Having trouble with your water supply? In most situations, your best bet would be to call a plumber as soon as possible.
Why is that, you ask? In simple terms, this is another case of prevention being better than cure. If you don’t address minor plumbing issues on time, they can cause health issues and major structural damage.
Of course, sometimes it’s not easy to identify a plumbing problem before it becomes too much to handle. Here are 5 common signs that you need a plumber.
1. Knocking Pipes
While you’re taking a shower or filling your bathtub, you may hear knocking in your pipes. There are several possible causes for this noise. Most of the time, you’ll be dealing with a “water hammer,” i.e. a pressure surge.
Other times, it may be a case of loose pipes or support straps. If your pipes keep shifting, they’re likely to spring a leak. In some cases, they may even break free from the mountings.
2. Low Water Pressure
Whenever you turn on your tap, water should come streaming out. If it comes out dripping or you get no water at all, you may be dealing with low water pressure.
Clogged pipes are the most common cause of low pressure. You can try to fix this problem by tying a small plastic bag of vinegar around the shower head. If the problem persists after a couple of hours, contact a plumber.
3. Visible Water
Does the water coming out of your pipes seem clear? If not, you have a serious problem on your hands. The exact treatment will depend on the color of your water.
For example, green water is a sign that the copper plumbing has corroded. If the water is blue, that means that the corrosion is close to complete. Red, brown, and yellow water are signs of rust in your pipes.
4. Slow Drainage
A slow sink drain is another common plumbing issue. Sometimes, you’ll be able to fix this problem yourself by using boiling water or commercial cleaners. If that doesn’t help, you’re likely dealing with something a bit more serious.
Now, there are many potential causes of blocked drains. There could be a broken pipe, or the main drain is clogged with pooled water. Either way, this type of still water is a health risk for you and your family.
5. Lack of Hot Water
As you may know, a hot water tank has its maximum capacity. If you use too much hot water too soon, the tank will need some time to heat it back up. That said, getting cold water first thing in the morning is a reason for concern.
What could be the issue here? In most cases, the culprit will be your water heater. If the heater can’t maintain a constant temperature, you may need to replace it.
More on When to Call a Plumber
Want to make sure you’re not paying hundreds of dollars in repairs? Watch out for the issues we’ve outlined above. If you notice anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to call a plumber immediately.
Interested in finding out more about the importance of clean water? Take a look at our comprehensive guide to water filtration systems!
