6 Hidden Indoor Plumbing Problems
Identifying indoor plumbing problems can be a tricky task
Indoor plumbing problems can be hard to find, especially if you don’t know where to look. We’ve made things easier for you by putting together a list of 6 common indoor plumbing problems – and how to spot them.
Slow drainage
You’ve finished washing the dishes, taken out the plug, cleared away any food debris and noticed that the water is taking a while to drain out of the sink. When you come across this problem, you’ll find that it’s usually due to a clog in the pipes.
The clog could either be in the attached pipes or in the main sewer line. A professional plumber will be able to identify the source and get your drains running smoothly once again.
Bad smell
A bad smell in the kitchen or bathroom can be caused by a variety of factors, like bacteria buildup, a bucket of food scraps or a stray dirty sock. But when the bad smell is coming from the drain, the solution might not be as easy as simply doing the washing.
Bad smells emanating from drains can often be chalked up to a clog in the pipes. If not a clog, it could be a result of sewer gas rising up through the drain. Either way, taking action is a must if you want to get rid of the smell.
Mould
Having mould in the house is a pretty clear indication that somehow, water is getting in – and it isn’t drying up. Leaking pipes are one of the key reasons for having mould around, as is a damaged roof or damp basement.
While the cause might not always be linked to plumbing, it is still important to understand why there is mould showing up in your home and how you can get rid of it.
Low water pressure
Low water pressure in the house could be due to a water leak, blocked pipe or faucet, or having the shut-off valve in the wrong position.
While it’s possible for you to resolve the minor issues on your own, we recommend calling in a plumber to help with the more serious ones (like water leaks).
Brown spots, bubbling paint or peeling wallpaper
Brown spots on the ceilings or walls can only mean one thing: somehow, somewhere, there is a water leak.
Bubbling paint can also point you in the direction of a leak, as can peeling wallpaper – although it’s best to check whether peeling wallpaper is because of water damage, or because of general wear and tear.
Discoloured water
When the water coming out of your tap is brown, murky or riddled with debris, it could be unsafe to drink.
Discoloured water usually means corrosion or rust in the pipes. If you find yourself faced with this problem, we highly recommend bringing in a professional to help get your water back to normal.
Keep an eye out for indoor plumbing problems
Indoor plumbing problems might start off small, but they can escalate quickly. In order to keep your house in good condition – and your plumbing functioning as it should – be sure to call in a plumber if you notice any of these issues in your home.