5 Easily Ignored Plumbing Issues That Deserve Prompt Attention

As a homeowner, you probably have a seemingly endless list of projects you want to complete when you finally have the time. Surely some projects, like re-painting a hallway or updating your cabinet hardware, can be put on the “one day” list with few consequences.

However, many homeowners place seemingly small plumbing issues on the back burner because they assume that these issues are not a big deal yet. Unfortunately, this mistake can be costly in the long run.

Plumbing problems — even the small ones — always deserve your prompt attention. Here are five often-ignored plumbing problems that you should address as soon as possible before they become much worse.

LEAKS
While you might figure a few drops of water from a tiny leak are not a big deal, the problems that the water causes are actually what is dangerous. A tiny plumbing leak often leads to a consistently moist surface, whether it be a wall or a floor, and consistent moisture encourages mold growth. Mold can cause respiratory symptoms, rashes, fatigue, nausea and an array of other health problems.

As soon as you notice a leak of any size, call your plumber to come repair the pipe in question. Otherwise, you may end up having to replace a lot of moldy, water-damaged building materials, too.

TOILETS THAT KEEP RUNNING
A running toilet doesn’t make a mess and is not dangerous. Therefore, many homeowners consider a running toilet easy to ignore. However, a leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day, or 6,000 gallons of water per month.

This water waste is not good for your wallet or for the environment. Plus, fixing a leaky toilet is usually as simple as replacing a component or two within the tank.

PIPES THAT FREEZE OCCASIONALLY
A pipe freezing and thawing occasionally may present a minor inconvenience if it keeps you from using a certain tap for a few days here and there in the winter. However, when a pipe freezes, you need to do more than just wait for the pipe to thaw. You need to take action to keep the pipe from freezing again because the next time it freezes could be the time it bursts and floods your home.

Adding insulation to exposed water pipes is often the best way to prevent them from continuing to freeze. You can also leave the tap in question on, just slightly, during very cold periods to prevent the associated pipes from freezing.

WATER HEATERS MAKING NOISES
Is your water heater making a rumbling or chattering noise every time you turn it on? If the water is still coming out hot, you may be tempted to just ignore the noise. However, rattling noises usually mean that sediment has accumulated in the bottom of your hot water tank.

This sediment increases your energy bills and can cause your water heater to fail prematurely. You can have your plumber come backwash the water tank to remove sediment and prevent future issues.

MINERAL BUILDUP ON FAUCETS
Mineral buildup can easily be removed from faucets with limescale remover or even white vinegar, but removing the deposits from faucets is really just treating the symptoms and not the true problem.

Mineral deposits occur when you have hard water — water with a high concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium. If minerals are depositing on your fixtures, they are probably forming deposits inside your pipes too.

Pipes clogged by mineral deposits eventually need to be replaced as they lead to low water pressure. It’s a lot easier to have a water softener, which is a device that removes minerals from your water, installed in your home. This will prevent future mineral deposits on your faucets and within your pipes.

If you ever notice one of these problems with your plumbing, do not hesitate to call Vines Plumbing. We can handle all of your plumbing issues — hopefully before they result in substantial damage or the need for extensive repairs.