As a homeowner, you might think it’s easy to spot a damaged pipe but most homeowners don’t know what to look for. If you don’t know the signs of damaged pipes, you run the risk of creating further damage. When pipes are damaged, they start to decompose and it can create quite a mess for homeowners to clean up. Knowing the signs that your pipes are damaged makes you more informed so you can call a plumber ASAP to make pipe repairs. Let’s dig into the signs of damaged pipes.
Ridiculously High Water Bill
Have you taken a good look at your monthly or quarterly water bill? Look at the trending monthly numbers, are the numbers getting higher? Depending on what you see, you might have a problem with your pipes. Or you might have a running toilet. If your bill is extraordinarily high, it’s likely not the toilet that’s causing the numbers to rise.
Do You Hear Rumbling?
Have you checked your main water drain lately? The only sound you should hear is running or flowing water. Do you hear other noises? If you do, there’s likely a problem with the pipelines. If you hear any clanking or banging when you’re running water – it’s a sign that the pipes are old. Old pipes get loose and they might rub against each other or even bang against each other. Loose pipes also tend to create points of friction that can cause leaks and cracks.
Stinky Smells
Something stinks! If you smell any foul odors, it’s time to call a plumber. Raw sewage smells in a way that’s unmistakable and the smell usually occurs in the lower levels of your home. If you smell raw sewage, you probably have a clogged pipe or worse – a broken pipe that is leaking sewage around the pipes. If it’s just a clogged pipe, call a plumber as soon as possible. A backup of sewage puts pressure on your plumbing system and can wreak havoc on your pipes.
Water Damage & Pooling
Pools of water appearing randomly around your house are not a good sign. It’s a sign that you could have damaged pipes. These pools or puddles of water could be underneath a sink, near your water main, or in the basement. You might see some damp spots in your drywall or water spots in your ceiling. These are also signs of damaged pipes and you should call a plumber ASAP to diagnose and fix the problem.
Poor Water Pressure & Quality
When you bathe or wash dishes, your water pressure should be fairly consistent. If you notice that your shower heads and faucets aren’t producing strong streams of water – something is probably wrong with your pipes. There could be a significant clog, leaks, or a pipe that’s breaking. Low water pressure is an immediate sign that you need to call a professional plumber.
If your water is producing brown, smelly, foggy water – your pipes are beginning to corrode and have some form of contamination. Do not drink or bathe in the water. Call a plumber ASAP to fix the broken and damaged pipes.
Work with Someone You can Trust
If you are experiencing any of the above signs of damaged pipes, working with a professional plumber is a must. While it can be difficult to find a plumbing company you can trust, look at reviews on the internet and ask your community for recommendations.
You can also call Motor City Plumbing & Drain to help you diagnose and fix the problem with your damaged pipes. You can read some of our reviews and look at some of the work we’ve done. Your problem is our problem and we pride ourselves on our professionalism.