Even though thinking an ostrich will hide its head in the sand to avoid danger is actually a myth, it’s no myth that many Birmingham, AL, homeowners will ignore plumbing problems, hoping they’ll go away. That can be a costly mistake, as these problems almost never disappear on their own and typically evolve into a larger and more expensive plumbing issue. Our Western Sales and Services plumbers recommend addressing the problems when you initially notice them to help you save money in the long run.

Five Common Plumbing Problems Costing You Money

Here are five of some of the most commonly seen plumbing problems by our plumbers:

1. Leaky faucet

Having a leaky faucet is probably the most common problem our plumbers see that costs homeowners money––daily. It’s literally akin to throwing money down the drain. The amount of wasted water could be costing you ten percent more on your water bill. Don’t believe it? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a leaky faucet can waste as much as 10,000 gallons of water a year. That’s equal to about 270 loads of wash. Most times, this is an easy and inexpensive repair.

2. Running toilet

A running toilet can also be wasting thousands of gallons of water a year, contributing to your higher water bill. This, too, can be an easy fix, depending on why it’s continually running. Sometimes it’s as simple as unkinking the chain in the tank that leads to the flapper or the flapper sitting askew the drain, allowing water to continually leak so the tank never refills. Replacing the flapper valve, the float, or fill tube can sometimes be all it takes.

3. Wrong-sized sump pump

Ensuring your sump pump is the correct size for your home is more important than you may think. If your pump is too small, it’ll become overwhelmed and continually pump to keep up with the flow of water in your home. This can lead to higher energy bills or pump burnout. Or the pump may not be able to keep up at all, and you’ll end up with a flooded basement. These problems are easily prevented and/or remedied with the correct-sized sump pump. Call one of our plumbers for an assessment if you suspect your pump may be the incorrect size for your home.

4. Water heater making noises

If your water heater starts making loud banging noises, don’t think they’ll go away. Typically the cause is sediment that’s accumulated in the bottom of the tank. When you turn on your hot water, the sediment moves around, causing air bubbles to rise. Between the bubbles and sediment, you’ll get the banging noises. Ignoring this issue costs you money, because it decreases the life of your tank. It’s better to get your tank annually drained and flushed to take care of this, or call a plumber as soon as the noises begin.

5. Dripping sounds in walls or ceiling

Hearing dripping sounds in your home’s walls or ceiling can indicate a water leak in the hidden plumbing. This can lead to costly repairs––rotted wood, plaster, or drywall and mold growth. Obviously you’ve seen what small amounts of water can do to rocks, wearing them away over time. The materials in your home are much easier to wear away and damage. Get a plumber out to investigate immediately. Ignoring the dripping will only cost you more money as time goes on. Better to know sooner than later.

These are only a few of the more common plumbing problems our Western Sales and Services plumbers see on a daily basis in homeowners’ homes. If you notice any of these in your home, save yourself money in the long run by calling us at 205-787-8674. We’re here to help.