Many homeowners in Las Vegas, NV, don’t think much about plumbers until something goes wrong. Almost all of us have had an unpleasant experience when plumbing fixtures don’t work the way we expect. Although it’s second nature to call a plumber after a problem occurs, regular maintenance, and seeking help for minor issues, can prevent some of the headaches and stress caused by unexpected plumbing problems.
Water Damage
Water damage is fairly easy to spot. Peeling paint or wallpaper, dark brown or yellow spots on walls and ceilings, and even mold and mildew growth can all be potential signs of water damage. Unfortunately, the damage is already done by the time these signs are noticeable and the water damage we can see easily is just the tip of the iceberg. Wood, drywall, insulation, and other structures may already be damaged. Cleaning and repairing water damage is possible sometimes, but there’s also a good possibility that everything affected by water will need to be replaced if the problem isn’t caught and addressed quickly.
Sometimes leaks are very obvious. If water is actually running down the walls from the ceiling, you know there’s a problem. Toilets are common culprits behind severe leaks into the first floor. The problem could be a leak, but if large volumes of water are pouring down the wall, the problem is more likely to be a broken pipe or a break in plumbing infrastructure somewhere in the bathroom. This particular situation requires a call to an emergency plumber. Large volumes of water can ruin walls, ceilings, furniture, and any electronics that happen to be in the way. Don’t forget about wires inside the walls that are also getting soaked by water.
Structural Deformities
Buckling walls and deformities in the ceiling are also obvious signs of water damage. It usually takes a bit of time for a leak to cause structural damage to the extent that walls are buckling, but it can also happen fast if the leak is big enough. Other signs of a significant plumbing leak include sagging about door jambs and soft or rotting wood around baseboards. Sometimes the cause isn’t a plumbing issue. The roof could be leaking too, but you may need a professional to come in and find the source of the leak if it isn’t immediately apparent.
Water Changes
Although it may not seem obvious, changes in your water may be due to leaking pipes. If your water seems to have a green, red, brown, or orange tin, look for puddles underneath the sink. You can also check for puddles and drips around the washing machine, dish washer, shower, and other large appliances and fixtures. Call a plumber immediately if you think you may have a broken or leaky pipe. Sometimes old pipes can deteriorate and rust from the inside, which lets rust get into your water. Although this isn’t dangerous, it can cause discolored clothes and put more stress on appliances.
Sometimes a sudden increase in the water bill is the first sign of a plumbing problem. Small leaks can add up fast, so it doesn’t take long for wasted water to be reflected on the bill. If the leak hasn’t made itself known, check the fittings and valves underneath sinks and the connections for large appliances. Toilet flappers and other parts can also wear out or break and lead to unnecessary water loss. In fact, there are so many options that it may be best to call a plumber to find the problem right away rather than deal with a delay.
Leaky Faucets
Leaky faucets are a common problem for homeowners in Las Vegas, NV, but they still need to be addressed in a timely fashion. Not only do leaks add up over time, but a worn out faucet may indicate that other sections of plumbing are wearing out and need some attention as well. O-rings are common culprits when it comes to faucet leaks. An O-ring is a small seal that prevents water from escaping in valves or from loose connections between pipes and the faucet. Most faucets need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. Manufacturers can make a lot of changes in that time period, so the exact model, and the parts that go with it, may not be available anymore. Your plumber may be able to get necessary parts or recommend installing a new faucet.
Clogged Drains
Slow drains in the sink or shower can be irritating. A clogged toilet is also very inconvenient, especially if it overflows and soaks the surrounding area in water that isn’t exactly clean. The first thing we usually turn to is a toilet plunger. Drain cleaners can be tempting as well, but it’s best to resist that temptation and call a plumber instead. Not only do chemical drain cleaners damage pipes, they’re also not likely to fix the problem. If the problem is a simple clog close to the toilet fixture, then other drains wouldn’t be slow. Multiple drains acting up at the same time usually mean you have a bigger problem, such as a clog deep within waste pipes. The problem could also be a broken pipe that’s clogged with dirt, debris, or tree roots. A bottle of chemicals is obviously not going to fix a structural problem, but your local plumber can handle the problem instead.
Contact the team at Craig’s Plumbing in Las Vegas, NV, at the first sign of a leak or plumbing issue. The plumbers at Craig’s Plumbing are also available to answer questions and handle routine inspections and maintenance to help you avoid severe and costly problems in the future. Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your home’s plumbing infrastructure in good shape so you always have fresh, clean water when you turn on the tap.
