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Some plumbing issues in Sydney are minor and easy to fix while others are major and pricey to fix. Similarly, some plumbing issues are easily noticeable while others are challenging to tell.

If you can’t notice a plumbing problem, it may end up worsening and cause costly damages by the time you notice it. Thus, it’s important to notice plumbing problems early enough and fix them quickly before they become major problems.

Here are 10 signs that can tell your home has plumbing problems that need the attention of a professional plumber.

Slow Drainage

Over time, the shower or sink drain is susceptible to clogs that cause water to drain slowly or fail to drain at all. Drain clogs often result from the buildup of debris such as soap scum and hair.

You can easily unclog a blocked shower or sink drain with an auger or plumber’s snake. However, if all drain pipes are draining slowly, then it means there’s a serious clog within the main drainage line.

You should consider such a problem as an emergency. In this case, call your plumber to come and check the sewer line immediately and recommend appropriate solutions.

 

Constant Toilet Clogs

Every homeowner experiences toilet clogs from time to time. However, constant toilet clogs are a major sign of a bigger plumbing problem.

If the toilet and other plumbing fixtures have started backing up, then it’s possible that the sewer line is clogged or the septic system is backing up.

 

Rattling Pipes

Although you may hear some noise as water rushes through the pipes, the pipes themselves should be quiet. However, if the pipes are rattling, especially when turning them off, then it means you’re dealing with a water hammer problem.

This issue occurs when water stops flowing or changes its direction abruptly, thereby causing a powerful shock wave. The shock wave causes loose pipes to bang against the wall. Consequently, you’ll hear a rattling noise.

A water hammer problem may also result from excessive water pressure and loose pipes. It can also result from flooding of the air chambers within the plumbing system.

 

Reduced Water Pressure

If the water pressure is lower than usual, then you won’t enjoy taking a shower. Also, it’ll take longer to fill your tub and find it more challenging to clean dishes.

Your washing machine and other fixtures or appliances that require high water pressure will be affected. There are many more annoying issues that arise with reduced water pressure.

If you notice that the water pressure is lower than usual, then you may be dealing with clogged supply pipes. In this case, call your plumber to come and inspect the pipes.

 

The Ceiling is Developing Brown Spots

In case your ceiling is developing brown spots, then it’s likely that water is leaking above the ceiling. You should first trace the leakage and repair it before repairing the ceiling.

 

Peeling Wallpaper or Paint

If you notice blistering, cracking, or peeling wallpaper or paint in your bathroom, then it’s likely that a pipe is leaking. Before you repaint the wall or patch up the wallpaper, call your plumber to trace the leak and fix it.

 

Increasing Water Bills

If you can’t account for increased water usage, then a sudden increase in your water bill means that there’s a leak somewhere in the plumbing system. In this case, call a professional plumber to come and diagnose the problem.

 

Gurgling Toilet

The toilet is normally quiet, unless flushed. Thus, if your toilet is gurgling without being flushed, then it means there’s a possible plumbing issue.

The toilet may produce gurgling noises as a result of a blocked sewer pipe or a blocked drain vent. Such major plumbing issues need the attention of a plumber.

 

Foul Drain Smells

Bathrooms and kitchens are prone to bacteria. Bacteria can easily cause funny smells. However, persistent foul smells coming from the drains are a sign of a possible clog or broken sewer line.

 

Mold Growing on Walls or Cabinets

If mold is growing anywhere within your home, then you should be worried. Mold growing on walls or cabinets is a sign of a leaking pipe. Generally, mold grows on wet surfaces.

Thus, when you notice mold on the walls or cabinets, then you should have your plumbing inspected for leaks soonest possible.

Finding hair in your bathroom is pretty standard. It could be from shaving, trimming or because of natural hair fall. Whatever it may be, it is essential to know that no matter what kind of hair it is, it can cause damage to your pipes and often clog the drains as well.

