Plumbing problems to plan for

In the warm days of summer (particularly this summer) the potential for plumbing failures may seem remote. But spotting the warning signs of possible plumbing problems now can save a lot of trouble later.

Poor Water Pressure
There are many reasons why water pressure may differ from one building to another, however, a sudden change in pressure could be an indicator of a leak or a blocked pipe. Cracked or broken pipes are very common in older buildings, often showing themselves when the weather gets cold. A sudden increase in water usage may suggest a leak in a pipe. Locating a leak can be tricky especially as most pipes are concealed in walls, floors or ceilings although a damp patch or puddle may be visible in some cases.

Dripping Taps

A leaking tap can be very annoying and can waste a lot of water over time. It is most likely due to a degraded or damaged washer or the valve itself wearing out. It is a quick fix in either case and will save money and water.

Hot Water Problems

A lack of heat can be down to several issues. These may include anything from checking the supply is on and there isn’t a timer to monitoring boiler pressure and analysing the electrical supply. Water discolouration could mean rust in the water heater.

Drains

A foul-smelling drain or toilet could mean mould or bacteria in your pipes or if the smell is of rotten eggs it could be a sign of a more serious sewer issue. Wet wipes, cotton buds and paper towels are all things often flushed down the toilet but are main offenders when it comes to blockages. If there’s a blocked drain, they are likely causes, as could build-ups of fat or oil, hair or leaves.

This is by no means a complete list of possible plumbing problems but are some of the most common and easiest to spot. Smelly drains are very much a summer problem, but burst pipes are more often found in the cold weather. Both issues can creep up over time so being aware of what to look for can mean routine maintenance work rather than emergency jobs later. Please get in touch if we can help you plan your plumbing works.

Categorised in: Property maintenance

This post was written by Express Property Services