Some plumbing issues are easily fixed by homeowners. Some require a plumber. Knowing the difference saves a lot of money. Calling a plumber early often prevents major damage.
9 Signs You Need To Call a Plumber ASAP
Plunging a toilet that occasionally plugs up is one thing. Diagnosing and repairing major plumbing problems usually requires a plumber. He/she may cost $100.00 per hour but could save you thousands in water damage, mold removal, and flood remediation.
Water Leaks
Undetected leaks–big or small– cause damage to walls, possessions, and flooring. They also cause mold to grow on organic matter.
Toilet leaks–especially from the toilet base–need to be fixed immediately. The longer toilets leak the more damage. Subfloors rot, flooring can be ruined, plumbing can be damaged, and mold will grow on the rotting floor and wherever water runs in the basement.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen water pipes are a leading cause of water leaks. Pipes can freeze solid in as little as six hours. Frozen pipes can burst or crack. Taps can break. As soon as the water starts running again, the pipes leak or you have a flood. No water or a whistling noise, when a tap is open, may mean you have frozen pipes.
Low Water Pressure
Sudden drops in water pressure can have many causes–all of them bad. A plumber knows how and where to look.
- A valve got closed or partially closed.
- Corrosion or other types of buildup in the pipes.
- A pipe is leaking somewhere.
- The tap is faulty or plugged.
- Frozen pipes.
- Water well problems. Pump quit. Well is silted up. Pressure tank issues.
Sewer Backing Up
A sewer backup can be caused by clogged drains under the house, collapsed sewer lines outside the house, flooding, or problems at the municipal water treatment plant. It is one of the worst plumbing problems because water from everything flushed down the toilet comes back into the basement through the floor drain, tubs, sinks, or toilets.
A major backup is usually caused by heavy rains or an equipment failure at the treatment plant. When that happens waste water is forced backwards through the system and your entire basement could be flooded.
A plumber can’t predict when it will happen but she/he can find and solve the problem much quicker than most homeowners. Having a plumber install a sewer backup valve in the main drain line reduces the chance of a high-cost cleanup.
Water Drains Slowly
One toilet, sink, or bathtub draining slowly probably means a problem with that individual appliance. More than one drain that empties slowly usually means that there is a bigger clog in the main drain line. It can cause sewer backup and/or burst pipes.
Plumbers use drain cameras to find the clog and commercial plumbing snakes to eliminate it. A plunger will not do the job.
Strange Odors
Strange plumbing odors can come from several places.
- Fresh Water. Hot water tank odors are often caused by the anode rod. Bacteria in water wells.
- Drains. Clogged or partially clogged drains and garbage disposals stink of decomposing food, grease, and other stuff that you shouldn’t put down sink drains.
- Leaks. Plumbing leaks cause mold growth–in the basement, walls, and under sinks. It has a nasty musty smell. Prevent mold by fixing the leaks.
- Sewer Backups. Can spread awful odors throughout the house.
Odd Noises
Gurgling noises coming from drains could be a sign of clogs. The intake system or stack could be restricting air from getting in to replace outgoing water.
Banging pipes inside walls are caused by water hammer. Excessive water pressure or poorly secured pipes can cause leaks or burst pipes–from the pressure or pipes banging against the framing.
Hearing running water sounds when taps aren’t open or the toilet hasn’t been flushed likely means there is a leak somewhere. If you can’t find it, call for a plumbing inspection.
Change In Water Color
A sudden change in water color could have many causes.
- Contaminated water lines.
- Corrosion of copper pipes.
- Rust from iron pipes.
- Sewage leaking into the water supply–especially wells.
- Contamination of city water supply or broken main lines.
Don’t drink it. Call a plumber right away.
Hot Water Problems
Not having enough hot water may only require a temperature adjustment on the tank. It may also mean the thermostat is not working, the tank is leaking, elements are corroded (electric water heater), or an old inefficient tank. It may also be a gas or electric problem. Plumbers will diagnose the problem and give you repair or replacement options.
