Your plumbing system is a critical part of your home that allows you to run your home smoothly and manage water. According to Comfy Living, the typical American uses 127,000 gallons of water annually just for themselves. The system must be in good condition to allow you to take a bath, flush the toilet, and more. Plumbing problems are so common that many property managers and homeowners ignore them until it's too late. There are specific issues only a plumbing company can handle and most of these issues can grow into bigger problems if you delay calling a professional. Let's discuss them below.

1. Low Water Pressure

If your bathtub takes longer to fill up than it should, or your faucets aren't producing water at the same pressure as fast as they used to, then you have a low water pressure issue. You need to call a plumbing professional to inspect it because this problem has multiple causes. One of the most common causes is faulty fixtures. Some or all your faucets could be outdated and clogged with dirt, rust, and limestone, which impedes water flow.

Another common reason for low water pressure may have to do with your home's water valves. When one of the valves becomes faulty, it can lead to low water pressure. You should also check with your neighbors to see if they're experiencing the same issues as the issue could be stemming from the municipal system.

2. High Water Bill

Most people don't know they have a faulty plumbing system until they're hit by a large unexpected water or energy bill. If you notice a significant change in your water bill, chances are that you have a leaky faucet or pipe somewhere. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a leaky faucet that drips at one drip per second can lead to the loss of over 3,000 gallons of water per year.

While leaking faucets are easy to spot, leaky pipes aren't easy to find because the water goes elsewhere, such as the foundation of your home, the floorboards, or the gaps in the walls. A plumber can help inspect and fix any leaks that could increase your bills.

3. Water Heater Issues

You'll know immediately when your water heater has an issue because it won't produce hot water. Discolored water, odd noises, dripping, and puddles are other signs of a water heater problem. You need to call a plumber as soon as possible to fix the problem and restore hot water. Water heaters can be dangerous and require extensive repairs, so let a professional handle the job.

4. Water Damage

Leaky pipes and faucets may not be a threat until the water starts causing significant damage to your floor, ceiling, and walls. Over time, the collected water leads to mold growth, weakened wood support beams, rotten flooring, and rusty metal building materials. If ignored, the issues can put your home's structure at risk of failure. That's why you should call your plumbing company as soon as you notice changes in your meter reading or water bill. The cost of water damage remediation varies depending on the extent of the damage.

5. Health Hazards

Ignoring plumbing problems, such as standing water in your basement, can lead to mold growth. Mold can release spores into the air inside the building, which can be fatal to people with respiratory issues like asthma. The rotten floorboards can become a tripping hazard for children and the elderly, leading to broken bones, sprained ankles, and other injuries.

This can lead to expensive medical bills for homeowners and personal injury lawsuits for property managers. If the septic tank gets full and overflows into your compound, then it can cause health problems for your family and neighbors. Getting a plumber to fix any problem or maintaining your plumbing system can help keep everyone happy and healthy.

6. Outdated Fixtures

If your home is fitted with outdated fixtures, consider calling a professional to install the latest, most efficient, durable, and money-saving fixtures. While the initial buying cost of a tankless water heater may be high, it'll save you money in the long run. You can also install water-efficient toilet bowls, faucets, and shower heads to help you save on bills.

For more information about plumbing concerns, contact The Witmer Company today. We'll be happy to help with all your plumbing needs.