Occasional clogs or brief pressure fluctuations in your plumbing system are usually not something you need to worry about. Serious plumbing issues have recurring symptoms and require specialized equipment and expertise to diagnose. Here are seven signs it is time to call a plumber:
1. Persistent Low Water Pressure
Persistent low water pressure may be due to corroded pipes that have accumulated mineral deposits over time. Pressure issues in whole neighborhoods can be caused by municipal water supply problems. A professional plumber can quickly tell if the problem is in your home’s internal plumbing or the external water supply. Hydrojetting pipe cleaning or pipe replacement might be needed to restore water pressure throughout your living space.
2. Multiple Clogged Drains
Tree roots invading your sewer line may cause widespread drainage problems. Roots can trap foreign objects in pipes, such as baby wipes, paper towels, or feminine products, and worsen blockages. The risk of developing multiple drain clogs may be higher in homes with older plumbing systems. Plumbers use video camera inspections to pinpoint the exact location of the blockage.
3. Water Discoloration
Rusty brown water often indicates corrosion inside your plumbing system or the municipal water supply. Professional testing helps identify contaminants such as lead, manganese, or bacteria in your water. Chronic water discoloration can be resolved by installing new copper or PEX piping or adding whole-house filtration systems.
4. Unusual Sounds
Partial blockages or poor plumbing venting in your drainage system may cause gurgling drains. Persistent trickling or dripping sounds can indicate hidden leaks behind your walls. Excessive water pressure or partially closed valves restricting water flow usually cause high-pitched whistling noises. Rumbling water heaters are often due to sediment buildup, which reduces efficiency and shortens the appliance’s lifespan. Plumbers are trained to identify the cause of these warning sounds with acoustic equipment and pressure testing methods.
5. Visible Water Damage
Visible water damage on walls, ceilings, or floors can indicate that the leaking pipe is out of sight and will need immediate professional attention. When moisture is behind finished surfaces, it will often cause bubbling paint or peeling wallpaper. Warped or buckling hardwood, laminate, or vinyl flooring might indicate water intrusion under visible surfaces. Plumbers use infrared cameras to find leak sources within walls or floors without too much demolition. Addressing visible water damage helps prevent secondary problems such as structural weakening and harmful mold growth.
6. Sewage Odors
Sewer gases often enter a home through dried-out P-traps in infrequently used fixtures, like guest bathrooms. When sewer pipes are cracked or damaged, they often release unpleasant odors before visible sewage problems appear. Blocked roof vents in the plumbing system can also prevent sewer gasses from exiting the home properly. Many sewage problems are solved with sewer line services such as hydrojetting, pipe lining, and trenchless repairs.
7. Sudden Spike in Water Bills
A hidden leak may result in a significant and unexplained increase in your water bill. Many gallons of water can be wasted each month when pipes leak behind walls, under floors, or underground plumbing. Small leaks, like a dripping faucet or a running toilet, add up. Professional plumbers perform leak detection tests such as pressure tests and thermal imaging to find and repair the issue.
Work With a Plumber
By recognizing these warning signs, homeowners can address a plumbing problem before it leads to large-scale property damage. Plumbers offer holistic solutions to a problem rather than easing the symptoms temporarily. Some plumbers offer preventative maintenance plans that include inspections of critical system components. Addressing minor issues quickly helps extend the life of your entire plumbing system. Contact a plumber today to protect your plumbing system.