A drippy faucet or running toilet can be a big indicator that you may have some plumbing issues. But what about the silent signs that aren’t so easily noticed? If overlooked, you could end up with a much bigger problem on your hands. Check out a few of these telling signs that may indicate a need for plumbing repairs:

• Spiking water bills – If you haven’t drastically changed your usage but see an increase on your monthly bill, that can be a sign that something is wrong. The most common source of water bill spikes is a running toilet.

• A green patch in the yard – Water leaking into the lawn supplies extra moisture to the grass, producing a particularly lush patch. If pipes are worn out or damaged from invasive tree roots, they may need to be trenched for repair.

• Discolored pipes – Any type of discoloration, especially around a pipe union, can signify that both moisture and leaks are present. A slow leak can turn into a big mess if not fixed in time!

• Changes in water clarity – Water from your faucets should be crystal clear! If you’re seeing cloudy water coming out, that can indicate there’s air in the pipes. Additionally, yellow or brown water could mean rusty pipes, and green discoloration can indicate corrosion in copper pipes.

• Sewer odor smell may indicate a drain trap or vent has a problem and sewer gas is entering your house. Sewer odor smell in your house means a trap has dried out or a vent has cracked. It is best to check for additional leaks during repairs. 

• Weak water flow and/or slow drains – low pressure or slow drains in one area may be a minor issue in that particular spot, but weak water pressure or slow drains throughout the whole house may indicate a more serious issue that requires our expert plumbers to investigate and repair.

• No water in winter – frozen pipes can result in low to no water pressure. You’ll want to be sure to insulate and prepare pipes for freezing temperatures to avoid having them bust. Try to maximize heat around areas with plumbing appliances. Make sure ventilated areas are well insulated, keep doors and vents closed, help circulate warm air with fans and space heaters, and keep the heat on in your house during winter. If you are winterizing outdoor pipes, and turning the water main off, then turn on faucets to let them fully drain and release pressure in the pipes.  

• Visible water damage to your home – Look for bubbles, peeling, or browning on your walls and ceilings. Excessive moisture or roof leaks can cause costly damages. Be sure to act on any physical changes to your house early on.

We recommend staying educated and vigilant. Know what to look for BEFORE the problem becomes serious. Our expert plumbers can assess your situation, and provide guidance and quality repair.