Water Pipe Damage: When to Call a Plumber
Water pipes are a part of everyday life, you don’t really think about them as you pour yourself a drink, have a shower, or start to water your garden. But when these pipes are damaged, many aspects of your life can be interrupted so you want to fix the problem as soon as you’re able to. Knowing the signs of water pipe damage and when to call a plumber is important when it comes to saving yourself money.
Signs of Water Pipe Damage
When your water pipes are damaged, it isn’t always obvious - your rooms aren’t usually filled with gushing water unless the problem is incredibly extensive. There is often a slower leak that will gradually become apparent and, by that time, irreparable damage may have been caused that can cost upwards of £500.
Here are some tell-tale signs of water pipe damage to look out for:
1. Inconsistent Water Pressure
If you’re finding that your water pressure keeps going up and down, it may be time to call a plumber to thoroughly check it over. The reason behind the fluctuating pressure may be a damaged water pipe in your system and maybe even a full pipe burst.
This change in pressure can cause issues with water pipe fittings too, so once you notice it it is best to get in contact with your plumber to make sure everything is running as it should be.
2. Strange Noises
Strange noises in the form of bangs and clanging could be a sign of damage. If the pipes are broken in places, the pressure will change throughout and the sound of the water will be different.
If there is damage, there will be points in the pipe where they are rubbing together due to tension and will therefore be making more noise than usual.
3. Difference in Water Appearance
When a water pipe is damaged and left, the area will usually start to rust. The rust will then be mixed with the water and cause it to discolour, often turning light orange or brown.
As you may have guessed, this water is not safe to drink and creates a breeding ground for bacteria. To prevent any potential illnesses you need to call an emergency plumber to check and repair the water pipes.
4. Rise in Water Bill
Damaged pipes can result in a lot of wasted water. If you find that your water bills have suddenly jumped up without any explanation, then it would be best to call a plumber to get to the root of the problem. Don’t leave the issue to persist for months, not only will you be paying more for your monthly bill but the final repairs will be expensive too.
If you notice any of these signs of water pipe damage, call a plumber as soon as possible and report to your local council. Even if there is only a small problem, you would have saved yourself a lot of money from having to replace the entire system and may prevent a flood from affecting other houses surrounding yours too.