When to Call A Plumber: Eight Signs It’s Time to Call a Plumber
Some plumbing problems take only a quick easy fix to solve, like a little plunging on a clogged toilet or tightening a loose connection to fix a noisy pipe, others may look simple but require more knowledge or tools that you don’t have on hand. It’s hard to know the difference, especially when there’s so many DIY plumbing tips and videos to be found online. But the truth of the matter is, many of those tips, especially drain cleaning ones, can actually cause more damage and if done wrong can end up costing you even more.
We always recommend you call in a professional if you’re not sure what you’re doing to avoid more damage and costly mistakes, but we understand there are plenty of capably do-it-yourselfers out there that don’t always need professional help. So here we’ve put together a little guide of signs to watch for that indicated it’s time to call a plumber.
Eight Signs You Need a Plumber
1. You Don’t Have Any Water
If you wake up to find you don’t have any water at all, nothing beyond a drip, either the water was shut off or the water that should be going into your home is going somewhere else. Call your neighbors to find out if it’s just your house, and then a plumber for help. If it is just your home without water, you’ll want a plumber on site immediately to figure out what’s going on. Having no water at all can be a huge red flag that there’s something seriously wrong with your plumbing like frozen pipes, major leaks, a backup or problems with your main water supply.
2. You Don’t Have Any Hot Water
It’s normal for your hot water supply to run low after a long shower or a marathon run of laundry, but it’s not OK if it takes hours for it to warm back up. If you frequently experience hot water problems or if there never seems to be enough hot water, it’s time to call in a plumber to inspect your water heater. It could be something as simple as a pilot light that’s gone out or time for a new or bigger water heater or it could be something more serious, and a professional plumber can make sure everything is safe.
3. Your Water Heater is Sweating
A sweating or “weeping” water heater is often a sign of a slow but steady leak. These usually start a small leaks coming from cracks in the piping or casing, but if left unattended will lead to bigger issues. It’s best to call a plumber at the first sign of the issues because it often means an easier and more affordable repair. Other signs of a small leak to look out for include rusty spots on the water heater or the surrounding pipes, corrosion, moister on the floor or more water than normal in the drip pan.
4. You Have Low Water Pressure
Though often only a minor inconvenience, low water pressure can be a sign of a major plumbing problem. It can be an indicator of a cracked or broken pipe in the wall or under your home’s foundation. If these areas continue to leak, they can create problems that will do major damage to your home. If you have low water pressure in more than one fixture, it’s time to call a plumber.
5. Your Drains Aren’t Draining
Clogs are one of the most common plumbing problems and many times your drains can be unclogged with plunger. But if the plunger is failing you or you are constantly dealing with the same problem drain, it’s time to call in a plumber. You could be looking at a deep clog that you simply can’t reach or bigger backup in your main sewer line. A professional plumber can get to the root of the problem and clear your clog for good.
6. Your Faucet Are Dripping
A little drip could lead to hundreds of waisted gallons of water each year. If you have a dripping faucet that keep putting off, it’s time to call a plumber. It could be fixed with a little tightening or a little plumbers’ tape, but it could be coming from a cracked pipe, broken element or caused by a water pressure issue. Even for small issues, it’s best to call a plumber if you’re not sure what you’re doing or if you just don’t have the time to do them yourself.
7. Your Toilet Keeps Overflowing
The occasional overflowing toilet is just a part of life, but sometimes it’s a sign of a bigger issue, especially if it happens often or without any visible indications of a clog. A simple clog should be solved with a few plunges. It that doesn’t do the trick, stop and call a plumber. You could be dealing with clog in the drain pipe or sewer line and continuing to plunge could cause damage to your toilet and your pipes. A good, professional plumber should arrive on the scene quickly, determine the problem and prevent it from happening again.
8. You Smell Sewage
If you have a foul smell coming from your pipes or drains you should call a plumber. There are a few different plumbing problems that can lead to a sewage smell in your home and none of them are ones you’ll want to tackle alone. It could be an improperly ventilated drain pipe or clog, damage to your sewage system or pumps from a storm, or clog out of reach or too strong for a plunger that’s festered. Whenever you can smell something wrong, call in a plumber.
When is it Time to Call One Hour Rooter?
Quite often, clogs can reside deeper in the plumbing system than your chemicals or tools can reach. That’s why it’s important that a licensed plumber using professional tools assess the situation and correct it for you, especially if you are experiencing any of the above eight warning signs.
Even if you don’t have clogged drains, it’s wise to get your drains professionally cleaned at least once a year. This way, you’ll likely avoid expensive repairs or replacement that could result from pipes that have been neglected. Call One Hour Rooter Plumbers today! Our professional drain cleaning services will completely remove your clog and we’ll do it quickly, capably and affordably. Call 612-354-8984 today to schedule an appointment or if you prefer, schedule an appointment online.
