Plumbing

Diagnose Your Plumbing Problems

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Learn what the causes are behind your pipes' common problems with this article.
When your home has something wrong with it, it has signs that show. One of the hardest problems to diagnose in your home is a plumbing issue. Since you don’t normally see the pipes that make up your plumbing system, the only way to diagnose major problems that need maintenance or replacement is by paying attention to the water that comes out of your pipes. Ready to diagnose your plumbing problems? Here we go!  

KNOCKING SOUNDS IN YOUR PIPES

Do you hear knocking from your pipes when you turn on the shower or run the sink? No, it’s not a troll living in your pipes, but it could be a pressure issue or loose support straps. High water pressure can cause pipes to jerk in place and knock into each other. This can lead to leaks and bends within the system. If you have knocking in your pipes, make sure to call a plumber.

Common plumbing pipe problems are explained in this infographic.

ODD COLORED WATER

If the water coming out of your taps is foul smelling or discolored, it could point to a problem in your pipes. Your plumbing could be rusty or have air, sulfur, or iron built up within the system. If you have brown, yellow or red water coming from your taps, it could mean your pipes have rusted. If you have green or blue water it is most likely from copper pipes oxidizing. Call a plumber for professional maintenance.

LOW WATER PRESSURE

If you turn on your tap and the water doesn’t flow out as strong as it used to, you could have low water pressure. Low water pressure can be caused by a clogged showerhead or by something worse like a leaking water heater, burst pipe, or blocked pipe. If you are noticing a house-wide drop in water pressure it is a good idea to call a plumber for maintenance and repairs.

SLOW DRAINING SINKS AND TUBS

Usually a slow draining tub or sink just means a simple clog that can be removed with a pipe snake or vinegar and baking soda wash. However, if a clog can’t be removed, it could point to a deeper problem within your plumbing system. Slow draining pipes could point to a broken pipe or pooled water within the home. If you suspect that you have pooled water within your home, call a plumber immediately.

CONSTANT DRIPPING

That “drip, drip” noise is always frustrating, but it could spell deeper problems for your plumbing system. Continual dripping may mean that your water pressure in your pipes is too high, or that the valve that controls your faucet has broken. This constant dripping can ruin your bathroom fixtures by wearing them down. If you have a dripping issue, make sure to call a plumber to fix the problem. 

HIGH WATER BILLS

Are you using the same amount of water but your water bills are skyrocketing? This could be a sign of a leak within your plumbing system. Call a plumber to go through your plumbing and see if your pipes are hemorrhaging water and money from your bank account. 

EXTRA GREEN GRASS

Is there a strange patch of ground in your yard that has extra green grass? Is there an odd smell that accompanies that green grass? This could be a sign that you have a leak in your sewer line that is releasing nutrients into your yard. Call a professional plumber to get this repaired.

To protect your plumbing system from unexpected repairs and replacements when it fails from normal wear and tear, get a home warranty. Home warranties protect your home’s systems and appliances as well as your budget. If your plumbing fails from normal wear and tear, you can have it repaired for only a service call fee ranging between $60 and $100 with a home warranty. For more information on home warranties, go to Landmark's home page.  If you're interested in learning more about how your plumbing system works, read through our list of plumbing educational articles.

Plumbing Articles

Have a clogged sink or water heater that isn’t working? Check out our plumbing maintenance articles and infographics.

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