Water pipes are a critical part of any
home's plumbing infrastructure. Unfortunately, troublesome
issues, such as breaks, leaks, or clogs in your water lines can cause
serious problems if they are not dealt with in a timely manner. Here
are some signs that you have a water pipe malfunction that needs to
be fixed.
1. Flow
The most obvious sign of water pipe
problems is when no water flows through the pipes at all. Unless the
city municipal water system has stopped working, then one of your
pipes is most likely broken or completely clogged up. To help
minimize any damage, turn off the water at the main valve until the
issue is resolved.
2. Dirt
Have you ever turned on your water only
to discover that the water is brown or discolored as it comes out of
the faucet? In some cases, the problem might be due to the city
working on their municipal water lines or, if your water comes from a
well, it could simply mean that a filter needs to be changed.
If the issue persists and the problem
is not related to a filter or the municipal system, then you probably
have a break or crack of some sort in your pipes. Soil is getting
into your pipes and contaminating the water. Avoid drinking any water
that looks dirty and have a plumber address the problem as soon as
possible.
3. Sputter
When water sputters out of a faucet
rather than flowing smoothly from the spout, it's often a sign of
trouble. Sputtering indicates that air has gotten inside your pipes
and is interfering with the water flow. In many cases, the cause of
sputtering water is a crack in the pipes. Cracks not only allow water
to leak out but also allow air to get into the pipe.
4. Pressure
If your water pressure is consistently
low, small leaks could be preventing the line from producing a normal
water flow. Alternatively, the source of the problem could be a clog
somewhere in the pipeline.
5. Clogs
Clogs in water lines are not
necessarily unusual, but if they happen frequently, you need to find
the cause and fix it. In some instances, the clogs could occur
because of a pipe collapse or break. Another common cause of frequent
clogs is corrosion on the inside of the pipe.
6. Spots
Water spots or stains in locations that
have little exposure to moisture are sometimes a sign that a water
pipe is leaking. A water spot on a wall or ceiling might be the
result of either leaky water pipe or a roof leak. You will need a
plumber to inspect your home to know for sure.
7. Cabinet
Another potential sign of a water pipe
problem is water stains or water leaks that occur in locations that
are exposed to moisture, but that are not noticed because they are
under a cabinet that holds a sink. For example, a leaky water supply
pipe is often responsible for water stains or wetness under a sink
cabinet.
8. Mold
In addition to keeping an eye out for
water spots or stains, look out for mold growth. Mold needs water to
grow and mold in your home indicates that moisture problems have
created an environment that is conducive to mold growth. In some
instances, a leaky pipe could be the culprit.
If you notice any of these signs in
your home, contact a qualified plumber, such as AERO Plumbing, as
soon as possible. We have the training and experience to ensure that
any needed repairs are made quickly and that the job is done right. Contact us
to
schedule an appointment or for more information.
