Is there something odd going on with your home’s water supply? Below are a few common home water problems and what they could possibly mean.
No hot water
A lack of hot water is one of the most common home water problems – and it can be due to a myriad of different reasons. The cause could be something as simple as having too small a water heater and using too much hot water. Alternatively, the boiler could be worn and faulty, or there could be a problem with the thermostat. A plumber that deals with hot water will hopefully be able to find the root cause.
Low pressure
Noticed a reduction in the amount of water coming out of your taps? Low pressure can also be due to many reasons. Pumps in your pipes may not be functioning properly – it’s possible that you may have to look into replacement pumps from a company such as Davey Pumps. Another possible issue could be furred up or corroded pipes – a blockage such as limescale could be restricting water flow, or there could be a leak. A plumber will usually be able to diagnose this problem for you.
Strange sounds
Pipes and boilers can create all kinds of unusual sounds. A banging sound may be the result of a problem called water hammer in which water slams against closed valves when you turn off the tap suddenly. Gurgling in radiators meanwhile may be due to trapped air bubbles, which may require ‘bleeding’ your radiator (check out this DIY guide at Homebuilding & Renovating). Rattling and squealing sounds could be due to incorrectly fitted pipes and may, again, be worth getting inspected by a plumber.
Strange smell/taste
If your tap water tastes strange or has an odd smell, this is usually a sign that it has become contaminated. Mould, rust, chemicals or even sewerage can end up finding its way into pipes – this could be due to pipes being unused for a while, pipes being corroded, overflow problems or a local water source being contaminated. Check with neighbours if they’re having a similar problem, as it may be a water provider issue. If they’re not experiencing problems, the source of the issue is in your home, and you may want to hire a plumber to rectify the situation.
Discoloured water
Discolouration may be accompanied by a strange taste or smell and is similarly a sign of water contamination. You should avoid consuming water if it’s not clear – especially if it has a dark red or brown hue. Talk to your neighbours to see if they’re experiencing the same issue. If their water is flowing clearly, it’s likely a problem limited to your home and you should call a plumber to investigate.
Water bill spike
If you’re on a meter, is your water bill unusually high? If you haven’t been using that much more water than usual recently, it’s possible that you may have a leak. While some leaks are obvious, others can go undetected – particularly external pipes or pipes under the ground. Contact a plumber to arrange a home visit.
[disclosure*]
