Plumbing Tips: How to Deal With Toilet Trouble

If you live in an older home that may still have some of the original fixtures in place, you should keep a close eye on your plumbing. Of course, much of the pipework will be hidden out of sight, but as it gets older, it might tend to deteriorate and could occasionally start to leak. What should you do if you suspect an issue, and what signs should you be looking out for?

Expecting Problems

Modern-day plumbing is made from superior materials that can certainly last a lot longer than they might "back in the day." Pipes that are hidden behind your walls or under your floor may have been subject to general wear and tear or the effects of very cold weather. Expansion and contraction could cause issues with connections and joints, which may eventually start to leak.

Listening for Issues

As the water in your system is under pressure, you may hear a problem before you see it. If one of the pipes behind your drywall has started to leak, there may be a fine but consistent spray from the problem area, which can cause a distinctive hissing sound. Late at night, when it is generally quiet, you may hear something and not be able to put your finger on it. You may nevertheless be sure that the sound is emanating from behind your drywall.

Checking Your Usage

Compare one of your current utility bills to an older one to see if you are using more than you should be. To conduct another test, turn off all your taps and then disconnect the supply at the mains. Look at the water meter as you do so, and then check back later as you turn that valve back on. If the meter has moved, then it looks like you have a leak.

Looking for Further Evidence

Check the area around that drywall carefully to look for any signs of moisture. You may have to move a carpet to see if the board beneath is damp. Much of that escaping water may leak downwards through the slab, but you should certainly be able to see some evidence in that area.

Taking Urgent Action

If you discover evidence of a leak, get in touch with an emergency plumber as soon as possible. They will need to fix the issue right away as long-term leaks could cause major damage elsewhere, to say nothing of wasted money.