Just like any mechanical system, your plumbing system requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs to keep it operating properly. When it comes to a problem with your plumbing, it is not something that you can put off fixing. Most plumbing problems results in a leak and water damage, or will render your plumbing useless until it’s repaired.
Besides your faucets and fixtures, most of your plumbing system is inside the floor, ceiling and walls. This makes troubleshooting plumbing issues difficult, but there are some outward clues that can help you figure out what the problem is. When in doubt, contact one of the best plumbers in Winnipeg to inspect and repair the problem for you.
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TogglePipe leaking inside the wall or ceiling.
If you notice water stains on your walls or ceiling, there is water leaking somewhere. If you don’t have a leaky roof, chances are you have a leaky pipe. You should have a professional plumber find and fix the leak immediately. Water can seriously damage your framing, drywall, insulation, trim and other parts of your home. Moisture will also promote the growth of mold and mildew which is hazardous to your health.
The water isn’t running.
If your water stops running in the middle of winter, it could mean that one or more pipes have frozen. This will be hard to inspect unless you have exposed plumbing in the basement. If you do and see that a pipe is budging, it means it has frozen and will have to be fixed. Chances are that if you have one frozen pipe, you have others. Learn how to prevent frozen water pipes.
You’ve lost water pressure.
No one likes weak water pressure. If you used to have strong pressure and have noticed it drastically weakening, it could mean that the water is escaping somewhere along the line before it comes out of your showerhead or tap. As mentioned, a leaking pipe can lead to a very big and expensive problem. If you can’t find the leak, contact a plumber before you start ripping out your walls looking for it.
Moisture in the basement.
When it comes to moisture or water in the basement, there are some common culprits. First check around every basement windows to ensure they are still sealed properly and not leaking. If that checks out okay, inspect any exposed pipes you might have down there for leaks. In some cases, moisture can be entering your home through the foundation. If you still can’t find the source, bring in a plumber to inspect your plumbing system. They can make recommendations from there.
Water is slow to drain.
If you’ve noticed that the water is taking a long time to drain from your sinks and tub, it is likely that you have a clogged drain. Check the bathtub drain and see if you can remove clogged hair and debris with needle-nose plyers. Try using a drain cleaner to see if you can loosen up the clog. Be careful not to use these chemical cleaners often. They can start to erode your pipes. If the slow draining persists, you might have to get a plumber in to clear it for you. Sometimes a clog can be located far into your plumbing or the main sewer line and special equipment is required to get it out.
Did you find these tips helpful? Read more articles about plumbers.