Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems that people face. It is important to understand what can cause these problems so that you can prevent them from occurring.
Leaky pipes can be expensive and lead to serious water damage. A leak in the average household can waste 10,000 gallons of water per year.
Clogged Drains
Throughout your home, drain lines carry waste and water away from sinks, toilets, and tubs to the main sewer line. If the drain line becomes clogged, it can obstruct water flow and cause serious problems.
Most drain clogs form over time as grease, soap scum, and hair build up in pipes. They may also occur when objects like dental floss or animal fur get caught in a pipe or if someone flushes a toy or other object down a toilet.
Even so-called “flushable” wipes should not be thrown in toilets as they can easily create tough clogs in pipes and municipal sewer systems. A backed-up sewer system is everyone’s worst nightmare, and it can be a health hazard. It can also produce a foul smell and create water backups.
Sediment Buildups
When sand, silt, and other particles settle inside pipes, they can clog them or create rusty areas that affect water quality. In addition, when sediment collects around the rim of a drain, it may cause water to back up into your house.
Dirt buildups can occur when hair, toys, soap containers, and other solid objects are washed down the drain or flushed down the toilet. Larger debris, such as tree roots, can also block drains and pipes.
When you notice brown water, it could be a sign of rust or sediment buildup in the pipes. A plumber can help you identify the source of the problem and fix it. The grit in your water may also indicate that your home is consuming a high amount of mineral-rich water, which can be hard on pipes.
Rattling Pipes
As houses settle over time and fluctuate in temperature, plumbing hardware can loosen, causing pipes to shake or rattle. It is important to listen to these rattling noises as they can lead to more serious issues in the future.
Often, these sounds are the result of trapped air in the pipes. This can cause a banging sound whenever a faucet or valve is opened or closed. This is called a water hammer, and it can cause damage to the pipes.
In order to diagnose the problem, it is best to have a professional plumber inspect
the piping and install pipe clips or other fixes to prevent further damage. These issues can be quite costly, especially if left unchecked. Leaks are one of the biggest culprits of high water bills, with estimates saying that they can waste up to 10,000 gallons per year.
Foul Smells
When soap scum, hair, and food scraps build up inside your drains and pipes, bacteria thrive in them. Over time, this can cause a foul odor.
If you smell something awful in your home, it could be due to a clogged pipe or a broken seal around a toilet base. If the odor is particularly strong, it’s a good idea to call a plumber.
Another sign of a plumbing problem is gurgling noises as water drains from sinks, tubs, and showers. These sound like gas bubbles that are trapped in the clogged pipes. These are sure signs that you have a blockage somewhere in the system. You’ll want to get this resolved as soon as possible. This can help prevent future clogs and pipe failure.
Climbing Water Bill
If your water bill suddenly climbs, there may be a problem with your plumbing system. Even a small leak can waste a lot of water. A toilet leaking one drip per second can waste about 17 gallons per day.
Water pipes may corrode over time. If they are not treated, oxidation can create scale buildup and weaken the pipe material to the point of rupture.
Leaks are not always easy to spot, especially in hidden areas like under sinks or behind toilets. But, a plumber in Glenelg can find many common types of leaks with a visual inspection and some simple test instruments.