10 Warning Signs of a Drain and Sewer Problem

Sep 01, 2020

10 Warning Signs of a Drain and Sewer Problem

  • Plumbing Services
drain and sewer problems repaired by Quality Plumbing Services

Do you have drain and sewer problems in your home? Although maintaining a fully functioning drain system is a vital element to the upkeep of any home, this luxury is often taken for granted. Indeed, the literal lifeblood of any home, although most people discount the vitality of maintaining a functioning drain system, its importance becomes evident just moments after it begins to malfunction. Rather than waiting until you are forced to endure mishaps such as leaking, frequent clogging, and more, the following is an overview of 10 warning signs that you have a drain or sewage system issue. 

1. Water Flooding in the Basement

One of the top tell-tale signs of a drainage problem is spotting standing water in your basement. Given that this is the lowest point of your home, it should come to no surprise that waters from things such as overflowing gutters or a fluctuating water table would convene here. Call Quality Plumbing Services when you have basement flooding!

2. Strange Gurgling Noises Coming from Drain

Your drain/ sewer system should be virtually noise-free. Although there are certainly some exceptions, for the most part, you should not be able to hear what’s going on in your drainage system. If you hear strange gurgling noises coming from your system, this is a sign of some sort of blockage that should be addressed immediately.

3. Foul Odor Coming from Fixture Drains

In addition to that, if you smell any unexplained, unpleasant odors coming from your drain system, this is also a sign of an issue. You should never be able to smell things such as raw sewage assuming your day-to-day activities. If you notice a foul smell that can be likened to that of raw sewage, you may want to contact a plumbing professional as soon as possible. 

4. Home Came with Older Drainage System

Moreover, as with all elements of the home, your drainage system is subject to regular wear and tear. Perhaps, more so than most other elements of your home, your drainage system is one of the most often used parts of your home. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that having a home with an older drainage system would be subject to occasional to frequent malfunctions. 

5. Unexplained Spike in Water Costs 

In addition to that, if you have noticed an unexplained increase in your water bill, this may also be an indication of a drain issue. This is largely due to the fact that sewage system issues are related to things such as leaks and frequent clogs, each of which tends to waste an excess of water which causes an increase in your monthly fees.

6. Poor Water Quality

Moreover, if you have noticed a deterioration in terms of your quality of water, this is a serious sign that you should have your drain system checked immediately. Having drain problems can wreak havoc on your entire water supply by introducing an array of toxic materials and other potentially harmful contaminants. If you notice you water supply appears to be cloudy in nature, that it has a foul odor or anything else you feel is a cause for concern, contact a plumbing professional and have your drain system checked immediately. 

7. Low Water Pressure

In addition to that, if you have noticed that the pressure coming from your sink, bath, or toilet, you should definitely have your system checked. Many systems succumb to things such as tree roots or even feminine hygiene products, among other things. Once your system is sufficiently clogged, you will need a professional to remove the drain an sewer obstruction and get your system back in working order. 

8. Multiple Clogged Fixtures 

Although every drain system is subject to an occasional clog, if you have multiple fixtures in your home all clogged at the same time this is a cause for concern. Given that sewage systems tend to get clogged in the most unreachable places, if your drains seem to be moving more slowly than usual, you may have a massive clog in an unseen area of your home.

9. Slow Drainage

Furthermore, even if your system isn’t actually clogged and is just moving more slowly than usual, this is also a warning sign. In addition to potentially being clogged, your system may just begin to become more sluggish as things cease to work as sufficiently as they once did. 

10. Frequent Overflowing of Toilet

Lastly, if your toilet overflows frequently, this can be a massive sign that you need to have your drain system replaced. Indeed, while a well-functioning drainage system does not typically have such issues, a drainage system with issues with having sporadic issues in regards to the random rising and falling of toilet water levels and more. 