Hair stuck in the drain will block the water from seeping through quickly. This results in floor damage and leaks in your home. There are specific measures that you can take to prevent that. Listed below are the things you should do to avoid hair clogs.

Install Drain Covers

Now, there are two types of drain covers. First up is the top drain cover which is readily available and is super easy to install as well. It merely requires you to find a drain cover that fits your drain adequately and putting it over the drain so that foreign objects like hair cannot enter the pipe.

Second is the bottom drain cover, this is installed between the top drain cover and the pipe and can be tightened by a plumber’s putty if necessary. This is an extra measure to ensure that anything that is not supposed to enter the drain doesn’t.

 

Keeping hair away from Showers and Sinks

The most common way in which hair can find its way into the drain is when one is taking a shower. It is much easier for hair to fall out once it is wet. To prevent this from happening, you should make it a point to brush your hair right before taking a shower to avoid hair fall.

However, if you do end up finding any loose hairs near the sink or the shower, you should pick them up and pile them up in one corner. After you are done with your business, take the hair and toss it in a bin. This not only prevents hair clogs but also keeps your shower and sinks clean.

When it comes to shaving, most people find it rather convenient to do it over the sink as it keeps the bathroom clean. Shaving over the sink may keep the bathroom clean, but it can easily cause hair clogs in the sink.

When you shave, the length of the hair is small most of the time; therefore, you should keep the water running for a minute or two after you are done with the shaving. This will ensure that no hair stays in the sink, and it is all cleaned out.

 

Clear out the Hair Clogs

There are plenty of ways to clean out your drains. The first one is doing it yourself or the homemade rinse. You will need baking soda and vinegar.

Go to the drain you wish to clear and pour a cup of baking soda in it followed by vinegar; this will make the drain bubble up.

Let this sit for a couple of minutes and then pour boiling water down the drain to clear any debris that could be clogging it. Use this method once a month.

You can also clean your drains by using your hands. Just put on some gloves and remove the drain covers and pull the hair out yourself.

The last and most efficient option is to leave it to a trained technician. Some clogs cannot be cleared out by your hand or a cup of baking soda. For such cases, call in a local plumber.

People often decide to replace things when they become old. Although that should not be the case, old things can work fine as well so the age of a product should not be a determinant in deciding when something is to be replaced.

However, there are certain things you should notice to know when to replace your plumbing. It is time to replace your plumbing when it starts exhibiting the signs listed below.

1. Mirky Water

There is no color to water; it is supposed to be clear. It is a warning sign when you start to notice that the water coming out of your tap has color.

When the water coming out of your tap starts to seem a little brown or has a tint of brown, it usually means the pipes supplying the water have started to corrode. This water is not safe for consumption and should not be ingested in any form.

It is also not safe to wash dishes, clothes or clean your house with this mirky water. This also required immediate attention from professional plumbers.

 

2. Molds and Hidden Leaks

There are regular leaks which can be fixed by a plumber and maintenance. However, there are more tricky ones that you can’t notice until it’s too late.

Hidden leaks could be found behind walls, under the bathtub, below the fridge, underneath the sink and many other places.

The most difficult to notice is the leak behind the wall, it often leaves a big brown mold on the wall and the longer it stays there, the more damage your house would sustain. This should be tended to as soon as possible.

 

3. Water Odour

The smell of water cannot be explained but one does know when it is not right. The water which comes into your homes through pipes does not contain any odour and is not supposed to.

If the water which comes through a tap at your home starts to have a faulty or nasty smell, it is essential to note that it is not fit for consumption, not to mention that is not sanitary at all and could prove to be lethal or dangerous.

When water starts to smell, it is a common indication that it has been infested by unwanted bacteria and needs to be taken care of as soon as possible.

This infestation could be caused by a multitude of reasons which could include clogging, corrosion, etc. However, it is important to note that this isn’t an unsolvable issue. It is simply an indication that your plumbing needs to be changed or replaced.

