
Fixtures don’t last forever. Faucets, water shut-off valves, sprays, and nozzles may begin to fail and degrade after several years.
According to the EPA, household leaks nearly waste 1 trillion gallons of water nationwide annually.
Leaking fixtures are often easy to remedy, requiring only simple tools that can pay themselves in water savings. Did you know that fixing easily correctable household water leaks can save residents up to 10 percent on their water bills?
Here are some tips for finding leaks:
- Check your water meter before and after two hours when zero water is used. If the meter changes, chances are, there’s a leak.
- Take a look at your water usage during the colder months. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, there could be serious leaks.
Bad repairs over the years
Unfortunately, your plumbing only goes as far as the plumbers who have dealt with it over the years. You’re at the mercy of whatever and whoever repaired your pipe — good or bad.
When you live an old house, it likely has had multiple repairs already, and it’s close to impossible to know the amount of care your pipes got.
That is why it’s a good idea to entrust your home to trusted and experienced plumbers.
Blocked drains
Sewer pipes are installed under the concrete foundation of the house as its being built.
Over time, the house “shifts” that causes dips to form in the pipes. As these dips worsen, sediment, residue, and other debris settle inside the pipes, causing obstructed drains that back up regularly. Your toilet, as well as your bathroom and kitchen drains, are susceptible to clogging.
If you notice any strange smells coming from anywhere, or water backups in any of your sinks, it pays to hire a plumber to check your drains.
Tree root intrusion
Your home might be so old that tree roots have penetrated through your property’s well pumps and sewer lines. Only experienced plumbers can tell if you have these problems or not. You should schedule regular inspections to be sure.
No hot water
Unless your home is hot inside, cold showers are nowhere close to fun. Finding out your water heater isn’t functioning can be a rude awakening. A standard water heater should last between eight and 13 years, but that can be cut down if you don’t inspect it regularly.
On the other hand, any unusual popping or crackling coming from inside it means that your water heater needs urgent repair.
Plumbing issues are no fun to deal with, but fortunately, many of these issues are relatively common. Now, you know what to watch out for so you can take proper measures to avoid them.