Silent Signs Your House Has a Plumbing Issue

 All too often, you probably had no idea that your house had plumbing issues until it was too late. However, common plumbing problems are easy to spot, provided you know what to look for. Once you are able to recognize the signs, you can do the repairs before problems get out of control and more expensive. Here are four of the most common silent signs to look out for.    

Discolored Pipes

It is a good idea to check the pipes under your sinks and in your basement. Look for any discoloration, especially around the joints. This is a strong sign that there is moisture present and that you might have a leak that will probably worsen over time if you leave it. If you spot any discoloration, get a plumber to take a look at the joints as soon as possible.

Sewer Odor

If you start to pick up a sewer smell in your home, it probably means, either that one of your traps has run dry, or one of your vents has cracked. Vents and traps prevent sewer gases from entering your home. When they are not working properly, those gases cannot be released and start to build up inside the home. Traps can be repaired by refilling them with water, but vents can be a little more difficult to find and fix, as they are usually enclosed inside a wall. We recommend calling a plumber if it’s the latter of the two issues. 

Weak Water Flow in Multiple Locations

Low water pressure usually indicates a distribution issue. If it occurs in one location, you may just need to fix a faucet aerator, which is usually easy to deal with. If it happens in several locations, there is probably an issue with the water main or supply line. If you are seeing low water pressure in addition to any signs of leaking, you should take action immediately.  

Slow Drain

A drain that is slow to clear could be a result of blockage near to the drain itself, or something deeper in the pipes. If the problem is farther down the line, it might require a fair amount of snaking to clear it. If more than one of your drains is slow, it is a sure sign that you have a deeper problem. 

No matter what plumbing issues you may have to deal with in your home, get your tools, parts and accessories at Crosstown Plumbing Supply. Contact us for more information.

This blog was originally published at https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/plumbing-issue/ 

Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know About

Not every homeowner is a plumber, but it is still a good idea to know at least a little about plumbing if you want to keep your home safe and functional. The longer you stay in a home, the more likely it is that you will experience some type of plumbing issue. It helps to know just a few simple actions to take when problems arise. These basic plumbing tips might help you to prevent the need for plumbing repairs. They will certainly help you to manage the situation and mitigate the damage as you wait for the professionals to arrive. Here are three essential plumbing tips that every homeowner should know.

Know Where the Water Shutoff Valves Are

One of the vital details you should know about your home is where to shut off the water supply. If there is an emergency or if routine maintenance needs to be done, knowing where the main shutoff valve is will help you to save time and prevent further plumbing issues.

Understand What Can and Can’t Go Down Drains

Not many people understand the limitations of household drains. If you want to know what you can wash down your drains, the answer is: not much! Your drains and pipes are designed to carry water and other liquids. Almost everything else will only clog them. Don’t throw things like coffee grounds, grease, or food scraps down the drain. Also, remember that your toilet is not a garbage can. Flushing almost anything other than toilet paper is likely to lead to clogged pipes.

Fix Leaky Fixtures Right Away

How many of us simply ignore a leaky faucet or a running toilet? They don’t seem to do much harm and appear to be little more than a minor annoyance. However, even the most minor leaks can lead to massive amounts of wasted water. One leaky faucet can shed up to eight gallons a day. It is better to fix these problems as they arise. Replacing a washer on a faucet is a quick and easy fix.

Whatever plumbing issue you may need to deal with in your home, get your parts, tools and accessories at Crosstown Plumbing Supply. Browse our product lines in plumbing, HVAC and Kitchen & Bath or contact us for more information.

This blog was originally published at https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/plumbing-tips/