The following contribution is from another author.
Before plumbing fails, there are usually some signs that are indicative of problems developing. It is worth observing your plumbing behavior if you suspect a problem. Small changes can show you whether pressure is building, if water is escaping, or if water is not moving as intended.
Slow Drains Indicate More Than Surface Blockages
Slow drains may indicate problems that go beyond surface clogs near a single fixture. A slow-draining sink or shower is typically an issue localized to one area. When multiple sinks are experiencing slower than normal flow at the same time, this could be indicative of an obstruction located in your main sewer line. This can be caused by tree roots encroaching into the pipes, hardened grease building up on the walls of the pipes, corroded areas of the pipes, or damaged sections. When there is a reduction in diameter in pipes, it creates higher pressures above the point where the obstruction exists. The lower fixtures will likely have drainage issues first due to gravity, causing the water to run downhill. The sooner you clean out obstructions in your plumbing system, the less chance of backups, ruined flooring, and an emergency excavation.
Gurgling Sounds Point to Airflow Problems
When you hear gurgling coming from your drain, it generally indicates that there is an air flow issue with your plumbing. Most residential plumbing systems require vents to equalize air pressure when the wastewater drains. If a vent becomes clogged or if a drain line has some kind of restriction, then air may have to move into your fixture traps. These fixture traps hold a certain amount of water, which keeps sewer gas out of living areas. Once this seal is disrupted, odor will be able to travel into the indoor spaces. It could possibly be caused by a clogged vent, a partially restricted area in the line, or improper drainage slope.
Water Pressure Changes Should Be Investigated
Low water pressure is usually indicative of one of several issues in your plumbing system, including mineral buildup, a hidden leak somewhere along the line of the piping, an impending failure with a valve, or a problem with your local municipality’s water supply. On the other hand, if you have excessive water pressure in your pipes, you risk damaging your supply lines, appliances, water heater, and shut-off valves by overpressurizing them. If this occurs repeatedly, it will weaken the connections to these components, eventually causing damage.
Odors Can Reveal Sewer or Septic Issues
A sewer smell that lingers could be caused by one of these issues: there may be a blockage or clog, poor venting, damage to a portion of your home’s plumbing pipes, or poor functioning of the septic tank. Damaged or cracked vent lines, damaged plumbing lines, dry trap conditions, and a septic tank that is over-loaded will provide the opportunity for gas to escape into areas of the home that it shouldn’t be able to escape into. Septic system maintenance will help ensure that solid waste does not pass on to the final stage of processing.
Water Stains and Soft Surfaces Suggest Hidden Leaks
Leaks may be visible in some cases, but sometimes damage is done to areas of your home before you see it. When you notice ceiling leaks, swelling along the bottom of your baseboard, a spongy floor, chipping paint, or musty odors, these are all signs that there is already water leaking somewhere.
Plumbing problems can usually be spotted or heard. Water draining slowly, weak water pressure, and other times it feels like Niagara Falls is streaming through your pipes, along with foul smells, stains on your ceilings, or weird sounds from your pipes all indicate that something is off with your plumbing. If you read the signs, you can avoid expensive repairs down the road.
