There is one sure thing about the telltale signs of possible plumbing problems: They must not be ignored. The seemingly small or nuisance issues left unaddressed eventually lead to bigger problems that will need to be corrected, often at a much greater cost. Whether you suspect a plumbing issue early or later, it is not a bad idea to engage an Orange County plumbing service. The good news is there are indications that are easy to identify early. To help you manage them while they are small, here are five plumbing problem signs you must not ignore:

1. The sounds of water
2. An inexplicable spike in your water bill
3. Water stains and damp patches
4. Low water pressure
5. Slow drains

Let’s take them one at a time:

1. The Sounds of Water

The sounds of water can indicate several things with certain sounds relating to specific issues. The steady ticking of water dripping or what can sound like fingertip tapping may simply be the expansion and contraction of pipes, especially when hot water is running through cold pipes. Insulation and strapping can quiet these sounds. You can also adjust the temperature on the hot water heater thermostat. High water pressure may also be responsible for vibration that produces noise.

If pressure fluctuates or is higher than 80 psi, a plumber can install a pressure-regulating valve. Your water utility company may also be of help with this issue. If the utility meter produces ticking sounds that appear to be coming from within the wall, a technician can relocate a noisy meter or replace it with a quieter model. The meter is also a useful indicator of water usage, especially if you have everything turned off but the meter is reading use. If you are hearing running water when all taps are shut off, check the meter for activity, which leads to our next point.

2. An Inexplicable Spike in Your Water Bill

A sure sign that water is going somewhere even when you have no justification for it is an increase in your utility bill that cannot be explained. If it is not that house guest who is consuming more water or someone leaving a hose running overnight, a high water bill is a strong indicator of water leaking somewhere in the pipeline. It does not even have to be a full flow of water to see a spike in your bill. It could come from the steady drip or trickling of water leaking somewhere within the pipeline.

The danger of leaking water comes in not knowing where the leak is occurring in order to stop it. Pipes run through walls, between floors and underground. Seeping water penetrates substrates, foundations, walls and ceilings and the ground outside. A plumber has technical tools to help locate and identify burst pipes that are leaking water. Regardless of where a leak is occurring, water collecting where it shouldn’t presents a danger, which leads us to our next point.

3. Water Stains and Damp Patches

Certain sure signs of a leak include the areas affected by pooling water such as walls, floors, ceilings, and the grounds outside. Wet patches in the garden or on the grass could be indicative of where a burst pipe exists. Damp patches inside the home could also be pointing to where a pipe is leaking. Be careful to check areas around sinks, tubs, toilets, the dishwasher, and the washing machine. The presence of bugs could also be telling you where water is leaking since they are attracted to the humidity.

Water stains are likely to appear in the walls or ceiling, depending on where a leak is. As the water permeates porous materials, stains are inevitable, but that is not the least of the dangers. Remember that mold and mildew develop over time when leaks are left unrepaired. This is a silent hazard to the health of occupants within the home. Point out the mold to your plumber as it is likely where the leak is. The Department of Health and Human Services has informative advice on how to deal with mold.

4. Low Water Pressure

You may experience low water pressure from your taps indicating a possible leak or restriction somewhere within the line. It is easy enough to check and clean the aerators if they are clogged with mineral build-up. Fractured pipes, erosion in the water line or a leak somewhere in the system could produce inconsistent water pressure.

Check with the municipal water supply to verify the source of the problem is not outside of your control. You can test the water pressure at each fixture within the home to see if some are running better than the others. This could be useful in pinpointing the source of the problem. If you notice a suspicious drop in the water pressure, it is a good idea to consult your Orange County plumbing service.

5. Slow Drains

While a nuisance, slow drains must not be ignored, either. Left alone, clogs can grow much worse eventually preventing any drainage and ending up much harder to clear. They can be corrected early and easily with a plunger or a snake. If not, you can try removing the trap to either clear the clog or to be able to snake deeper inside the pipeline. Have a bucket handy to catch the spill water. If either of these attempts do not work, it is time to call in professional help.

While many homeowners can identify and correct plumbing problems by themselves, some may require the help of a professional. Apex Plumbing and Drain in Orange County offers a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services to meet and exceed your expectations. Call for a free consultation today.