Certain plumbing woes can be easily addressed and prevented by smart homeowners with the proper tools and knowledge. While everyone should learn best practices to keep their plumbing system working effectively as long as possible, certain plumbing problems can arise even to the most vigilant. Here are five signs you should call a plumber as soon as possible.
Sewer Smells. Sewer gas is a mixture of compounds released during the decomposition of organic and industrial waste. One of these chemical compounds is hydrogen sulfide, a gas that is toxic to the oxygen system of the human body. Fortunately, while sewer smells can point to a serious plumbing issue such as a damaged drain, they can also be caused by a dried-out p-trap or blocked vent pipe. Nonetheless, sewer smells are extremely harmful so understanding what causes these smells and addressing the issues immediately is crucial.
Sewage Backups and Blockages. All drains lead to the same place – the sewer line. Your drains rely on your main sewer line to drain properly. When your main sewer line is clogged, waste or water coming down from one fixture won’t be able to drain through the sewer line and will come right back up through the next available opening. This can create a messy and expensive problem and should not be overlooked.
Another sign of a blocked sewer is spillage or standing water in your cleanout. A cleanout is a capped pipe that gives you direct access to your sewer line. It is often located outside of your house, or in some cases, your basement. If you see these signs of sewer blockage, don’t hesitate and call your plumber immediately!
Mold Growth. Dark spots of mold growing on your ceiling, walls, or floors are dangerous signs of water leaking. This could be due to a damaged roof but it can point to severe plumbing issues related to your drain, water, or sewer lines. As a living organism, mold will quickly multiply in dark, wet environments causing detrimental damage to your property and posing dire health risks to you and your family.
Odd noises. Odd noises coming from your plumbing system can point to an array of issues, some of which are simple to fix. What you want to listen for is a loud banging or hammering sound. This sound can sometimes be heard as you’re shutting off the water in your faucet, but can sometimes be heard while the water is still running and indicates uneven water flow that sets a shockwave through your pipes. Your plumbing system has air chambers known as hammer arrestors, that act as a cushion to absorb this shock. However, sometimes these chambers fill up with water which prevents the hammer arrestors from fulfilling their intended purpose. While you can take steps to drain your pipes of water to refill these chambers with air, sometimes the hammering sound can suggest you have a faulty water pressure regulator. Constant shockwaves of pressure against your pipe cause them to crack and even burst, creating expensive damage.
Leaking or Damaged Water Heater. A leaking water tank can be the result of serious corrosion. Neglecting your water heater can cause it to malfunction which in severe cases can have fatal results. A dysfunctional water heater can suddenly and without warning overheat the tap water on very short notice causing scalding and even 3rd-degree burns. A faulty water heater can also emit harmful gases into your home. Some signs of this include melted plastic fixtures on your water heater, condensation on your water heater, or rusty valves. If you spot any of these symptoms in your water have it inspected promptly.
With proper maintenance and care, you can rest assured that your taking good care of all aspects of your plumbing system. Doing so will save you time, stress, and money down the line. Here at VIP Sewer and Drain Services, we are ready to assist you with all sewer and drain problems.