ARTICLES

PLUMBING WARNING SIGNS TO WATCH FOR WHEN YOU’RE OUTSIDE

JAN 25, 2018

You likely already know that water leaking under your sink, toilets making weird noises and backed up sinks can all be signs of plumbing issues inside your house. But are you aware of these plumbing warning signs to look for when you are going about your business outside of the house?

EXTERIOR PLUMBING WARNING SIGNS

You’re leaning back, relaxing in the yard on a breezy, warm Saturday afternoon. Suddenly, you ask one of the following questions to yourself:

“What is that awful smell?

Are those bugs in my yard?

Why is the lawn so soggy?”

Any of the above scenarios would do little to help you relax — even those of you with the utmost ability to remain calm. Certain things like strong odors and insect infestations are not just a nuisance, they can be huge red flags for potential plumbing problems. The next time you are outside your house, make a point of keeping an eye out for the following plumbing warning signs:

UNEXPLAINED WET SPOTS IN THE YARD

If you stepped into the backyard and found yourself in knee-deep water, you would probably know that something was not right. But less dramatic wet spots can also be a warning sign that there is something up with your plumbing. Some plumbing issues can begin as slow leaks. If you notice unexplained wet spots in your yard, or other indicators of these wet spots, it would be a good idea to have a professional come to assess the situation right away. Telltale signs of more subtle wet spots and slow leaks might include things like extra green patches of grass or vegetation growing where it should not. You might see an increase in the number of insects around your house, especially mosquitoes in certain times of the year, because they are attracted to the moisture.

PEST INFESTATION

In addition to mosquitoes, insects like cockroaches can crawl through leaks in your plumbing system that you may not have detected yet. The longer the issue goes unchecked, the more insects that will show up and multiply the damage to your home. A sudden influx of bugs that you can’t explain definitely warrants some further examination to determine if you might have a leak somewhere. Outdoor spigots are a good place to check in this scenario.

Insects are not the only pests that can be indicative of a plumbing problem. Like bugs, rodents are attracted to water — especially in the desert climate. Water happens to be a key feature of your plumbing system. Mice and rats can crawl through pipes to find their way to your home. While they could also be inside the house, many homeowners notice rodents outside before they make their way into the house. And as if the possibility of rodents entering your property via your pipes is not bad enough, they have also been known to chew up sewer lines.

WEIRD (AND GROSS) ODORS

There is no reason that your yard should smell like sewage, ever. If it does and there is not a clear culprit (like a terrible neighbor with trash heaps taking up residence outside their home), it could be a warning sign that something is seriously wrong with your plumbing. The city sewer system could be backed up or you may have a leaking sewer line. If you have a septic tank, the smell may be indicative of a problem that needs to be addressed on that front; calling a professional plumber to rule out some very serious plumbing problems would be a must. Furthermore, all of our plumbers have the appropriate training to detect and locate leaks that your average person would simply miss until they became bigger problems.

FOUNDATION CRACKS

Another potential plumbing warning sign that should have you calling a professional for help right away are cracks in your foundation. On the plumbing front, a cracked foundation can mean that you have a slab leak. Over time, a slab leak can lead to very serious structural damage to your home. If you notice foundation cracks and want to determine which type of professional to call, think about some other warning signs of slab leaks. Have you noticed an increase in water bills or heard the unexplained sound of running water inside your home? If so, it could be that the foundation crack was caused by a slab leak and needs to be looked at as soon as possible!

If you have concerns about plumbing warning signs you have noticed anywhere, inside or outside your property, do not hesitate to give us a call. Our plumbers are ready to tackle any job of any size and all of our work is guaranteed. Whether you have a very specific plumbing problem that needs to be addressed right away or just want the peace of mind that comes with knowing a professional has looked over your system, schedule your appointment today by clicking here or calling 602-787-3956.