Water is an essential service and resource in every home. However, problems with your home’s plumbing system can leave you shivering in the shower, be a real drain on your water bill, and even cause damage to your home. So, if you suspect or detect any of these telltale signs of plumbing problems, don’t ignore them!

Running Toilet

A running toilet can be annoying and expensive. Jiggling the handle after every flush isn’t a good solution, but neither is ignoring the problem. Remove the lid to the tank. If the chain is blocking the flapper, you’ve got an easy fix. If the flapper itself is old and worn, you can replace it with another one from a home store or call your trusted plumber.

Leaky Faucet

Leaky faucets and fixtures are often caused by faulty seals. Over time, the rubber or silicone seals may become worn, stiff, torn, or even dislodged by mold, mildew or other debris. Since the water in your home’s pipes is under constant pressure, whether a faucet or fixture is turned on or turned off, faulty seals will allow water to leak.

Replacing the seals on your fixtures could be a do-it-yourself project or handled by your plumber. Though, make sure to remedy the water leak at your earliest convenience to keep your water bills reasonable and to prevent wasting water.

Slow or Clogged Drain

A clogged toilet or drain may often be remedied yourself by using a plunger. Stubborn clogs may call for using a commercial drain cleaner or contacting your professional plumber. If, however, you are experiencing slow-draining water at more than one sink and bathtub, the problem may be more urgent.

If you use a septic tank, it may be time to have it serviced. Another problem that can cause slow draining in your home is a clogged sewer main. It’s important to take care of this draining problem promptly, or you may soon have foul and hazardous water backing up inside your home.

Hot Water Problems

Hot water is an essential service in every home. If you are experiencing problems with your hot water supply, your water heater may be due for some TLC.

Fluctuations in hot water temperature may be caused by a faulty heating element, a faulty thermostat, and/or a broken dip tube. Water discoloration may be caused by a depleted anode rod or rust inside the water heater. If you’re having any of these problems with your hot water, call your plumber right away.

Stains and Odors

Stains and odors in your home is a sign of a water leak. The musty odors come from mold, mildew, and bacteria growth related to the water leak. Inspect the walls in your home, including walls concealed by cabinets. If you spot mold, mildew, or soft/wet drywall, you may have a pipe leak inside the wall, between floors, or basement.

If you’re experiencing plumbing problems in your Twin Cities home, don’t delay! Contact the plumbing pros at MN Plumbing & Appliance right away!