In most homes, the bathroom is arguably the busiest room in the house. Between showers, baths, flushes and hand washings, the plumbing in your bathroom gets a lot of use daily – and that means sooner or later, you’ll need to consider replacing it. How do you know if your fixtures just need a cosmetic facelift – or if the problem goes deeper? According to the Angie’s List website, there are five signs that can tell you your bathroom plumbing needs replacement.
Outdated sink, tub and shower hardware: If your hardware is showing signs of wear and tear, then it’s time to replace it. It goes beyond cosmetic concerns – outdated hardware that doesn’t come clean, is chipped or is rusty can cause health concerns. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you may be able to replace your hardware without much of a problem, but for many it’s simpler to just call a plumber to help.
Visible water concerns: Leaks and waterline issues are definite indicators that a plumbing upgrade may be necessary. Your hardware may not be properly sealed if you’re noticing water pooling around your sink tap fixtures or if your tub and shower fixtures have water leaking from them. Slow draining sinks and tubs can also indicate plumbing issues – it could be something as easily remedied as a simple clog, or something more ominous, like a cracked pipe causing the water to go somewhere it shouldn’t.
Water pressure and volume concerns: If your showerhead is down to a trickle it could be a sign that your pipes have corroded. As time goes by, galvanized steel pipes break down and their diameter becomes smaller – and that means lower water flow. Sinks, tubs and toilets can all be affected, but you’re likely to notice more with your shower. If this is the problem, you’ll need to call in a plumber, because you’ll likely need a pipe replacement.
Dirty, smelly water: If your water looks rusty and has a foul smell, you probably need to replace more than pipes – it might be time for a new water heater. When most water heaters are new, they are able to keep out corrosive materials and bacteria through the use of steel rods covered in aluminum, zinc or magnesium. After some time, though, these rods don’t function as well, letting the corrosive materials and bacteria in. The only real fix is a new unit.
Presence of mold: Have you noticed mold and mildew growth on your bathroom walls, ceiling or floors? That could be an indication that you have pipes leaking somewhere in your bathroom. Even if you don’t see mold, any area on walls or ceilings that stays damp long after you’ve bathed or showered is a pretty good indication that there are leaks. Over time, those wet spots will become the perfect breeding grounds for mold, mildew and bacteria. You’ll want a plumber to come check them out right away.
If you need quality plumbing services for your home, Family Danz is ready to assist you. You’ve trusted us to meet your home comfort and oil delivery needs for 40 years, and now we can help you get the plumbing products and services you need as well. From running toilets and leaking faucets to a complete plumbing overhaul, our plumbing technicians are ready to assist you with the needs of your home. Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685. We’ll tell you about the different plumbing products and services we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.