Identifying Plumbing Problems Early

We’ve all been there; you notice that water is taking a long time to drain in your sink or your pipes are squeaking. Naturally, we tend to ignore the issue – until it becomes a disaster. To save yourself a lot of grief as well as money, identify these quirks as problems from the start and call a plumbing professional. Below, we outline several common household issues that will cause major damage in the long run that you can help prevent.

• Rusty Water: No one wants the water that they use for showering, cooking and drinking to come out of the tap rusty. This issue likely wouldn’t be ignored for long, but it can be prevented from happening at all by having your water heater flushed. While your water heater should be replaced about every 10 years, it is recommended that the system be flushed once a year. The process cleans out any sediment buildup that could be corroding the inside of your heater and the water coming out of your faucets.
• Water Leaks: If your pipes are leaking, you may not notice until it’s too late. When you happen to look in an enclosed space and see water spots, the problem is already well underway. There are many reasons for water leaks, such as pipe corrosion, pH imbalance of your water and unusually high water pressure. Since this can happen at any time without your knowledge, make it a habit to check under cabinets, in crawl spaces and any other enclosed spaces where pipes run through your home.
• Flooding: Minor pipe leaks can eventually lead to major flooding catastrophes. If one of your pipes were to burst, do you know how to completely shut off the water system? Pipes can burst when they aren’t properly treated in freezing conditions or when the water pressure is too great for an older pipe to handle. Make sure you know where the main shut off valve is on your water meter so if an emergency occurs, you can stop the flow of water before calling a plumber for repair.
• Low Water Pressure: A showerhead that sprays out water in light spurts can be very frustrating when all you want is a long, hot shower. Whether or not you notice from the start of the weakening water pressure, you’ll eventually want to get a plumber involved to fix the problem. Like undetected leaks, poor water pressure could be the cause of a drippy pipe. Remember to check your pipes periodically and treat them with care according to the seasons. Low pressure could also be the result of a clog; clean your drains before you notice a blockage to stop one before it starts!
• A Screeching Faucet: You might blame your squeaky faucet on overuse and choose to ignore it – we don’t recommend that! Screeching could be an indication of air trapped in your pipes, sediment in the water or a bend in the line. Not only is the noise annoying, but your water supply could become contaminated if residue builds up in the pipes. In concert with avoiding low water pressure, have your drains cleaned often to wash away any sediment and check your pipes for kinks!
• Rattling Pipes: While this issue could also be blamed on overuse or an older house, rattling pipes are another problem that should be addressed before they cause serious damage. The most common reason for a rattling noise through your pipes is trapped air. This can be particularly dangerous because large enough air bubbles can have a dam effect on your water flow. If enough air gets locked in your pipes, water will be unable to come out of your faucets and the tremendous amount of pressure could lead to a pipe burst.
• Backed-Up Toilet: Perhaps the most common household plumbing inconvenience, a blocked toilet is also one of the most preventable. While some people might be able to flush foreign objects down their toilet with no issue, not all plumbing systems are as forgiving. If you have this problem, but you are certain that nothing foreign entered the sewer system, it might be a damaged or clogged sewer line. A septic pumping should be performed about every four years, but you can schedule them sooner just to be safe!

No matter the plumbing issue you are facing, the professionals at M.J. Fahy & Sons are here to help. With over 100 years of business experience, you can trust our technicians to get the job done right efficiently the first time. For more information, contact us at 203-574-4808.