Silent Signs Your Home May Have Plumbing Issues

Silent Signs Your Home May Have Plumbing Issues

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. 

How to Reduce Your High Water Bill

How to Reduce Your High Water Bill

There are numerous reasons why you may see your water bill fluctuate throughout the year. During summer, increased lawn care and outdoor recreational activities can contribute to a significant increase in water usage. During wintertime, pipes may freeze or crack, which could result in small or severe leaks. Other reasons could be runny faucets or leaky lines. If you’re looking to reduce your high water bill, here are a few things to be mindful of:

Prevent Unnecessary Water Waste

Appliances and personal water usage can add up quickly each month. Be sure to run dishwashers and washing machines at full-capacity to optimize the amount of water you’re using. Make every wash-cycle count! You can also reduce water waste in the bathroom. Taking more showers, instead of baths, and keeping the showers short will help reduce unnecessary water use. Turning off the sink when you are washing your hands or brushing your teeth and only using water when needed helps reduce water waste. 

Water Lawns in the Morning or Evening

These are the most efficient times to water lawns and gardens – daytime evaporation can waste water and even harm your plants and lawns! Also, if you’re very invested in keeping your yard vibrantly green, consider a home irrigation system, which is effective and can help reduce water usage. 

If you have tried these water conservation techniques and still receive high water bills, you may have other issues that require trained plumbing services.

Check for Leaks

Running or leaky toilets, dripping faucets, or line leaks are common issues that can be fixed by our top-rated plumbing company.  You can prevent the loss of thousands of gallons of water (that you pay for!) by maintaining your toilets and sinks over time.

If you notice water pooling in your yard or around your house, there may be a leaking line. This could be caused by tree root intrusion, pipe age, cracks, or loose joints. When that happens, it’s time to contact one of our experts to assess the situation and address the leak.

These simple household tips to conserve water and prevent leaks can help make a positive impact on your monthly bill!

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
929 East 41st St Austin, TX 78751
Phone: (512) 936-5200

Robert Maner RMP-41287