A nice warm bath, thoroughly washing your hands, taking a hot shower after a cold day outside, clean clothes and dishes — these are all things we depend on to keep our homes and our families moving through each day here in the Pittsburgh area. Your plumbing system is an integral part of keeping a healthy and happy home, and as a responsible homeowner, you are going to want to know how to spot the signs that your home is suffering from a common plumbing problem.
Here are five of the common household plumbing problems, key signs of plumbing issues, and how to know when you should bite the bullet and hire a plumber to resolve plumbing problems.
1. Cracked, Leaky, or Corroded Pipes
The plumbing experts at Calfo have been in just about every kind of home you can think of, and one thing is for sure: there are a lot of old plumbing pipes running through the walls of our friends, family, and neighbors’ homes. Older pipes are particularly susceptible to the temperature fluctuations of Pittsburgh’s seasons, and can develop cracks or leaks.
Signs that you have cracked or leaky pipes include:
- Visible water damage in the basement, on the ceiling, or on walls
- A dripping pipe
- Puddles of water near your plumbing
- Low water pressure
If you are noticing an active leak, or any water damage in your home, it is important to call a plumber right away. Unwanted moisture will lead to mold growth and structural damage, and should be resolved immediately. If your pipes are corroded but a leak hasn’t formed yet, you may be on the verge of a plumbing emergency, like a busted water main, or worse. Schedule a plumbing inspection to get ahead of the problem!
2. Worn or Dripping Faucets and Toilets
Pipes aren’t the only component of a plumbing system that can deteriorate over time. Your faucets, toilets, and showerheads are susceptible to rust, mineral deposits, and general corrosion as well.
Do you have a faucet with a steady drip or a leak? Is your toilet constantly running, or not flushing properly? Can you see visible buildup on your showerheads or tub faucet? Call Calfo to have them professionally replaced, and our team will ensure there are no other underlying plumbing issues that are going unnoticed while we’re on site.
3. Clogged Drains
Sometimes a drain clog develops quickly, like after a little one puts a crayon down the drain, and sometimes a drain clogs so slowly that you barely notice until a houseguest asks “Why isn’t the shower draining?”
While some clogs can be easily resolved with a little elbow grease, it is not recommended to try liquid drain cleaners. Chemicals in drain cleaners will cause further erosion to older pipes, and accelerate corrosion even in new plumbing systems. If you have a stubborn drain clog, call Calfo!
4. Poor Plumbing Design
Modern plumbing relies heavily on gravity to keep water running to and from your home. If your plumbing was not designed with the correct pitch, or if you have had to make minor adjustments over time to your plumbing, you may be missing out on a more efficient plumbing system. Poor plumbing design should be assessed by a certified plumber, and fixes can range from replacing a few pipes, to a full plumbing overhaul.
5. Water Heater Issues
A home can only be without hot water for so long, and if you are struggling to get through a week without a water heater issue, it may be time to repair or replace your water heater. Here are some common water heater issues to look out for:
- Strange noises coming from your water heater
- Rust-colored water
- Not enough hot water, or low water temperatures
Water heaters are prone to sediment accumulation, especially if they are more than 10 years old. However, not every water heater needs replacing, and sometimes a simple repair will get you through. In order to find a cost-effective solution that will ensure you are not without hot water, call the professional plumbers at Calfo.
Call Calfo for Plumbing Help in Pittsburgh
Whether you’re pulling your hair out trying to stop a dripping faucet, need to fix the sink, or you are just looking for a way to reduce your water bill, Calfo is here to help. Our certified plumbing pros provide the red carpet customer service that Pittsburgh homeowners have come to expect from Calfo heating and cooling services.
