Damaged plumbing can cause water waste and mold. Luckily, most problems have noticeable effects, alerting you to a need for repairs. Here are four red flags to watch for.

How to Tell if Your Plumbing System Needs Attention

1. Low Water Pressure

Hard water contains minerals, which can cling to the inside of your piping. Over time, this buildup can thicken and strangle flow. To address this issue, gently unscrew the aerator cap on the faucet and check for residue. If the pressure doesn’t increase after you rinse it off or affects several areas of the home, a plumber might look for blockages in the water main.

2. Slow Drains

The water in sinks and bathtubs should drain quickly. Pooling may indicate clogs or mineral buildup.

Avoid pouring chemical drain cleaners into affected pipes, as these products can corrode older systems. Plumbers use rods or drain snakes to safely dislodge blockages, including hair, dental floss, and objects.

3. Unpleasant Smells

All the drains in your house should feature drain traps that vent sewage gases out of the home, preventing them from coming up the pipes. If you notice odors near a drain, the trap may be dirty, or the vent seal could be cracked. A professional might have to open up the wall to locate and replace the problematic vent line.

4. Increasing Water Bills

Inspect your water bill every month to look for abnormalities. A sudden spike in usage may point to a hidden problem. Keep in mind that taking longer showers or running sprinklers could also affect your water bill. However, running toilets and broken pipes frequently result in unexpected increases.

If you notice any of the above signs, turn to the plumbing professionals of Samuel Construction Group in Rockville, MD. Their team has over 25 years of experience providing handyman services and home repairs. They handle problems of all sizes, including leaky pipes and toilet clogs. Call (301) 762-2781 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website for more information on their residential plumbing services.