Tag: signs

Common Signs of a Water Leak

Tips for Detecting Water Leaks

Water leaks usually aren't too difficult to detect. The most common signs of a water leak include low water pressure and visible mold/mildew or other types of water damage. Less common signs also suggest a potential water leak before these signs appear.

  • Running Water Sounds: Unless a faucet has been left running, running water sounds often indicate a water leak within the pipes. The leak may be too deep in the plumbing system to show immediate signs, but the trouble still lurks. 
  • Wall Cracks: Water leaks can damage the home's foundation over time if left unrepaired. The damage can become so severe that it causes cracks in the walls. Most often, wall cracks are the result of an untreated plumbing leak. 
  • Wet/Damp Floors: Nothing is worse than stepping on a wet, squishy carpet or slipping on a wet kitchen floor, especially one that should not be wet. This problem suggests a sewer leak that needs immediate professional attention.
  • Bad Odors: When bad odors linger in the house without a pinpointed source, homeowners should look to the plumbing system and the possibility of a leak.

Strange Plumbing Noises

When plumbing isn't being used and has not mistakenly been left running, a hissing or running water sound may very well point to a leak in the home. The sound may be water trying to run through a space it cannot fit through. Perhaps the sound indicates worn pipes; maybe there is a clog or other plumbing issue.

Declining Water Pressure

water Low water pressure comes out of faucets in drops or otherwise very slowly. Attempting to fill a sink with water, shower, or complete other water-necessary tasks can be nearly impossible if low-water pressure is a problem.

Expect a decline in water pressure if a leak is present. Water drains out of the hole (leak) instead of traveling into the faucets as it should under normal circumstances. The problem often occurs with only one or two faucets in the home.

Skyrocketing Water Bills 

billLeaks often cause higher water bills. When there is a dramatic increase in water usage and water bill costs, the culprit often lies within a plumbing leak. 

The sooner plumbers come into the home and rectify the leak, the sooner homeowners can see normal water bills once again. Besides, leaking water causes so many issues - mold and mildew build-up in the house, which can lead to health issues, deteriorated plumbing and appliances, and foul odors- that reaching out to professionals as quickly as possible is almost unavoidable.

Quickly reaching out to a plumbing professional saves money in a few ways. Repairing leaks quickly can reduce the water bill back to normal costs, but also prevents the issues outlined above and stops the problem from worsening.

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing has four master plumbers on staff. The company offers fast emergency service from dedicated, highly-knowledgeable plumbing experts. Contact the company if you need plumbing service in Philadelphia, PA.

Three Signs That Homeowners Need Water Softener Installation

Homeowners Should Beware of Hard Water in their Homes

With summer coming to a close and fall fast approaching, now is a great time for homeowners to assess the health of their homes and make changes as needed. One of the best ways to do this is by assessing their water quality, particularly by checking if they have “hard water.” This occurs when the water has a high mineral content, often calcium or limestone.

When hard water occurs, homeowners usually require water softeners to help flush out the calcium deposits. Homeowners can usually tell if they have hard water-based on visual or physical abnormalities and abnormalities in their piping systems. Below is an in-depth overview of each of these.

Sign 1: Visual Abnormalities

The first signs of hard water that homeowners must look out for are visual abnormalities. With hard water, there will usually be very obvious signs in areas where water is usually used, such as:

  • Dishware - mineral deposits can lead to water spots on dishware when one should typically use water to clean the dishes
  • Faucets - residue can build up on the inside of the faucet and restrict water flow
  • Soap scum - white chalky residue can show up on bathroom surfaces

If homeowners notice any of these listed above, these are pretty obvious signs of a hard water issue. In particular, if they notice multiple of these - like spotting on their dishes and slowed water and gunk in their faucets, they can be almost certain they are struggling with hard water issues.

Sign 2: Physical Abnormalitiessink

The second signs of hard water that homeowners must look out for are physical abnormalities, namely, bodily reactions when they and their families contact water. After taking a shower or bath, homeowners should beware of dry, itchy, or irritated skin. After all, washing off should clear off any irritants rather than introducing them!

In addition, since water is used in the washing process for clothes, if homeowners and their families notice that their clothing is particularly stiff or that they are experiencing scratching or itching while wearing their clothes, this is a very obvious signal of hard water. The minerals contained in the water are probably causing this irritation.

Sign 3: Pipe Abnormalitiespipe

Last but not least, the third signs of hard water are issues with the pipes. While these may be slightly less obvious than the visual and physical abnormalities described above, they are still important to look out for. When mineral deposits build up in the pipes, this can heavily impact water flow and lead to clogging or, in severe cases, pipe breaks.

If homeowners notice gradual decreases in water pressure, this is a potential sign that they may be dealing with hard water, especially if there are other visual or physical signs. Additionally, pipe clogs can worsen with mineral deposits, especially in pipes already susceptible to backups. Pipe breaks can result if there is excessive pressure due to this clogging, which is most certainly not what homeowners want to deal with!

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing of Philadelphia, PA is a full-service plumbing and HVAC company that operates with the motto of “we turn nightmares into pipe dreams.” Their team of experts has over 20 years of expertise and guarantees quality and reliability for every one of their customers. Call them today for plumbing service in Philadelphia, PA!