7 Signs You Have Bad Plumbing

Plumbing can be mysterious to those who aren’t plumbers. If their knowledge is limited to plumbing basics, San Diego homeowners might only notice when things go catastrophically wrong, missing out on the signs that could have saved them from disaster. Fortunately, there are ways even a layperson can detect plumbing problems early. Below are seven ways to tell if your plumbing is bad.

1. Mysteriously Moving Water Meter

Is your water meter moving when there’s no water on in your house? If so, that’s a sure sign something has gone wrong. A water meter that runs without an apparent cause is a sign you have a leak. 

2. Obvious Pipe Damage

If you don’t think your pipes look right, there’s a good chance they’re in a state of disrepair. You should look at the pipes underneath your sinks at least a few times a year to see if there are any noticeable changes. If you can see your pipes look discolored or something has become disconnected, you have a problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. 

3. Multiple Slow-Draining Sinks

One sink that drains slowly is usually a sign of a clog. If all of your sinks drain slowly, though, you’ve likely got a more serious plumbing problem. When multiple sinks drain slowly, you probably have a problem that’s impacting your entire system.

4. Sagging Floors

If you notice your hardwood floors are starting to bow up or sag downward, there’s almost certainly a problem with the pipes underneath. Likewise, carpeting that starts to sag in the middle or begins to have soft and squishy spots is a sign of the same kind of problem. 

5. Discolored Walls

One of the easiest ways to identify a leak is by looking at your ceiling and walls. Most leaks are relatively slow, so they leave evidence over time. If you have water spots or rings or your wallpaper has become discolored in certain spots, you should contact a professional. 

6. Low Water Pressure

If you normally have reasonable water pressure, you should be on the alert for sudden drops in pressure. This can be a sign of a few different potential plumbing issues, all of which need to be addressed sooner rather than later. Even those who have low pressure regularly may want to get their plumbing checked just in case. 

7. Increased Water Bill

Finally, check your water bill. If it shows your usage has spiked even though you haven’t been using more water than normal, there’s likely been a leak. Once you see your water bill rise, you can start looking more closely for the other problems listed above. 

If you’re having issues with your plumbing, don’t try to take care of them yourself. It’s best to have a professional plumber address the problems so they don’t keep recurring. When they need high-quality professional plumbing services, San Diego homeowners know they can trust Burke Contractors. Our plumbing contractors are the best available, and you can count on them to solve any and all of your plumbing issues. To schedule an appointment with one of our plumbing contractors, call us today at 858-208-7765.