7 Signs It’s Time to Call a Plumber
Plumbing issues are more common than you think. Even if you never see a leak in your home, that doesn’t mean there isn’t one hiding behind the walls deep in your plumbing. When reports show that the average household will waste 10,000 gallons of water yearly because of unknown leaks, it pays to understand what plumbing issues look like.
Do you want to learn more about when to call a plumber? Below are seven signs of plumbing issues that indicate that you need to call a plumber near me to get help.
1. No or Little Water Flow
There’s nothing worse than having little or no water flow when you need water. You turn on the sink or shower, only to find that you aren’t getting the water that you expect.
One of the reasons this happens is because of a blockage in your water pipes. It can also be because of a leak causing water not to make it to your faucets or shower heads. If it’s winter, you may also have frozen pipes.
This issue isn’t only a problem because you aren’t getting water when needed. If there’s a leak, you’re wasting water and driving up your water bills. You’ll need to call a local plumber to track down the issue and resolve it.
2. Drains Aren’t Working
A working drain is one of the most essential parts of a functioning plumbing system. It’s there to ensure your water makes it out of your home and into your sewage system.
But your drain won’t work if there’s something clogging it. Water will stand in your sink or shower when there’s a clog. And if it isn’t bad enough to completely stop water flow, it will result in slow drainage and moisture inside your water pipes.
Hiring the best Indianapolis plumbers or one in your area will ensure your drains are clog-free. Choose a licensed, insured, and reputable plumber. So, how can a professional plumber help if your drains aren’t working?
A professional plumber can guide you how to maintain your drains properly and avoid common issues. They can recommend practices to minimize the risk of future clogs and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.
A plumber can use cameras to find where those blockages are. From there, they can use tools to clear the blockage or open your pipes to remove it at the source.
Regular drain cleaning and inspections can help catch problems early on and keep your drains in good working condition. Many professional plumbers offer emergency services, so you can get help 24/7 when you need it most.
3. Banging Sounds in Pipes
Your water pipes shouldn’t usually make a lot of noise. You may be able to hear water flowing, but that’s about all the noise you should hear.
In some cases, you may hear banging sounds coming from your water pipes. This happens when the air pockets inside your water pipes disappear, which results in water pressure issues.
If you can’t solve this problem yourself by running cold water and pushing water through your water pipes, it’s time to call the best plumber. A plumber can inspect the problem areas and create air chambers in your pipes or fix any issues with your water pressure regulator.
4. No Hot Water
Your water heater is what keeps hot water flowing through your house. A standard water heater keeps a tank in reserve that’s heated during the day. A tankless heater will heat water on demand instead of keeping a tank in reserve.
If those things don’t work, you won’t get hot water when needed. It could be as simple as a bad pilot light, or you may have a leak resulting from corrosion.
In either case, calling a plumber will be your best option for returning your hot water. They will examine your water heater, identify any problems, and fix them.
5. Mold Growth
Mold grows in wet and humid conditions. If you have standing water in dark areas, it’s the perfect condition for mold to grow and spread.
If it gets bad enough, mold may appear in your home. It can grow on your ceiling, walls, or floor. You’ll need help finding the problem in whatever situation you find yourself in.
Mold spores can be inhaled, leading to various respiratory problems, especially those people with allergies or asthma. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Also, mold exposure can trigger allergic responses.
An expert plumber can detect any water leaks that lead to mold growth. Once you find and resolve the leak, you can clear the mold to remove the problem.
6. Sewage Smell
The smell of sewage is a sign you can’t overlook when you notice it. Your home’s plumbing system should eliminate all the waste by sending it to your location’s sewage system or septic tank. If that doesn’t happen, sewage can back up into your home, make it smell, and cause even more problems.
Sewage problems can occur because of several reasons.
- Backups around the end of the sewage pipes
- Storms causing sewage backups
- Bad drainpipe ventilation
- Bad septic tank
Whether you need help with septic tank issues or the problem is with your home’s internal plumbing, an experienced plumber can troubleshoot the problem and remove the sewage smell.
7. High Water Bills
Your water bill shouldn’t be one of your most expensive bills. Most households should be able to keep it under control. But if you have plumbing issues, your bill will start to rise.
Pay attention to your water and sewage bill when you pay it. Try to keep track of your average monthly payment and watch for unexpected increases.
Some utility companies offer apps or online portals that allow you to monitor your usage in real time. You can enter your bill details, due dates, and amounts. Set up alerts to monitor any significant increases in your bills. Alternatively, you can use digital sheets, tables, or notepads for bill tracking. If you prefer the paper method, keep all billing statements in a secure envelope or folder to avoid misplacing them.
If you see your bills increase, the chances are that you have a leak somewhere. These can be challenging to locate if they aren’t out in the open. A professional plumber can track and plug the leak to reduce your water bill.
Don’t Wait to Call a Plumber
Plumbing issues can lead to serious home issues if left unchecked. A small leak may seem like a minor problem, but if it leads to standing water in areas you can’t see, it can lead to mold growth and other plumbing issues. When that happens, you’ll end up with more expensive home repairs.
But you can avoid more severe problems if you pay attention to how your plumbing works and identify plumbing problems. Watch for the problems above to know when to call a plumber to solve your plumbing issues.
Did you find this guide helpful and want to learn more tips that will help you keep your home in amazing shape? Read more articles on the website to learn more home improvement tips.
