4 Minor Plumbing Issues You Should Never Ignore
Some plumbing problems look minor but hide serious issues. Some problems start small but develop into complicated issues requiring expensive treatment. Don't dismiss such minor plumbing issues; otherwise, you will likely have to deal with serious problems later. Below are four examples of such problems.
1. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure might not seem like an emergency, but you should not ignore it. Low water pressure has multiple causes. Some are relatively minor and don't require significant intervention. For example, incorrectly adjusting the water pressure regulator can cause water pressure.
However, hidden damages can also cause low water pressure. For example, you might have low water pressure if:
- Your water pipes are leaking, for example, behind walls or outside the home
- Corrosion or mineral deposits have clogged and restricted the pipes
Such hidden damage can trigger costly consequences in the end. For example, hidden leaks can cause costly water damage, especially structural damage. Similarly, water leaks mean you are paying for water you don’t use.
2. Minor Leaks
Some people rush to fix serious water leaks, such as burst pipes, but ignore minor leaks they think cannot cause serious damage. However, you shouldn't ignore any minor leak. Examples of leaks some consider minor include:
- Dripping faucets
- Leaking hoses
- Running toilets
- Appliance seal leaks
These leaks only look minor if you don't consider their long-term effects. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), dripping faucets can cost you hundreds of gallons of water yearly. The number of leaking fixtures and drip rate determine the loss. Such losses cost money and are an environmental concern since water is a limited resource.
3. Slow Drains
Some people don't treat slow drains as serious plumbing issues and only react if their drains block. However, the best time to deal with drainage problems is when you notice the slow drains. Consider the following issues:
- Slow drains may mean clogging in the system, which may grow and cause a blockage at the worst possible time. For example, your slow drains may block completely and even cause a backflow when you have overnight guests.
- Drainage problems can pollute your house with sewer gases, which are dangerous for your health and comfort.
- Problems outside the drainage pipes can cause slow drains. For example, blocked vents can cause slow drains since the vents provide air pressure to keep the drains flowing. You might not diagnose such hidden issues if you ignore the slow drainage.
In addition, clearing slow drains is easier than clearing blocked or backed-up drains. The longer you live with the problem, the more you might spend to solve its complications later.
4. Water Heater Noises
Do not ignore water heater noises even if you still have hot water. Some water heater noises are normal, but some point to dangerous problems that require prompt intervention. For example, water heater heat traps or check valves create changes in water pressure due to temperature fluctuations that can cause noise. Such noises are normal, even if they are annoying.
However, water heater noises can also come from leaking valves or pipes when the water contacts hot surfaces and vaporize. Restricted water heater valves can also cause noises. Valve restriction is a dangerous malfunction because it can increase water pressure inside the tank to dangerous levels, especially if the pressure and temperature release valve is stuck.
The best way to enjoy an efficient plumbing system is to have professional installation, appropriate maintenance, and prompt fixing of malfunctions. Oak Creek Plumbing & Remodeling can help you with all these. We have over 50 years in the industry and handle minor and complex plumbing issues. Contact us for a quote for all your plumbing needs.
