Is it Time to Repair Your Home’s Plumbing System?

When it comes to residential plumbing, there are many ways to determine if your home’s plumbing system needs to be repaired or replaced. In fact, many experts agree that the best way to do so is to rely on your senses. That is, use your sight, hearing, and smell to gauge if something in your home’s plumbing is amiss.

By doing so, you may be able to nip a problem in the bud before it escalates and becomes a full-blown plumbing disaster. Here, we will provide some telltale signs that you should look for before you call in a residential plumbing repair company to take care of the issue for you.

Leaking Faucets

A faucet that leaks or drips constantly can be just as harmful to your plumbing as a toilet that runs frequently. In fact, a leaky faucet will not self-correct, and will only get worse in time if it is left untreated. However, it may be possible in some minor cases to do the replacement yourself with a pack from your local home hardware.

If your faucet has been around for several years and has seen better days, then it may be time to replace it. Doing so may actually be the more economical solution over the long run. In fact, you may be able to boost the real estate value of your home, as upgrading a faucet system can boost the aesthetics and also add a modern touch that new homeowners may be looking for.

Clogged Drains

If the water in your sink does not drain as intended, then it may be a sign that your drain is clogged. To rectify the issue, you can use a store-bought cleaner that you can pour down the sink to unclog it or use a homemade solution, consisting of vinegar and baking soda.

If gunk or hair is the culprit, then you may want to try using a “snake.” This is a convenient and inexpensive tool made of metal or plastic that can be inserted into your pipe to push or extract the cause of the clog. However, your drain may be so badly corroded or clogged that the only solution is to replace the drain altogether.

Slow Drainage

Interestingly, some backed-up sink problems may not actually be caused by a clog but may be due to venting issues. To illustrate, notice how a straw retains fluid at the base when you place your finger on its apex. That is, your plumbing system works very similarly to how a straw does, and a lack of proper venting may cause your drain to drain too slowly.

In fact, in most cases, a home’s plumbing system will have vents put in at the same time that the drainage pipes are installed. However, some companies may not install any vents in order to cut costs. If you notice low water pressure or slow water drainage in your home, then you may need to have a few vent pipes installed. Vents will allow your pipes to drain liquid with ease, which will facilitate the flow of water in your home.

Galvanized Pipes

Galvanized pipes are the norm in many older homes that were built in the 50s and 60s. Homes with these pipes will, by law, be required to replace them, especially if you are planning on selling your property. Galvanized pipes tend to rust very easily from the interior and also tend to be very corroded, which can lead to either uneven or low water pressure.

In some cases, galvanized pipes can also cause very severe leaks, and water that appears discoloured or tainted. An easy way to tell if your pipes are old and galvanized is by checking what colour they are.

Galvanized pipes tend to appear silver in colour, whereas pipes that are up to code tend to be made with either plastic or copper. If you are still unsure, then you can try the magnet trick, which involves using a magnet to see if it sticks to the pipe. If the magnet doesn’t stick, then it means that the pipe is made of plastic or copper, but if it does, then your pipe may be made of galvanized steel.

Gurgling Sounds

If you hear gurgling sounds, or dripping sounds, near your drain, then it may mean that your plumbing system is backed up and needs to be repaired. In many cases, the sounds you are hearing is caused by air bubbling. The issue can usually be solved by installing a venting system in your drains.

It should also be noted that laundry machines, sump pumps, and dishwashers can drain large quantities of water at once, and could be the cause any strange sounds you are hearing. However, if you are also hearing strange sounds emanating from other drain sites in your home, then the cause may be a constricted flow.

Another problem to look out for is basement floor drain clogging. This is when the basement floor drain becomes blocked due to a peculiar amount of water. It may indicate that there is a serious problem with one of your primary lines and its flow.

Strange Smells

If you smell something fishy then trying to cover up the pungent odours with scented candles will only be masking an issue that will get worse with time. From raw sewage to mould, asbestos, and stagnant water; smelly odours are a telltale sign that there is something wrong with your home’s plumbing system. If so, you should call a residential plumbing repair company to investigate the problem.

To learn more about monitoring and repairing your home’s plumbing system, call Drain King Plumbers at 833-983-5301 or contact us here.