Call Quality When You Have Drain and Sewer Issues

Overall, if you do not pay close attention to the early warning signs of your drain system you may end up paying dearly in the end. Not only will you be forced to endure hours, days, or even weeks without a properly functioning drainage system, but you will also put your home at risk for water damage, spikes in service fees and much more. If you can relate to any of the above warning signs, call Quality Plumbing Services today!

By zachadmachinescom

10 Signs Your Water Heater is Failing

Aug 14, 2020

10 Signs Your Water Heater is Failing

  • Plumbing Services
water heater failure

Water Heater Failure: What To Watch For

Quality Plumbing Services

Can you imagine a life without hot water? Having access to it on demand is a luxury that we often take for granted. If your hot water heater is showing signs of failure, you should seek replacement before it fails completely and causes a major disruption in your home. If you notice any of the following warning signs in your home, call Quality. We’re ready to help you today.

Signs Your Water Heater is Failing

  1. You can’t remember when it was replaced last. If you have no idea when your hot water heater was last replaced, there’s a good chance that it’s overdue! Most water heaters can last up to 10 or 15 years. If yours is nearing that age, it may be time for a replacement.
  2. Rust colored water. Your water, hot or cold, should never be brown. Discolored water is a tell-tale sign that your water heater is rusting away from the inside out and may leak soon. To see if your tank is delivering rusty water, drain a portion of it into a five-gallon bucket and look for discoloration. If it’s discolored, it’s likely you will need replacement.
  3. No hot water. Your hot water should be able to heat with ease and deliver you hot water on demand. If you find that you don’t have any hot water at all, there’s clearly an issue. This can be a result of a few different things: either your pilot light has gone out or your circuit breaker has tripped. It’s also possible that your water heater has reached the end of its life, and that you need replacement.
  4. Sediment. If your water looks muddy or it looks like there’s pieces of dirt or sand in it, you probably have a buildup of sediment in your tank. Sediment is any solid materials that settle at the bottom of your tank and accumulate over time. If you suspect that you have buildup, you can drain a portion of water from the tank into a five-gallon bucket. If there are debris floating around, try flushing out the whole tank. Sometimes sediment can be removed, but if it’s too severe, it may be beyond repair.
  5. Warm water. Does it seem like your water never manages to get hot enough? If your water seems to peak at lukewarm temperatures, it’s a sign that your systems heating element may be failing. Check your thermostat to make sure that it’s set to the right temperature – typically between 120 and 140 degrees. If it’s set lower, it won’t be able to produce hot water.
  6. Cold Showers. Do you have a large family? The more people that are using hot water, the faster it’s likely to run out. Imagine a family of six needing to take showers each morning – that’s significantly more than a household of two or three. Different models are available to accommodate different needs, so if you’re running out of hot water too soon, check to see if your current system is compatible with your needs.
  7. Strange noises. The older your tank gets, the more likely buildup becomes. Noise is always an indicator that something isn’t quite right, so if you can hear any banging sounds or you find that you run out of hot water faster, it’s highly likely that you have buildup in your water tank. This can put stress on your water heater and cause it to be even less energy efficient.
  8. Frequent repairs. At some point, repairs simply aren’t worth it anymore. Why would you want to dump money into a water heater that’s going to fail eventually anyway? You could be putting repair funds towards a more worthwhile investment – a new model. A brand-new hot water heater will be much more up to date and efficient, saving you money in the long run.
  9. Metallic water. If you turn on your hot water to find that it has a metallic smell or taste to it, it’s a sign that your tank is breaking down and rusting away from the inside out. Metal flakes may be making their way into your water supply, so it’s important to find a replacement as soon as possible.
  10. Leaks. Hot water temperatures can cause wear and tear over time. When metal heats and cools, it expands and retracts. Over the course of several years, it can damage your tank. Leaks are a major plumbing issue so if you ever notice any water dripping or pooling you should call Quality Plumbing as soon as possible.
By zachadmachinescom