It is impossible to know what exactly is going on in the depths of your plumbing system’s labyrinth of pipes. How do you know how things are working down there? How will you know if there is ever a problem that needs attention?
While we have yet to invent a device that lets us see straight through the ground, and it is unlikely that you have access to the kinds of drain cameras found in a plumber’s toolkit, there are still ways to tell if something like a broken pipe is wrong with your plumbing system without having to actually see it:
- Foul odors. If there are bad smells coming from your pipes or emanating from your toilet whenever you flush it, then there is almost certainly something wrong with your pipes. Whether it’s a broken pipe or just a very bad clog, this is something to get checked out sooner rather than later.
- Bulging, molding, or peeling walls. Strange things happening to your walls can often indicate an excess of moisture either in the air or within the structure of the wall itself. Humidity can often be caused by broken pipes, which can cause bulging and peeling, and mold can form if a broken pipe is left to drip too long and seep into the wall.
- Strange sounds. If you hear your plumbing straining, gurgling, or dripping, then the odds are high that you are dealing with a broken pipe.
Left alone, broken pipes can become serious problems for your home. To avoid bigger expenses and health dangers later, it is always best to get these fixed as soon as possible.