Why Bad Plumbing Is a Homeowner’s Nightmare

Whether you purchase an existing home or build a new one from the ground up, reliable plumbing is non-negotiable. Unfortunately, poor design and installation, time constraints, and even the area’s water quality can take a toll on pipes and fixtures and create major headaches for homeowners.

Although plumbing problems can stem from bad habits like rinsing grease down the drain, bad plumbing is often a more complex issue. Still, the cost and inconvenience of remedying plumbing issues is better than the alternative of ongoing clogs, leaks, or damage.

As the top plumbing company in Hillsdale, NJ, Gladiator Services has seen it all. We’ve helped enough homeowners to know that plumbing problems can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Read on to learn why.

5 Reasons Homeowners Can’t Afford to Ignore Bad Plumbing 

You can’t go without fresh water, so a reliable plumbing system is critical. However, whether due to a design flaw, a lack of home maintenance, or aging components, you can expect plumbing issues to pop up. 

Here are five common issues homeowners face and what to do about them:

#1 Water Damage Gets Expensive

Even tiny pipe leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water to cause widespread damage to your home and drive up your water bills. 

Do you have old pipes of copper or galvanized steel? You may start to see them rust or deteriorate, which will easily cause leaks.

The combination of old pipes and bad plumbing can also develop clogs, which can cause water damage in addition to sluggish drains. However, countless other potential issues can arise if you delay repairs, including the following: 

• Water stains on ceilings, floors, and walls
• Structural decay
• Harmful mold growth
• Electrical system issues to the point of fire risk

#2 Health Concerns Develop Quickly

Most homeowners have to take care of the occasional toilet clog with a plunger, solving the issue without further trouble. However, bad plumbing can cause clogs much deeper in the lines, which eventually end in plumbing emergencies. 

For example, you may find yourself handling a sewer clog that causes a nasty backup, sending hazardous sewage into your home. At the very least, this situation requires professional cleaning and sanitizing to prevent serious illness to anyone in the building. 

However, exposure to raw sewage isn’t the only health risk of improper plumbing. Many unrepaired leaks will cause mold growth, which is detrimental to a home’s structure. Breathing in those spores can also make your family sick. 

Do you live in an older home with outdated fixtures? There’s also the potential for the pipes to deposit illness-causing contaminants into the water supply. In the interests of health and safety, don’t wait to call for professional assistance.

#3 Inefficient Appliances Require Early Replacement

From the water heater to the dishwasher and washing machine, appliances take a direct hit with poor plumbing infrastructure in place. For example, when old pipes clog with sediment or corrosion, aren’t the right size, or have a hidden leak, the water pressure can decrease. You might notice this in the shower, but low water pressure may also mean your appliances won’t work efficiently.

Hiring experienced plumbers to install appliances is important. An improperly installed water heater can malfunction and sustain significant damage, but it’s also a serious fire risk.

#4 Major Expenses Rack Up Beyond Nasty Plumbing Emergencies

Living in a home with plumbing issues can quickly get expensive, from rising water bills caused by pipe leaks wasting water to the cost of plumbing emergencies. Replacing the entire system isn’t necessarily cheap. However, when the issues are ongoing, replacing problematic plumbing might be a worthwhile investment for you.

#5 Convenience Shouldn’t Be A Pipe Dream

Plumbing problems seem to happen at the worst possible times. Sometimes, even when everything works, a clog or leak in the sewer pipe somewhere can create unpleasant odors, attract pests, or cause damaging leaks. 

Putting a team like Gladiator Services on speed dial minimizes the time you have to take away from regular activities for plumbing emergencies. It also protects you from these inconvenient yet often inevitable plumbing challenges.

Signs Your Property Has Bad Plumbing 

It doesn’t always take a dramatic plumbing failure to know that the property’s plumbing needs attention. The signs usually appear and get worse over time. Look for the following reasons to call a professional for help with your home’s plumbing:

• Very low water pressure
• Water stains on the walls, ceiling, and floor
• Constant sounds of running water
• Odors coming from drains
• Discolored or odd-tasting water
• Strange noises coming from the pipes
• Clogs and backups
• Slow or sluggish drains 
• Rusty water or rust stains on sinks, tubs, and toilets 
• More expensive water bills without your usage increasing 
• Frequent problems with appliances

Any time you notice something out of the ordinary, call a licensed plumber to take a look. A qualified professional has the training and skill set to diagnose and repair plumbing problems safely. They will also have the experience (and insurance coverage) to work without causing damage to your appliances or pipe work as they go.

Tips for Preventing Plumbing Problems

Working with professionals is just one way to help your property avoid plumbing damage, health hazards, and more. However, to keep your pipes in good shape, you should never brush off seemingly minor issues like a sluggish drain. An annual plumbing checkup will ensure everything is in good condition, but you should also call a professional plumber to check issues with the water pressure, leaks, and appliance connections.

Let Gladiator Services Give You Peace of Mind About Your Home’s Plumbing

Given the amount of water a leaky faucet wastes and the potential for illness and damage that bad plumbing creates, it makes sense to keep your system in the best possible condition. Gladiator Services in Hillsdale, NJ, can help with everything from minor repairs to major plumbing emergencies. If you need help with pipe leaks, plumbing installations, or sewer disasters, we’re the team to call. 

Make plumbing good; request service from Gladiator Services at (201) 512-8972 today!