When your plumbing problems go ignored, it could result in severe damage to your home or health issues for you and your family. Some problems that get ignored, like a leaking faucet or clogged drain, can escalate and require costly repairs. 

Other problems, like banging pipes, can be solved with ease, without tearing your house apart. Learn about some of the plumbing problems that get ignored and should be repaired by a plumber as soon as possible. 

Leaky Faucets 

A leaky faucet might seem like a minor annoyance, but it can actually be a big deal. This is because it often signals an underlying problem, such as corrosion within pipes or faulty valves. Ignoring it could lead to water damage and other problems down the road. 

Each drip adds up to wasted water and higher utility bills. This is a waste of resources that you can avoid by hiring a plumber for prompt repairs. 

Moisture from leaking faucets can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew. These are health hazards that can trigger allergies and respiratory conditions, and they require professional remediation. In addition, leaking water can lead to structural risks for homes, such as weakening wood or drywall. It also increases the risk of rotted flooring and foundations. Moreover, the dripping sound can attract pests such as rodents and ants. Thus, it’s important to fix the leaky faucet promptly to protect your home and your budget. 

Clogged Drains 

Clogged drains can be a huge problem, causing water to back up and flood rooms that aren’t directly affected. It’s important to know how to recognize the warning signs and take action before it gets too late. Slow drainage, bad odors, and gurgling sounds are all early red flags that it’s time to call for help. 

Ignoring clogged drains will only make them worse, leading to costly problems in the future. The longer you leave a clog, the more severe and extensive the damage will be. 

Clogged drains are usually accompanied by a foul smell, as food and other waste become trapped and start to rot. Pay attention to the odors coming from your drains, and consider getting an annual inspection of your plumbing system by a professional. Also, try using non-toxic methods of cleaning your drains instead of harsh chemicals. These methods are safer for your pipes, and will keep them working properly. They’ll also save you money in the long run. 

High Water Bills 

It may be tempting to ignore that drip-drip-drip from a leaking faucet, but these

nuisance leaks are Public Enemy #1 when it comes to astronomically high water bills. A single faucet that drips one liter per minute can waste almost 30 gallons of water each month. And the same goes for a continuously running toilet, which can easily waste 200 gallons or more in a day. 

Other common causes of unexpectedly high water bills are changes to your home's water usage due to visitors, kids coming back from college, or other factors that cause a temporary increase in consumption. If you suspect that's the case, be sure to check for any musty odors or unexplained wet spots in your house. 

Leaks in underground or hidden pipes can also cause sudden high water bills, but these are harder to pinpoint without professional help. To identify these, turn off all water-using appliances in your home and observe your water meter. If it continues to run, this could indicate a leak at your water meter or in the supply line to your house. 

Sewage Backups 

Sewage backups are not only a health hazard, but they also cause immense damage that requires professional cleaning and remediation at great expense. The main culprit in sewer line backups is heavy rains that overload the municipal sewage system. But there are other conditions that can lead to clogs, such as improper disposal of grease, tree roots growing into sewer lines, and aging pipes. 

There are a few warning signs that can help you spot a sewage backup before it gets out of hand, such as wet floor drains and foul odors coming from toilets. It is crucial that you keep water sources shut off until a plumber arrives to assess the situation and perform repairs. 

Sewage water is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and germs that can be harmful to your family’s health. Therefore, it is critical to disinfect the affected area as soon as possible. To do so, open windows to improve ventilation and use a proper disinfectant following the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you do have problems with your plumbing system, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-canberra/ can offer a lot of resourceful information.