Plumbing problems can creep up on any homeowner, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. To help you out, we’re sharing some silent signs of plumbing problems so you can easily identify when something is wrong.

Low Water Pressure

Decreased water pressure is an inconvenience, to say the least. Taking a shower with low water pressure is not a relaxing experience and probably won’t rinse all the suds out of your hair. If that isn’t enough, it means there’s a plumbing problem going on in your home.

If the water pressure is only weak in one place, you’re in luck, as it’s likely the faucet aerator has a problem, and that’s an easy fix. However, if there are multiple locations in your home where water pressure is low, there is likely a larger issue. The issue could be due to the water heater, or it could mean you have a leak in the supply line. Undetected leaks can cause major damage if left untreated, so it’s essential to call in a plumber when you notice you have low water pressure.

Sewer Odors

A general plumbing rule of thumb is that for every drain, there needs to be a trap, and for every trap, there needs to be a vent. Traps and vents are designed to prevent sewer gas from entering your home. The vents should channel sewer odor up to the roof, while traps create a “water plug” that acts as a barrier to stop sewer odors from coming up through a drain.

If you’re smelling sewer odors – that’s not a good sign. That either means the trap has run dry or a vent line has cracked. If it’s the former, you can try adding water to the trap, or you can check it for leaks by looking closely. The latter issue is a little trickier to fix on your own. Finding a damaged sewer vent can be challenging because they are concealed in walls. If you suspect that is the issue, call in a professional to give you a hand.

Slow Drains

You already know when you see a slow drain, you have a plumbing problem. But depending on where the problem is, it could mean a small, easily fixed issue or a bigger problem. If the problem is a simple clog in one drain, you can easily fix that yourself. But if you’re noticing slow drains throughout the house or your regular drain-busting solutions aren’t working, it could be a sign there is a more serious problem at hand, such as tree roots in the sewage line.

No Water in the Winter

If it’s winter and you notice your water pressure drops or water stops altogether, that could indicate your pipes have frozen. If you notice these signs, you need to act immediately because this is a big issue.

The biggest hazards of frozen pipes are when they thaw because the ice is acting as a plug. It’s holding the water from rushing out. When it thaws, you can expect some pipe damage and very likely a leak.

Toilet That Constantly Clogs

Toilet clogs are one of those things everyone will deal with eventually. The problem is when you have to plunge your toilet frequently. If you notice you are having to plunge one or more toilets, that can be a serious sign your sewage system is clogged deep in the pipes. If this is the case, this, unfortunately, isn’t a job for a homeowner to tackle on their own. Call in a plumber to get professional assistance with your constantly clogged toilet.

Bubbling Ceiling or Wall Paint

If the paint on your ceiling or wall is suddenly bubbling or peeling off, you’re looking at signs of moisture. The most common cause of this issue is a leak in the roof or plumbing system. If you see bubbling, blistering, or brown spots on your wall or ceiling, it’s time to call a plumber.

Spiking Water Bills

The biggest indication you have a plumbing problem: an abrupt increase in your water bills. This usually means that something has changed in your plumbing system. If you haven’t been doing anything that could cause a spike in water usage, it could be a leak. A running toilet is also a common reason for water bills to increase, though. Most people don’t realize it, but a running toilet could end up using hundreds of dollars of water. No matter the cause – it’s important to find it and get it fixed right away.

Call Phillips Plumbing Solutions for All Your Plumbing Needs

If you’re dealing with a plumbing problem in your home, it’s important to contact a professional so they can assess your situation and provide quality guidance and repairs. Our team is ready to lend a hand whenever you need it.

With over 25 years of plumbing experience, Phillips Plumbing Solutions offer a wide range of residential plumbing services to meet your home’s needs. We are located in Queen Creek, Arizona, and serve our neighbors across the East Valley. Let us provide the quality plumbing services you deserve.