Your plumbing system usually gives you small warnings before something breaks down. For example, you might hear a strange sound or catch an odd smell. These warnings are not always big or dramatic, but they can tell you more than you think, and you don’t have to be an expert to notice them.
Below, this residential plumbing contractor in Glencoe, Illinois is going to explain what those small warnings could mean, and why they are worth your attention.
These sounds can be more than just annoying.
Not all plumbing problems start with a burst pipe or water all over the floor. Many times, the first red flag is a sound that you have not heard before. You might hear knocking, dripping, or even gurgling, and each of these sounds can be trying to tell you something.
For example, if you hear a loud bang when you turn off the faucet, that could be a “water hammer.” That happens when water stops too suddenly, and the pressure has nowhere to go. It is not an emergency, but if it keeps happening, it can cause serious damage to your plumbing system.
What if you are hearing a dripping sound behind the wall? That could point to a hidden leak. You might not notice any signs immediately, but the water could be slowly seeping into your drywall. By the time you see a stain or a soft patch on the wall, the damage has already spread. You could be dealing with mold or crumbling drywall by then.
If your toilet makes gurgling sounds after you flush or your sink bubbles when other appliances are running, air could be trapped in the line. That is usually a sign of a blockage. If you keep hearing these sounds, you should call an experienced residential plumbing contractor in Glencoe, Illinois before you are dealing with a full backup.
If something smells off around your sink or drain, don’t ignore it.
Every home has its own smell. But if you smell a sharp or strange odor, especially near a sink or drain, you should take it seriously.
For example, a damp or musty smell could mean that water is pooling under the sink or inside a wall. Even a small drip can create enough moisture to cause mold. That mold can severely affect the air quality inside your home, and over time, it might even make the entire house smell stale.
If the smell is more like sewage or rotten eggs, it could come from a dry drain trap. That happens if you have not used the sink or tub in a while. But sometimes that can happen because a cracked pipe is leaking sewer gas into your home. That is a serious problem and should be fixed as soon as possible.
An experienced residential plumbing contractor in Glencoe, Illinois can trace that smell to its source and recommend permanent solutions.
Plumbing issues tend to get worse over time, so you need to be proactive.
Many people wait until there is water on the floor before they call a Glencoe residential plumbing contractor. But the sounds and smells we just talked about are your chance to prevent bigger plumbing problems.
Fixing a small leak can cost a few hundred dollars. That is not cheap, but it is manageable. But if it keeps dripping for a year? Now you are looking at mold removal or even water damage inside the walls. That gets expensive fast.
It may not always be easy to tell when you should call a professional plumber. But if something does not feel right to you, trust your gut.
Looking for a Residential Plumbing Contractor in Glencoe, Illinois?
Are you starting to notice odd sounds or smells in your home, and you are not sure what is behind them? If so, and if you are searching for an experienced residential plumbing contractor in Glencoe, Illinois who can help, John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is here for you. Our skilled plumbers will find the real problem and fix it before it becomes an emergency. Contact us today at 847-864-5225 to schedule a service.