As a property owner, you always need to think about the issues that can damage your home. Problems like this are going to lead to a massive bill that you might struggle to pay or fit into your budget. This is certainly true for plumbing issues. The worst problems with the plumbing of a property can lead to thousands in damages and repairs and that you definitely will want to dodge.
The good news is that dealing with plumbing issues won’t be as hard as you might assume. To do this, you should think about understanding the signs of plumbing issues. Once you know the signs, you’ll be able to make sure that you get the right repair you need.
So, let’s look at some of the more common signs that there are problems with your property as well as the issues that you may have to address in the future.
Pipes That Are Discolored
First, it’s possible that you have spotted discolored pipes around the property. These pipes could be underneath the kitchen sink or running through the basement. If there are signs of discoloration around the union then this is going to be a clear sign that moisture is present around this area. This could be caused by dripping or it might be something more serious like a slow leak. If you do suspect an issue with a slow leak then it’s important to resolve the problem as quickly as possible. Leaving it to fester is only going to lead to a greater level of damage overtime.
Odor From The Sewers
When you have a property, it’s important to understand how your drainage systems work. Drains should prevent bad odors from leaking into your home. This will be the case if the traps and drains are working as they should. If you do notice that your home is starting to develop a foul stench then this does point to an issue with the drains that you will likely need to address. It could be a problem with the dry trap or you might have a cracked sewer vent. This will need a professional repair as it will be difficult to pinpoint where exactly the problem is.
Weak Water Flow
You might also find that there is an issue with leak water flow in multiple areas of your home. If this is an issue, then it’s possible that there’s a problem with the faucet aerator. The good news is that unlike other problems on this list, this issue is quite easy to address and sort out without too much trouble. Of course, it could also be an active leak in the supply line. This could be causing havoc with your home.
Slow Drainage
You could be experiencing issues with a slow drain. This is going to be a sign of a problem with the plumbing around your property. It’s possible to fix this if the blockage is high up. You can usually resolve the matter with a plunger. A water powered plunger is particularly useful because it provides the extra pressure necessary for those more stubborn blockages. If it’s further along the pipeline, then you’re going to need more than this typical DIY fix to solve the issue. It’s even possible that the problem is due to tree roots weaving through the plumbing line.
Jump In The Bills
Another common sign of a plumbing problem is a jump in the water bills. Usually, if you see a sudden rise in your water bills, then you can all but guarantee that there’s a leak somewhere. Even a slow leak can cause a spike like this because you will always be losing a lot more water than you might imagine.
Of course, the most common reason for a jump in costs like this is going to be a running toilet. If your toilet is running then it can end up costing a small fortune. You just need to make sure that you turn the valve off before the bills climb to an extortionate level.
Now let’s look at some of the common plumbing problems that these signs could point towards.
Seriously Common Plumbing Problems
Flooding
First, it’s possible that you deal with flooding in or around your property. Flooding can be caused by a busted pipe underneath the home. Or, it might be due to a low level of soil permeability. This means that rather than draining away the water builds up underneath the surface. This can put pressure on the foundations of the property causing flooding in places like the basement. If you are experiencing an issue like this, then you need to choose the right drainage option for your home. You could add a trench drain or french drain with help of a professional contractor to eliminate this issue.
Leaking Faucets
Arguably one of the most common plumbing problems that is a nuisance but not a major concern is a leaking faucet. However, do note that fixing an issue here could help you save as much as ten percent on your water bill. A leaking faucet can essentially mean that you are taking 180 extra showers each month. You can usually fix a leaking faucet by removing the u-pipe and taking a look at the washer. If the washer looks worse for wear then it will need replacing. This should be enough to correct the situation and ensure that you are no longer wasting a massive amount of water.
Low Water Pressure
If you are managing a property with tenants, then the most common problem that they’ll likely complain about is issues with low water pressure. This can make bathing under a shower feel like a leaking tap dripping on your head. To deal with this, you should check for signs of a water main break. You might also want to look for issues with a build-up somewhere in the system. You should always start with the aerators to see if this is causing the issue that your tenants are facing. If you can’t pinpoint the problem then it’s always best to call in a professional plumber.
Clogged Drains
Finally, if you do need to call a plumber it likely will be for an issue with a clogged drain. Clogged drains are caused when something partially or completely blocks the drain. As mentioned above, you might be able to resolve this problem yourself with a plunger. Failing this you could also try pouring hot water down the drain.
However, if the blockage is due to a solid item then this won’t work. This can cause massive issues because it can leak to smaller problems with flooding around your property.
You need to make sure that you are avoiding clogs like this as much as possible. Usually, that’s just a matter of making sure that you are careful about what goes down the drain when you flush it. Even large amounts of hair can be enough to cause a serious blockage.
We hope this helps you understand some of the key plumbing issues that can crop up when you own a property. This is going to be vital information if you are planning on developing a property or just buying a home. Don’t forget, as a property developer you will be responsible for addressing issues like this within the right time frame. You’ll need to take this step before you start to notice problems that could impact health and safety or even the structure of the home. More often than not, you will need a professional plumber to help you correct the issues here.