 

Moving into an apartment in Sydney is a joyous time; everyone loves a new upgrade. However, before moving into your new rental apartment, you must familiarize yourself with the plumbing system. By doing this, you will be able to make sure that your stay is a comfortable one.

Listed below are the tips to make sure that you have a sound plumbing system. 

Touring

Taking a tour of a place that you are looking to rent is vital. Ask the landlord to show you where the main valve is to see that it is not an old, worn-out valve because they break pretty easily. 

Locating the main valve is also very beneficial in case of water emergencies like a broken water heater. You can switch off the main valve to avoid any further damage. 

It is also essential to know where the individual valves are. Like the valves to your toilet and sink as they can shut off if there is a leak to avoid water wastage. 

You should also always confirm with your landlord if there are any existing plumbing issues. If there are frozen pipes or some other information, you should be made aware of the problem.

 

Prevention

It is vital to protect your pipes from unnecessary damage. Plumbers recommend people to buy strainers. Strainers prevent your drains from getting clogged by catching hair, food and all sorts of other stuff that can cause buildup in the pipe. 

It is crucial to make sure that your water heater is at 48-49 degree Celcius as that is the industrial standard of temperature. 

Also, do not flush foreign objects down the drain and stray away from liquid drain cleaners because the chemicals in them damage the pipe. Make sure to pick an accurate plunger in case of clogs or blockage. Make sure to use your garbage disposal system properly if you have one. 

 

Prepare for the Cold

The first step is to disconnect any hoses that are outside and turn off outside water taps to prevent them from freezing. It is also essential to locate the outside valve and to turn them off because having it on can freeze the pipes.

If you are away from your apartment, make sure to adjust your thermostat is between 12-15 degree Celcius. 

It is a temperature which keeps your pipes from freezing. Water heaters should be at a low temperature or on vacation mode if you are away. 

The cabinets which have water pipes in them or doors that house water pipes should be kept open for warm air to circulate and prevent the pipes from freezing. 

At one point, one always wonders what those plumbing noises that they keep hearing are? It could be the pipes banging, your shower head whistling, popping sounds from the water heater, maybe a gurgle in the drain.

Hearing these noises can surely be distressing and can make you think that there is something wrong with your plumbing system. However, these noises could mean nothing at all.

Listed below are the reasons as to why your plumbing may be making noises.

Banging Pipes

Pipes are made out of metal, and when water flows through them, they can make certain noises and can vibrate. These noises can sometimes be heard throughout your house.

If the noises from these pipes become too noisy or unbearable, it usually means that the pipes are not secured in a stable position. Another as to why this may happen is because of blockage in the pipe or clogged drains which do not let water move smoothly.

 

Whistling Showerhead

Shower heads usually do not make any noise, but if they do, it is typically an indication that there is a blockage in pipe or that it is clogged.

However, this issue is straightforward to resolve as all one needs to do is to open the showerhead and clean out anything that may have been causing the blockage.

If this does not resolve the issue, it means the current showerhead has been overused. It has reached its age, and it is time to get a replacement!

 

Popping Water Heater

Popping or knocking sounds from your water heater usually indicate that there is sediment buildup in it. When water is being heated, substances like limescale and other debris can settle at the bottom of the water heater.

However, this is only caused if your water heater does not receive proper and regular maintenance. This also means that you would have to wait longer for hot water and the cost of energy is also increased.

 

Gurgling Drains

Now gurgling noises in your shower drain or sink drain can be caused by a multitude of reasons. One of the most common reasons this happens is because of a clogged drain.

Your drainage system might have food particles stuck in it, which causes it to makes noises. Book an appointment with experienced plumbers to clean your drainage system.

Other reasons as to why there is gurgling noise in your drains could be because of trapped air in your pipes or a broken drain ventilation system.

A more severe issue could be sewer lines, and it is also the most common one. Your sewer line could be broken because of tree roots. This is an issue that needs to be tended to as soon as possible.