What would life be like without plumbing? If you take a few minutes to contemplate this question and try to answer, it’s actually quite difficult to imagine a life without plumbing systems. However, we know it would be a lot dirtier and less convenient! 

Even though the plumbing system is a considerable aspect of home comfort, many homeowners avoid maintenance. They don’t consider what’s happening with their utilities until something breaks, and plumbing disasters can be brutal! From overflowing toilets and flooded basements to freezing pipes and water damage, plumbing problems just stink (sometimes, quite literally)! Fortunately, there are some plumbing warning signs that you can watch out for that might alert you to potential issues. Check out these 3 common plumbing warning signs: 

1. Popcorn Sounds Coming From Your Water Heater

The sound of popcorn in your microwave is welcoming when you need a salty snack, but what if you hear that same sound coming from your water heater tank? This particular noise is an early indication that your water heater has an excess of mineral deposits and sediment built up at the bottom of the tank. The heating element is located at the bottom of the tank, right where the sediment and mineral deposits settle. As the water heats to boiling, the bubbles escape from the layer of sediment, resulting in a popping noise. The solution is often a water heater flush to rid the tank of corrosion and build-up.

2. Corrosion On Fittings And Valves

If you notice corrosion and rust on your pipe fittings and valves, there could be several factors causing it. It could be from low pH levels, chemical drain cleaners, high water velocity, or oxygen levels. No matter which culprit you find is causing the issue, it must be remedied immediately. Corrosion is a sign that something is going wrong, and corroded fittings and valves on your pipes can lead to leaks and flood damages. Even small drips can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on how severe they are. 

3. Listen For Loud Motors

Two plumbing system motors often break down in the home: the garbage disposal and the sump pump. While they are entirely different systems used in different areas of the home for unique purposes, both are very important. Hearing a loud motor sound in your kitchen’s garbage disposal can often mean that something is wrong with the blades or there’s a jammed grinding chamber. There could also be issues with the grinding plate, ring, or motor assembly. For the sump pump, a motor sound is definitely not good! Best case scenario, you can lubricate the motor, worst case, it needs to be replaced. 

If your home is experiencing any of these 3 plumbing warning signs, contact our expert plumbers and schedule a plumbing safety and reliability inspection today!