When to call in a plumber

Luis Tosta on Unsplash

Blocked drains are a common problem for homeowners, but it doesn’t mean that they’re not still pretty stressful. Taking the plug out of the sink and having the water go nowhere is clearly worrying. So too is flushing the toilet and having it come close to overflowing. These problems trigger alarm bells, because they are an unmistakable sign that something is wrong. It doesn’t matter where you are, there are many plumbing options.

Fortunately, there are plenty of reliable plumbing companies that are used to dealing with residential plumbing. If you fear that you might have a problem, you need to get in touch with these experts right away. They will come to your home, diagnose the issue, and get to work on solving it. You’ll have your drains back to normal in no time.

Sometimes, the plumbing problem has been neglected for too long and sometimes, catastrophe strikes all at once. In that case, you'll need water damage restoration in Sacramento or anywhere else.

This guide to some of the most common warning signs of a potential plumbing disaster will help you identify the problem quickly.

Slow Drains

You probably have a blockage somewhere if your sink or sinks drain very slowly or not at all. This kind of thing can also occur in the shower. If left untreated, it will get worse. There is a risk that whatever is blocking the pipe will flood back out of the drain.

Bad Smells

If a clog is preventing dirt and debris from moving down the pipe, as it usually would, you could start to smell a bit of a nasty whiff coming from the drain. This happens because hair, dirt, and food waste is building up behind the blockage and slowly decomposing. It is a really unpleasant symptom and most homeowners can’t go longer than a week without calling in professional help.

Gurgling Noises

Sometimes, blocked drains can cause fixtures to make a bubbling, gurgling sound. This might be an indication that you have a main sewer drain clog, particularly if you hear it while you shower as well. On the other hand, all drains are different. If you do hear strange noises, watch to see if the water leaves the drain reasonably quickly.

If it does, you should be fine. If it doesn’t, you may need to call in a plumber to fix what could be a blocked drain. Make sure that you give a plumber all of the details about the problem that you can when you first speak to them on the phone. It will help them identify the issue faster.

Unusual Flushing

A blocked drain or pipe can sometimes manifest itself in the form of abnormal flushing responses. So, when you flush the toilet, the water either rises much higher than normal or there is a lot less water than usual in the bowl.  

If you experience either of these things, deal with the problem quickly, because it can lead to toilet water rising up through sinks and shower drains. Once again, get on the phone to the professionals. They will be able to find a solution in no time, so that you can get on with life and keep your home functioning smoothly.

Washing Machine Back Ups

If your washing machine causes the sink in your bathroom to start gurgling and spewing water, you definitely have a clog or blockage somewhere. As the water in the appliance drains, there should be no obvious activity in the bathroom pipes.

It can be difficult to trace the source of blockages without expert help, so don’t delay. The faster that you address the issue, the less risk there is of it turning into a flood hazard. Though rare, this can happen. Address potential blockages quickly and efficiently.

Just remember that plumbing problems don’t fix themselves and it’s always less expensive and troublesome to deal with a problem earlier rather than later.

When it's time to call a plumber

You can use your kitchen area without hesitation if your plumbing is in good operating order. When your plumbing fails, however, it can feel like you're dealing with the most inconvenient situation you've ever encountered. Plumbing expenditures are something that most people, including yourself, are unaware of. It's the last thing on your mind, and you're more likely to get a plumber after the harm has been made.

The key is to call in a plumber before you experience a catastrophic failure and the resultant flooding. By that time it'll be too late and you have to call in water damage professionals.

Many other plumbing-related repairs should be left to the pros, primarily for safety reasons and to ensure the task is done the first time correctly. There are numerous warning indications that a plumbing problem is about to begin. Knowing what to look for can help you save time and money. Here are a few indicators that it's time to call your kitchen plumber:

1. Decrease Of Water Pressure

One of the more obvious symptoms that your plumbing system has gone bad is a decline in water pressure. A leak or an obstruction is the most common cause. Water pressure is lost in proportion to the degree of the leak or obstruction. Consistently lower water pressure over time indicates that you have a problem that is becoming worse. 

It's most likely a tiny leak or a buildup of limescale. An abrupt loss in water pressure, meanwhile, is often a sign of a pipe burst and should be addressed quickly. In any case, this plumbing problem symptom should never be overlooked. 

2. Rust-Colored Water

Rust indicates the presence of iron in your water. It frequently suggests that you must replace parts of your home's plumbing pipes. It could also signal that you require a new water heater. Likewise, it may indicate a concern with the water's safety in rare situations. In any event, don't take risks. If your faucet starts to leak rust-colored water, call a professional plumber right away.

3. Slow Drainage Of Sinks

While there are several possible explanations for your sink problems, the truth is that your plumbing is clogged. Anything, from children's toys to food waste and even small rodents, can clog your pipes, and you won't know unless you peek down your clogged drain. A plumber can clear any stubborn obstructions using specialized equipment known as an auger. He may also use a drain snake, which is a long, flexible gadget that is 10 times more efficient than your ordinary wire coat hanger. Make the call rather than wasting time chipping away at it and maybe damaging the interior of your pipes.

4. Constant Running Or Dripping Water

Running or dripping water is one of the telltale signals that it's time to call a plumber. One of the earliest evident symptoms of a leak could be this. If you hear the sound without running your faucet recently, take extra measures. It could indicate a leak beneath the floor or behind the walls. Hidden leaks are inconvenient and, if ignored, can cause significant damage. If you hear running or dripping water where there should be none, it's a good idea to call a plumber to be safe.

5. Smelly Gas Leaks

Gas leaks aren't the same as a trickling pipe under your kitchen sink, which can be easily fixed. Fortunately, obtaining expert help from a plumber is simple. The most frequent and well-known odor associated with a gas leak is rotten eggs. This odor is overpowering and unappealing. The distinct smell may emanate from within or beyond your home, depending on the location of the leak. Open your windows and ventilate as much as possible if the leak is from the inside. If feasible, leave the area until the leak is fixed. 

6. High Water Bills

Water bills will undoubtedly fluctuate with a faulty plumbing system throughout the year. If your water costs continue to rise month after month despite not using significantly more water, you should have a professional check your plumbing system. Water seeping from your plumbing system, which is still considered water usage and contributes to your increased rates, may be the cause of unusually high monthly water bills.

Turn off all of your home's plumbing appliances, then check your water meter to determine if this is the source of the problem. There is probably a leak somewhere in the system if the meter continues to run. A professional plumber should assess the situation to establish the exact location and severity of the leak.

Takeaway

There are several signs that you should contact a plumber immediately. Seek help if you see rust-colored water, an increase in your water bill, or clogged drains. Do not hesitate to contact a professional and experienced plumber if you are experiencing severe issues with your plumbing system.