This bitter cold winter amidst a pandemic was tough on just about all of us here in South Jersey—but was it also hard on your plumbing? Because the pipes that run like veins through our homes are hidden from sight, it can be tough to tell if you are on the brink of a plumbing emergency like a burst pipe or water damage from even the smallest drip.
Here are some of the things to look out for when it comes to the pipes in your home so you can delay that call to Bovio Rubino Service’s 24-hour emergency plumbing services for as long as possible.
Leaks and Dripping Pipes
As the temperatures dip above and below freezing here in Camden, Gloucester, Burlington, Atlantic, Cumberland, and Salem Counties, your pipes will begin to expand and contract. This can weaken your pipes, and if enough ice is allowed to accumulate, it can expand and create a leak. This can also cause wear and tear on the connection between two pipes, leading to leaking and slow drips.
If you see dripping or leakage, chances are a pipe will need to be replaced. However, even if you don’t see active leaks, hidden leaks can cause some of the following symptoms as well.
Changes in Your Water Pressure
Do your showers have a little less “oomph” in them? Is it taking longer to wash your hands or do the dishes because the water pressure is lower than it used to be? These can all be signs there are some inefficiencies in your plumbing as the temperatures start to warm up. Locating the leak should be done by a certified plumber, so don’t start tearing down your walls just yet! Call Bovio Rubino Service first.
Discoloration
For the pipes you can see (like the pipes that run through the crawl space), if you have noticed any discoloration it can indicate that your pipes are aging, or that there is a drip nearby. Whatever the case, you’ll probably want to show the discolored pipe in question to a professional plumber.
Strange Smells
An odd odor in certain areas of your home probably isn’t coming directly from your plumbing, but mold growth and mildew are symptoms of excess moisture in unseen areas of your home. This can give off a musty smell and is hazardous to your health! Resolving the moisture issue and then clearing out all of the moldy or damaged material (like drywall and wood) is the safest option.
Bubbling and Whistling Noises
Ice buildup or damage in your plumbing pipes can also cause your plumbing to make some weird noises. If you hear bubbling or whistling from the pipes themselves, or when you turn on the faucet, you may be on the brink of a larger issue. This is often because the water in your pipes is being forced through a hole much smaller than it was originally designed for.
High Water Bills
Even a steady, slow drip can add up to a lot of water loss! If you have noticed a spike in your water bills, but your water use habits have not changed at all (are you using your sprinklers more often, showering more, or washing more clothes and dishes?), a certified plumbing expert can help diagnose where you may be losing water through damaged pipes.
Want To Avoid the Pitfalls of Frozen Pipes? Call Bovio Rubino Service!
Here at family-owned Bovio Rubino Service, we offer 24-hour plumbing services, because we know a plumbing emergency doesn’t wait for business hours. If you are looking for 24-hour emergency plumbing near you here in South Jersey, get in touch with our team today!
Are you in need of an emergency plumber in NJ? Call the South Jersey plumbing pros at Bovio Rubino Service at (888) 258-4904.
The post Signs This Winter Was Hard on Your Pipes appeared first on Bovio Rubino Service - BRS.