Plumbing issues aren’t something that you can ignore. They can cause serious damage if left unattended.
While you can try to fix a few minor plumbing problems yourself, some require the help of a professional. Here are seven signs that you should call a plumber immediately. They include 1—unpleasant Smells.
Unpleasant Smells
If you notice a foul odor in your home, it could be a sign of a plumbing problem. Unpleasant smells like sewage can indicate clogged pipes, a serious problem requiring professional help.
Bad odors can also indicate a hidden leak, which can cause mold and other problems in your home. A plumber can find and repair these problems before they get worse.
Unusual Water Bill
Unless you’ve hosted house guests or watered the lawn more than usual, a drastically high water bill indicates an internal plumbing leak. Even a small leak can lead to hundreds of wasted gallons of water.
The longer a leak goes unaddressed, the worse it can become and the more costly it will be to repair. A plumber can track down and repair leaking pipes before they cause major damage to your home or property. Often, these repairs will be far less expensive than repairing any potential sewage or water damage caused by the leaky pipe.
Slow Streams of Water
Nothing is more disheartening than going to the sink and turning on a faucet to discover that no water flows out. There are better signs than this; you should call a plumber immediately. It may mean that your water was shut off, or it could be a much more serious problem like frozen pipes, major leaks, backups, or issues with the main line.
Many people don’t realize that a simple issue, like low water pressure, can be a big warning sign that it’s time to call a professional plumber. It can lead to huge plumbing issues like sewage smells and major damage to your home.
Clogged Pipes
If all your drains seem clogged simultaneously or a plunger and drain cleaner fails to resolve a stubborn blockage, it’s a good idea to call a plumber. It could be a sign of more serious issues with your plumbing lines that are causing sewage to back up or other problems throughout the home.
Clogged pipes can be caused by hair, soap scum, grease, or other debris that builds up inside the lines over time. Trying to resolve these issues yourself can result in more costly repair bills.
Frozen Pipes
If you’re experiencing frozen pipes, it’s time to call a professional. Frozen piping can lead to major water damage and flooding in your home. Look around your building for signs of a frozen pipe, including ice buildup in unheated rooms and inconsistent water pressure.
It’s possible to thaw a frozen pipe by applying heat—such as a hair dryer, heating pad or space heater—to the blocked area. But be sure to avoid using open flame devices like a blowtorch, propane, or kerosene heater, as they could cause the pipe to burst.
Water Leaks
Some leaks do minimal damage and can be easily fixed by the homeowner, like a dripping faucet or a toilet that doesn’t flush. But some leaks require immediate attention from a professional plumber. To check for a water leak, turn off all water sources in your home and then look at the water meter. If it continues to read higher than usual, there may be a leak in your system.
Other signs of a water leak include a wet spot on the floor, especially under sinks or in the ceiling or walls, or an increase in your water bill without increasing your household’s water usage. A plumber can use electronic leak detection to quickly and accurately locate the source of the problem and repair it.
Water Damage
No one wants to deal with water damage. If you have puddles, stains, or mildew around the house, it’s time to call a plumber for some emergency help.
Many things, including major leaks, clogged pipes, backups, and frozen pipes, can cause water damage. This damage can result in costly structural issues and mold if left unchecked.
If you notice water damage, call your insurance company immediately. This way, they can work with a professional to assess the situation and determine the best action.
