
When To Call a Plumber: 7 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
A solid plumbing system ensures safe, clean water flows into your property and wastewater pumps out of the home properly.
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From showers and tubs to sinks and toilets, the complex network of pipes must remain in working condition to avoid serious issues. The last thing you want is clogged, leaking, or burst water pipes, which could cost you major dough.
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That’s why it’s crucial to call a plumber at the first signs of plumbing potential. If you’ve encountered a potential plumbing problem, All Dry USA provides a wide range of plumbing services and can handle everything from minor repairs to major installations.
1. No Water
If you aren’t getting a single drip from your sink, either the water has been shut off, or the water is re-routing somewhere else.
There are many reasons for not having water. We recommend checking with your neighbors and calling the local water utility company. If a municipal water pipe breaks, your provider could have switched off the entire water supply.
If it’s not the local water utility company, it’s likely a malfunction in your plumbing system. A lack of water flow can be caused by frozen, clogged, leaking, or even corroded pipes.
In this case, it’s time to call a local plumbing service provider like All Dry USA, who can assess your plumbing system and find what’s causing the dry spell. Our specialists have the tools and knowledge to fix the disruption by performing proper repairs or replacements in your plumbing system.
2. No Water Pressure
As you turn your home’s faucet, there should be consistent pressure.
However, if you notice a sudden drop in water pressure, it’s often a sign of an issue with the plumbing system. A broken pressure regulator, a leak, or mineral buildup in the pipes can cause this problem.
While it may seem small, it can significantly increase your home’s water bills. If the cause happens to be a broken or cracked pipe under your home’s foundation or in the walls, it could lead to severe damage to your home. Make sure to call a plumber immediately so they can diagnose and address the underlying problem.
3. Inconsistent or No Hot Water
You may be looking forward to a nice, hot shower, only to discover it’s running cold. In this case, it’s common for the water heater to be the root cause of the issue. When functioning properly, water heaters convert cold water from the water supply to hot water.
If you’re experiencing inconsistent or no hot water, it’s time to call a professional. It may be as simple as a pilot light that’s gone out or a broken thermostat.
4. Slowed or Clogged Drains
Slow, blocked, or even gurgling drains might seem like a minuscule problem, but they often require a plumber to fix them.
For example, grease can find its way inside the drain. When the grease cools down, it begins to harden, which acts as a tough blockage.
Plumbers have specialized tools like a drain snake or a small hydro-jetter to loosen food waste, clearing the way for smooth-flowing water. While it may be tempting to use drain cleaners, they contain harsh chemicals that can corrode your pipes, causing greater damage. Instead, call in the experts.
5. Sewage Odor
A foul smell stemming from your fixtures could be due to bacteria living in your pipes – thanks to sewage backups or clogging. When drains are clogged from items that shouldn’t have been flushed or poured, it can lead to inconvenient sewage backup.
If not addressed, this can be the perfect breeding ground for mold growth. Even more, it can put you and your loved ones at risk of health hazards due to the excess harmful bacteria contained in sewage.
A plumber has specialized equipment and protective gear to clean your drains safely without damaging the pipes.
6. Hidden Leaks or Signs of Water Damage
A hidden water leak comes with telltale signs, from a wobbly toilet to a musty smell. If not fixed, it can cause extensive damage to your floors or walls, not to mention raising your water bill.
Water damage isn’t always easy to spot and often goes unnoticed. Here are several ways you can spot hidden leaks:
- Monitor the water bill: For example, a family of four shouldn’t use more than 12,000 gallons of water per month. Even small leaks from a faucet can waste as much as 10,000 gallons per year.
- Check for wall discoloration: Water discoloration could cause individual leakage from behind the drywall, which soaks through the front.
- You hear a dripping sound: Some leaks, like a leaky faucet, can be heard, giving you a clue to its source.
- You notice a musty smell: A moist area provides the perfect conditions for mold growth, a common sign of persistent leaks.
Plumbers can detect the source of leaks by using infrared cameras since wet areas are normally cooler in temperature. Once they’ve located the leak, they can address the issue, such as replacing the cracked or worn-out pipe.
7. Overflowing Toilet
If you experience water overflowing from your toilet, you may have a drain clog. There are many reasons for a clog, such as flushing too much toilet paper or waste at once or disposing of non-flushable items like pads, diapers, or cotton balls.
If a few plunges don’t do the trick, you’ll need to call a plumber. You may be dealing with a clog in the sewer line or drain pipe, and continuing to plunge will do more harm than good.
Ultimately, a professional plumber can clear the blockage or repair the damaged parts, such as the fill valve or flapper, to ensure the toilet is safe to use again.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still wondering when to call a plumber, we’ve put together a quick FAQ section to help you decide.
Should I Call a Plumber for a Slow Drain?
If you notice your sinks, toilets, or tubs are taking longer than usual to drain, it’s best to call a plumber to scope out the cause. While you can release the clog yourself with a plunger or drain snake, trying too hard can lead to more pipe damage.
Should I Call a Plumber or Do It Myself?
In most cases, it’s best to call a plumber; ignoring the problem or trying to do it yourself can create even more severe plumbing issues. Generally, common signs to call a plumber include when you don’t have water, your water heater is sweating, or you have low water pressure.
Final Thoughts
Plumbing emergencies can happen anytime, including in the middle of the night or during the day.
Even the smallest plumbing issues can wreak havoc on your property, causing flooding, water damage, and disruption to your water supply.
Remember, time is of the essence. If you suspect you’re experiencing these warning signs, don’t hesitate to contact All Dry USA.
Our highly certified restoration specialists provide 24/7 plumbing services, including leak detection, trenching, and cast iron drain replacement. We provide timely diagnosis and efficient solutions, so you can ensure minimal disruptions and avoid any major catastrophes.
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With Ben’s knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction.