Most of us tend to ignore seemingly minor household issues, hoping that they will go away on their own or perhaps putting repair off for later. But while some small issues are genuinely not much to worry about, others can be signs of major home problems that you may not be aware of. And when left ignored, these “small” issues can spiral into nothing short of a catastrophe.
To avoid the huge hassle (and cost) of repairing a major home issue, here are the tiny signs that may indicate that you have a bigger problem in your hands.
Roof shingles that look off
When your roof shingles start to curl, blister, crack, or disappear entirely, you may need to call a roof repair service ASAP. These signs may seem unimportant at first, especially if your roof is a little old, but they are actually early warnings that your roof is not safe and is in need of maintenance as soon as possible.
Flickering lights
Having lights that flicker frequently doesn’t always mean that your home is haunted, it can sometimes be a sign that you have a wiring problem.
Check if tightening or replacing the bulb will help. If not, you may have loose wiring somewhere in the house, or your wiring cannot support the demand for electricity. In any case, call an electrician to determine the issue and make necessary repairs.
Doors that won’t close
If there are one or more doors in the house that won’t close properly or won’t close at all, it can indicate that the structure of your home has shifted somewhere. There are many possible causes for this, such as swelling of the soil underneath the foundation of the house or normal settling. But whatever the cause may be, you need to get it checked out by a contractor who can diagnose the problem and make reinforcement measures, if needed.
Slow draining
Most people put up with the slow draining of sinks and showers thinking that it’s a normal household problem that may go away on its own. And in some cases, slow draining does solve itself without the need for intervention. However, if the issue is present all throughout the house, then you may have a clog in the main sewer pipe. If left ignored, this problem can lead to a serious plumbing issue, such as a burst pipe or sewage backup.
If you notice an isolated case of slow draining, use a plunger or drain snake to dislodge the clog. Otherwise, get a plumber to determine where the clog is and remove it from there.
Peeling or blistering paint
Peeling or blistering paint can be more than just a cosmetic issue. It can indicate moisture underneath the paint which is causing the surface to peel off or swell into unsightly blisters. Or, it could also mean that the paint wasn’t applied properly. Even if the case is the latter, don’t take the risk. Inspect the area for moisture and if you find any wetness, call a plumber to see where it’s coming from.
Bulging washing machine hose
A bulge in the washing machine hose is a ticking time bomb. It can burst at any time, and it won’t just leak–it will gush and likely cause major water damage in your house.
Rubber hoses can bulge due to excessive water pressure or natural wear and tear. Either way, you need to get it replaced right away, ideally with a stainless steel braided hose that is less susceptible to bursting. It’s also a good idea to install a water hammer resistor to control the water pressure pulse caused by water interruptions. This device can help reduce the pressure on your hose and make it last longer.
Holes in the deck
Inspect your deck every once in a while to see if there are holes in your deck. If there are, you are likely dealing with carpenter bees that are making burrows in the wood. Over time, these burrows will affect the structural integrity of your deck, making it weaker and weaker until you step on it and it suddenly gives away.
When you see holes and piles of sawdust near your deck, call an exterminator right away before the bees cause more damage. During the summer and spring, make it a point to inspect your deck for these signs, as well as your fences and other wooden structures.
Most major home problems make themselves known through small signs at first. With that in mind, don’t ignore the seemingly minor issues that pop up around your house. Addressing them as soon as possible can save you from hefty repair bills (and massive headaches) in the future.