Calgary homeowners may not notice it at first because a broken pipe isn't an isolated issue. The supply lines and sewer lines in a plumbing system are essential for continuous, smooth operation. Even a small issue with a single pipe could reverberate throughout your entire home like the echoing sounds of a wailing ghost. Sometimes, that haunting noise is one of the additional problems that causes leaking pipes.
Calgary plumbers will always recommend that you call as soon as you notice any change in the fixtures and appliances that connect to your sewage system or supply lines, but there are also specific issues that indicate you need immediate support for leaking pipes. Homeowners who pay attention to serious warning signs don't hesitate to call a reliable Calgary plumbing company for a thorough inspection.
Higher Monthly Bills
We've said it before, and we'll say it again to residents of Calgary, leaking pipes are expensive problems to have—especially if you don't fix them quickly. Some people assume costly home damage will have the most significant effect on finances in such situations, but you shouldn't underestimate the impact of continuous waste.
In the worst-case scenario of leaking water lines, where costs increase by over $100 per day, you could end up paying an extra $4,000 in one month. It's important that you investigate and address signs of an issue before you get hit with a bill that could have been reduced with professional leak repair services.
Unpleasant Odours
Where unpleasant smells arrive near residential drains or fixtures, a plumbing issue is sure to follow. Leaking water pipes, sewer lines, and other parts of a damaged system will often announce themselves to your nose before they make themselves fully known. If you smell something funny, it might be time to take a closer look.
The range of smells that accompany a leaking pipe is wide and varied. Sewer backup or damage often naturally brings revolting, rotten odours from seeping sewage, while a ruptured water supply line could bring the musty aroma of rust or mildew.
Strange Sounds
Are you hearing something unusual coming from your backed-up toilet drain or from within your walls? Strange sounds are another sidekick of plumbing problems—and an enemy of Calgary homeowners. If you've heard something odd coming from your drains or from inside your walls while using your plumbing fixtures, that's a good reason to schedule an appointment with an experienced plumber.
The sounds that could be caused by a plumbing leak include bubbling noises, whistling pipes, and banging, dripping, or clanking sounds coming from hidden areas—such as behind your walls. Those aren't the only sounds you might hear, and there's a wide range of potential problems that result in unusual noise, so it's best to call a Calgary plumber as soon as you hear something worrying.
Weak Water Pressure
A change in pressure is a sure sign of an issue affecting your supply lines. If the flow of water in those lines is being directed elsewhere, such as through a small hole in your supply line, it could affect the pressure in your entire house.
While some homes naturally have slightly higher or lower pressure, you should respond to any sudden drop in pressure. You should also always respond to any situation that completely disrupts your water supply. If you open your taps and nothing comes out, or what comes out is too weak, consider calling your certified plumbers in Calgary. If you have a pressure regulator (pressure-reducing valve), you could check whether someone has tampered with the settings before assuming you have damaged lines.
Ceiling and Wall Damage
A slowly spreading damp spot on your wall or ceiling is never a good sign—especially when it's ringed with a yellowish tinge of moisture damage. Neither is a crack stretching from your basement floor to the ceiling. Any new, unexplained damage to your walls or ceilings should be investigated to identify and fix the underlying issue, especially if the damaged areas are near a bathroom, kitchen, or utility room.
While a damp stain or cracked foundation doesn't necessarily indicate a leaking pipe, Calgary plumbers will assure you that it is a problem that needs to be solved. While that could also be due to worn caulk or shifting soil, it's still best to assess the damage with the help of certified plumbers. If it turns out that your plumbing is fine, then you'll have one less source of stress. And if you do need Calgary leaking pipe repairs, you'll already have a licensed professional ready to help.
Persistent Puddles
Pooling water is never something that homeowners want to see. If you notice puddles inside your home, check any nearby connections, fixtures, and appliances for additional warning signs. Puddles are often accompanied by property damage, stains, rust, and nose-wrinkling odours.
Be sure to investigate any permanent puddles on your lawn or in your backyard as well. Water pooling after a rainstorm is something to watch for. Any unexplained outdoor puddles that appear suddenly and don't go away should be inspected as soon as possible. That puddle might be coming from a burst pipe below ground.