Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
Article content
Are you concerned you might have water issues? Have you noticed an increase in your water bill? I talk about water and moisture a lot because if you ignore troubling signs, you could end up with bigger issues. A sudden spike in your water bill is typically from a leak or a change in water usage. If the cause isn’t obvious — you may have recently filled your pool or had visitors — then it is likely from an inside leak in your home.
Advertisement 2
Article content
A running toilet is often the culprit, which can be caused by a faulty flapper valve, a broken fill tube, or a broken flapper chain. The good news is these are all easy fixes. However, if your toilet is old, it may be time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient ultralow volume six-litre flush model — you’ll save 70 per cent of your previous water usage.
If your sinks or your tub drains slowly, this could indicate that your pipes are blocked. It could be a simple blockage that requires only a plunger to remedy, or it may be farther down the line. If the latter is the case, a drain snake may be required. A drain snake is a coiled steel wire (like a mini auger), that you crank down the pipe. The coil breaks down any blockage and can be flushed away with water or pieces can be pulled out with the auger. Using a drain snake can be hard work, but you must also be careful, especially if you have old clay pipes.
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
If the slow drainage is consistent throughout the home, it could indicate a bigger issue, such as tree-root problems, which should be addressed by a licensed plumber immediately. Your plumber will likely use a drain snake and a camera to investigate the blockage. I’ve seen many examples of tree roots breaking clay pipes and causing multiple issues.
You may have tree-root issues if you notice a patch of grass that appears healthier than the rest of your lawn or if you notice a sunken area — which could indicate the area where the earth and ruptured pipes have broken down in the surrounding soil.
But what if you’ve detected a change in your water pressure? Weak water pressure in one area could be an aerator issue and can be easily fixed by cleaning the screen or replacing the aerator. However, multiple problem locations, could hint at an issue in the water main, hot-water tank or an active leak in the supply line. Get this checked out now!
Advertisement 4
Article content
Your washing machine can work well for years, but it can also leak due to worn-out tub fitting, leaky internal or supply hoses. Check the connections regularly to avoid leaks, including the hoses’ connection to the wall valves and the back of your washing machine. Ensure the connection is both secure and watertight. Your dishwasher is the other appliance that you should similarly keep an eye on for potential leaks.
A dripping faucet is annoying, but it also wastes water. An easy replacement of the washer will solve this issue.
Leaks under the sink can also waste water, due either to loose water connections or to the sink drain or P-trap connections becoming loose.
Discoloured pipes, especially around the joints, mean moisture is present. You could notice dripping or a slow leak in the supply line, but that’s only if you can see the line. Often it is hidden behind the walls.
Advertisement 5
Article content
In this case, I would recommend a specialty home inspection. Using a thermal imaging camera, and having a trained eye can help pinpoint the water source — making your investigation much easier. Bubbling or blistering paint or the appearance of brown spots on the ceiling or a wall could also be a sign of water or moisture issues, typically caused by a leak in the roof or from the plumbing system.
You may be surprised that sewer smells, (think rotten eggs), may not necessarily mean you have a leak, but it could mean a plumbing issue. Every drain needs a trap, and every trap needs to vent through the roof to prevent sewer smells. The drain trap needs water as the water is a barrier to prevent sewer smell. If the vent line has a crack, it may be harder to find as it is often hidden behind the wall, so your plumber may have to explore behind the walls of your home.
Check for visible signs and make sure to regularly inspect your pipes and fixtures. If you suspect something is wrong, contact a licensed plumber to provide an assessment. Addressing these issues at the first sign of trouble, is always best, as the consequences can be quite costly.
Residents of the GTA can apply for season 2 of Holmes Family Rescue atmakeitright.ca
Article content
Act fast when you detect a slow drip - National Post
Read More
Comments
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.
Join the Conversation