There are times when you may need plumbing help. Click here to learn when you should call a professional for your plumbing problems.
DIY plumbing seems like no big deal until it turns into a costly disaster. Many homeowners know their way around a plunger, but most plumbing issues need a little more skill than that to get the job done right.
Getting in over your head can take a big hit to your budget. That’s why calling a plumber can save you both time and money.
To help you know when to ask for plumbing help, let’s look at 10 times you need to call in a professional.
1. Visible Leaks or Water Damage
Leaky pipes like to make themselves known by leaving puddles on the floor or stains on the ceiling. Any sign of a water leak needs the swift attention of a plumber before the problem gets worse.
Leaks left for too long will cause costly dry rot and dangerous mold growth. It will also increase your water bill with a steady flow of wasted water into your house.
2. You Have Zero Water
You walk into the kitchen for a glass of water, only to find nothing coming out of the faucet. Having no water is more than an inconvenience, it could signal a major plumbing issue.
Bring in a plumber to diagnosis the situation right away. If water isn’t coming out of your faucet, it’s turned off or it’s flowing somewhere you don’t want it to.
Major leaks, backups, frozen pipes, or water main issues could be to blame. A professional will know how to find out what’s wrong and do what it takes to fix it.
3. Slow Draining
Slow-moving drains are annoying, but many times can be resolved by a homeowner. Plungers and drain cleaners make an easy fix to simple clogs.
What isn’t so simple is when the clog doesn’t respond to DIY treatments. Continually trying to unclog the drain yourself might create more problems by damaging the pipe with excessive pressure.
Professional plumbing services will have the right tools to clear a complex clog. Equipment such as a plumbing snake can reach clogs that are further down the line.
4. Low Water Pressure
When you notice the water isn’t coming out of the faucet as forcefully as it used to, it’s time to do some investigating. Check other faucets in the house to find out if it’s a solitary issue or if it’s the entire house.
One affected faucet might be an easy fix. Cleaning out a clogged aerator can do the trick.
You’ll need to get plumbing help if it’s a household problem. Low water pressure could mean there’s a serious issue lurking behind your walls. Cracked or broken pipes will decrease water flow and cause major damage to your home.
5. Frozen Pipes
When the temperatures outside drop, the water in your pipes is at risk for freezing. The pressure in a frozen pipe can create cracks or burst the pipe entirely, which may cause major damage.
Signs to watch out for are frost on the pipe, little to no water, and strange smells coming from the faucet or drain.
If you think you have a frozen pipe, don’t try to thaw it on your own. You could cause more harm than good. Instead, call in a plumber to get the water safely flowing again.
6. There’s No Hot Water
It’s not uncommon to run out of hot water if you’re the last one in the family to take a shower. What’s not okay is if you’re the first one in and only have cold water.
Many different things can cause a hot water heater to malfunction. A plumber can walk you through troubleshooting the issue, whether you have gas or electric.
They may even find your tank isn’t big enough to meet the need of your household. A professional can calculate the correct size and help you install a new one when you’re ready to make a replacement.
7. You Smell Sewage
The scent of sewage in the air is unmistakable. When the fragrance of rotten eggs is coming up through your pipes, it likely means there’s a busted sewer line or broken vent underneath your house.
Call for plumbing help right away. If left for too long, your sewer problem can create environmental issues and cause major damage to your home’s foundation.
8. Home Improvement Projects
DIY weekend warriors like a good project, but some things are better left to the experts. If you have any new plumbing projects on your to-do list, call in a plumber.
A professional will bring in a level of expertise to get the job done right, saving you headaches down the road. Plus, they’ll know what permits you need and make sure everything is up to current building codes.
9. Hearing Gurgling Water
Do you hear gurgling when you use the toilet or run the washing machine? That sound is the first sign of a clogged or compromised pipe, especially if you’ve never heard it before. In extreme cases, it can signal a collapsed pipe.
Gurgling usually means your system is trying to find air. The harder it has to work to find air, the more likelihood of water backing up into your house.
To prevent a backup, turn off your water immediately and call in a plumber. They can bring in the tools to find the cause of the gurgling.
10. Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets are another issue sending money right down the drain. Something as little as 10 drips a minute will waste 347 gallons of water each year.
If you can’t tighten a leaky faucet, call in help. Pressure buildup or elements not installed correctly could be the culprit.
Calling in a plumber will cost less over the long run than continuing to let the faucet waste water.
Don’t Get in over Your Head, Call for Plumbing Help
Don’t let DIY plumbing repairs leave you soaking wet. Get plumbing help by calling in the professionals to do the job right the first time around.
Looking for a plumber in your area? Check out the list of 10 best plumbers in our Buying Guide!
