The plumbing system is a critical household system. It provides access to clean water for use while also removing wastewater efficiently, ensuring you remain healthy, clean, and safe all year. Thus, it’s only fitting to familiarize yourself with it. Here are the four most common questions that people ask about their residential plumbing systems, along with their answers.
1. Why Is My Water Cloudy?
If you open your tap or shower and see cloudy, milky water rushing out, you may have a contamination issue. The cloudy appearance is often caused by suspended dirt or debris. If the cloudy water also smells, you may also have hydrogen sulfide present in your water. Anaerobic bacteria often thrive in plumbing areas with little to no oxygen. This bacteria produces hydrogen sulfide gas that produces the rotten egg smell.
Trapped air inside your pipes can also cause cloudy water. This is especially common during the cold months when changes in temperature and pressure create bubbles.
To get rid of particles suspended in water, you’ll have to invest in a water filtration system. Sediment filters can trap and remove particles like sand, rust, silt, and clay from water, whereas a water softener can reduce limescale buildup, water stains, and even bad odors.
If you have bacterial issues, which are characterized by a rotten egg smell from your water, consider treatment methods, such as ultraviolet treatment, mechanical or adsorptive filtration, and chlorine and chloramine disinfection. Consult with a plumber to test your water and recommend the best method.
2. Why Is My Water Bill so High?
Carefully monitoring your monthly bills is crucial as it allows you to spot any discrepancies as soon as they arise. If your water bill is spiking, then you may have leaky taps, toilets, or pipes. The same problem could also arise from wasting water. For example, you may be overwatering your lawn or taking long showers multiple times a day.
Leaking water can lead to mold growth, structural damage, fire risk if the electrical system is compromised, health hazards, and damaged personal belongings. Be sure to turn off your water supply and power, and call a professional to locate the source of the leak and recommend repairs or replacements.
3. Why Does My Home Make Strange Plumbing Noises?
If you hear rattling noises when using a plumbing appliance, some of your pipes may be loose. The pressure from running water is making them shake and hit nearby walls or other structures. You can fix this issue by securing the loose pipes with clamps or brackets to minimize movement.
Banging or knocking noises result from a phenomenon known as a water hammer. It results when water, flowing at high speeds and pressure, suddenly comes to a stop. You can prevent this problem by turning off your taps slowly and gradually or installing water hammer arrestors on your plumbing system.
Gurgling noises, particularly when you flush your toilet, mean your sewer drain line is backing up. This could be a sign of blockage, which needs immediate attention to prevent further issues.
4. How Can I Prevent My Pipes From Freezing?
In winter, pipes may freeze and even burst due to the expansion of water as it turns into ice. The solution to this is pretty simple. First, never turn off your heating system fully, even when you are away. Set your thermostat to 55°F (12.8°C) to keep the indoor pipes warm enough not to freeze.
Second, insulate your pipes, especially those in unheated areas like the attic, basement, crawlspaces, or garage. Insulation doesn’t add heat; it keeps the pipes closer to the temperature of the water inside them. If you want to generate heat for your pipes, wrap them with heat tape. Heat tape is a flexible electrical cable that produces heat for plumbing pipes.
The third option would be to let your taps trickle throughout. It is quite difficult for running water to freeze because the continuous flow prevents ice formation. This solution, however, will lead to a slight increase in your water bill, which is a small price to pay to avoid replacing burst pipes.
Lastly, ensure that your home is generally well-insulated and warm. Seal drafts, keep your doors and windows closed, and open cabinet doors and loft hatches to allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks or up in the attic.
Contact Best Plumber for More Expert Help
Consult Best Plumber in Knoxville, TN, for expert care and advice on your plumbing system. Besides routine plumbing check-ups, repairs, and replacements, our experienced professional can also help with all other plumbing services, such as water filtration system integration and gas line maintenance and repair.
