Common Plumbing Problems That May Impact Your Home's Health

Even the most benign-looking issues related to your house’s plumbing system have the potential to turn into a major crisis situation if they are not dealt with in the nick of time.  In this article, we would look at some of the commonly occurring plumbing issues that could be indicative of a bigger issue.  

Unpleasant smell 

The foul smell emanating from areas under the sink, the washbasin or in the bathroom is indicative of a problem. Generally, to deal with a problem like this, we would rely on a spritz of room-freshener or may be an air- freshener. This is not the solution though. This foul stench that refuses to go is indicative of a more serious problem. It may be time to have an expert check the plumbing and find out the real reason behind the rotten smells. 

What does it indicate: Building up of mold or bacteria or both.  

What can it affect: Water quality, sanitation, pipes.   

Leaking taps 

Another recurring feature in most households are leaking taps, be it in the kitchen or the bathroom. Leaking is also often seen in toilets in the form of phantom flushes. Water heaters may have a similar problem.  

If a leaky tap is left unchecked, you may end up wasting 34 gallons of water in a year, considering one drop of water is wasted every minute. This would increase your water bills majorly apart from destroying the fundamentals of your property in the form of mold and moisture.  

What does it indicate: Defect in pipes, problems in plumbing components.  

What problems does it cause: Water wastage, higher bills, damage to structure.  

Slow drainage 

When you see the dirty water draining way too slowly through your kitchen sink, your bathroom, in the tubs or in the shower, you might make a run for the store and buy products that promise to unclog the drains in no time. In case the problem persists however, we suggest you call the plumber. 

What does it indicate: Clogging.  

What can it affect: Water quality, sanitation.  

Overflowing water 

This is a toilet specific issue. Upon flushing, the water moves upwards when it is expected to move downwards. Since this has the potential to get really messy, one tries the plunger immediately. However, since the cause of the problem is yet to be detected — overflowing could occur because of a variety of reasons — it is better to seek an expert’s intervention.  

What does it indicate: Faulty plumbing system.  

What can it affect: Sanitation, entire plumbing system.  

Clogging 

From soap to hair, from kitchen grease to dirt, all things that your plumbing system soaks from various areas of the house, lead to clogging, one of the most commonly occurring plumbing problems in all households. A little care and cleaning would do the trick and solve the problem and no expert intervention would be required. However, if the clogging problem persists, call a plumber without any delay.  

What does it indicate: Faulty plumbing system.  

What can it cause: Flooding, defected sewage backup.  

Low water pressure 

Low water pressure might happen because of problems within the pipeline system. This might include internal leaking, etc., which could result in a complete shutdown of water facilities.  

What does it indicate: Faulty pipes.  

What can it affect: Entire pipeline.   

Erratic geyser 

When water and electricity-related problems combine, it would turn out to be a total disaster coming in the form of slight shocks. Even the smallest issue with your water heater or geyser, must get your immediate attention and an electrician/plumber must be called immediately to correct the situation.  

What does it indicate: Faulty wiring.  

What can it affect: Electric wiring.