The plumbing systems in our homes connect together every faucet, drain, shower and drain. Each plumbing fixture and pipe will pass a large quantity of water each day, and over an average year, this will be a significant volume. Over time it’s inevitable that corrosion will occur and then leaks will form that will grow progressively worse over time. This will cost a great deal of money in both repairs and wasted water. This is why it’s essential to detect worn plumbing pipes as early as possible. Here are three signs to look out for that may indicate that your plumbing pipes are beginning to wear out.
- Stay Observant for Stains
This is more of a general tip to keep an eye out for anything unusual or suspicious in your home. An annual inspection from a certified professional is a great way to detect problems early, but certain clues can even be detected by people with no plumbing experience. Stay observant for brown stains on the wall or across ceilings; this could indicate that a plumbing pipe has failed. These stains are a sign of high levels of moisture, and this should be addressed quickly. The problem will get worse over time, the damage will be more extensive, and the repair bill will be higher.
- Examine Your Water Color
When you get a glass of water or fill your bathtub take a quick look at the color of your water. Ideally, it should be clean, clear and free from sediment, making it ready to use safely. If you notice a yellowish or brown tint, this could be a sign that there is rust in your plumbing system. This may be especially noticeable if you’ve been away on a trip and the water has been sat in the pipes for a while. A local plumber should be contacted to find out the extent of the damage and to make the necessary repairs.
- Look Out for Water Drips
After using a faucet or shower, it’s not unusual to notice some dripping for a short while after finishing. The water should not still be dripping 10 minutes later, and if this happens, you need to have your fixtures fixed. Drops of water in other parts of the home, especially under sinks are an indicator that you may have a water leak somewhere. This may be easy to fix by tightening some fixtures, but in other cases, more extensive repairs may be necessary. Over time a smaller drip will get larger, this will waste water and cause water damage that will be expensive to repair.
In summary, a water leak from degraded plumbing pipes could exist for years in your home unnoticed. The problem will never self correct, and it will only get worse over time. This will make the eventual repair more expensive, and catastrophic water leaks will become more likely. If you detect any leak, contact your
local plumbing company immediately. This could save you thousands of dollars in emergency repair bills and wasted water.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
