An ostrich hiding its head in the sand to avoid danger is actually a myth. But it is no myth many Utah homeowners will ignore plumbing problems, hoping they will just go away.
In actuality, this way of thinking can be a costly mistake, as plumbing problems rarely disappear on their own. They typically evolve into a larger and more expensive plumbing dilemma.
Our Gillette Services – Plumbing Heating & Air plumbers recommend addressing concerns when you initially notice them to help you save money in the long run.
To help homeowners become more aware, we’ve gathered this list of common plumbing problems that are costing you money by not addressing them.
5 Common Plumbing Problems Costing You Money
Here are what the Gillette Services – Plumbing Heating & Air plumbing pros consider to be the topmost commonly seen plumbing issues:
1. Leaky faucet
Literally akin to throwing money down the drain, having a leaky faucet is probably the most common problem our plumbers see on a daily basis. The amount of wasted water could cost you 10 percent more on your water bill.
Don’t believe it? According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a leaky faucet can waste as much as 10,000 gallons of water each year. This equates to about 270 loads of laundry. The good news is that a leaky faucet is a simple repair.
2. Running toilet
A running toilet can also waste thousands of gallons of water a year, contributing to a higher water bill. Depending on why the toilet is continually running, this, too, can be a straightforward fix.
Sometimes, the toilet repair is as simple as unkinking the flapper chain in the tank or straightening the flapper sitting askew on the drain. Both of these problems allow water to continually leak, so the tank never refills. Replacing the flapper valve, the float, or the fill tube might be all it takes.
3. Wrong-sized sump pump
Ensuring your sump pump is the correct size for your home is more important than you may think. If your pump is too small, it may become overwhelmed and continually activate to keep up with the water flow in your home. This can lead to higher energy bills or pump burnout.
Or the pump may not be able to keep up at all, and you may end up with a flooded basement. The correct-sized sump pump prevents and/or remedies these problems. Call one of our Gillette Services – Plumbing Heating & Air highly trained and experienced plumbers for an assessment if you suspect your pump may be the incorrect size for your home.
4. Water heater is making noises
If your water heater starts making loud banging noises, do not think the sounds will go away. Typically the cause is accumulated sediment in the bottom of the tank. When you turn on your hot water, the sediment moves around, causing air bubbles to rise. Between the bubbles and sediment, you may get banging noises.
Ignoring this issue costs you money because it decreases the life of your tank. So be sure to call one of our expert plumbers as soon as the noises begin. Keep in mind that it might be wise to get your water heater drained and flushed annually to avoid this in the first place.
5. Dripping sounds in walls or ceiling
Hearing dripping sounds in your home’s walls or ceiling can indicate a water leak in the hidden plumbing. This can definitely lead to costly repairs––rotted wood, plaster, or drywall and mold growth.
You most likely know what small amounts of water can do to rocks, wearing them away over time. Suffice it to say that the materials in your home are much easier to wear away and damage.
Call one of our plumbers to investigate immediately if you hear dripping sounds. Ignoring drips will only cost you more money as time goes on. Better to know sooner than later.
These are a handful of the more common plumbing problems our Gillette Services – Plumbing Heating & Air plumbers handle on a regular basis in homes. If you notice any of these plumbing issues in your home, save yourself money in the long run by calling us at (801) 465-7760 or request service online. We are here to help!
