While some small plumbing problems can be solved with a plunger and some elbow grease, larger issues require professional help. Without proper expertise, you could exacerbate the problem or worsen it entirely.
Ignoring a plumbing issue can lead to costly repairs and water damage. Learn to spot the signs you need professional plumbing help so that you can get it taken care of as soon as possible.
Clogged Drains or Toilets
One of the most obvious signs that you need professional plumbing help is a clogged toilet or drain. Although it’s possible to fix a simple clog with a plunger or drain cleaner, serious issues require professional attention. A clogged toilet isn’t just inconvenient; it can lead to water or even sewage backups that put your health and property at risk.
When a drain or toilet is clogged, it’s essential to call a plumber as soon as possible. Waiting to call a plumber can increase the severity of the problem, leading to costly damage and even structural damage in your home.
In addition, if you hear gurgling sounds coming from multiple drains in your home, it could indicate that the issue isn’t localized to just one fixture. This is a sign of a blocked sewer line, which means that bacteria, wastewater, and sewage are backing up into your house’s drain pipes. A backed-up sewer line can also cause foul odors in your home.
Keeping your drains clear of debris is the best way to avoid clogs. To do this, install drain guards in your sinks and tubs and clean them regularly. Also, try using thinner toilet paper that is less likely to clog. You can also use a DIY drain cleaner made of equal parts baking soda and vinegar to eliminate a stubborn clog.
The toilet is designed to only be used for human waste and toilet paper, but many people are guilty of flushing foreign objects that won’t break down. Things like baby wipes, cotton balls, and feminine hygiene products can all contribute to a toilet clog. If you’re experiencing frequent clogs, consider investing in a quality plunger or drain snake.
A sluggish sink or bathtub may indicate that you have a soap scum buildup, which can be difficult to remove without the proper tools. A professional plumber can use a chemical drain cleaner to dissolve the buildup and get your pipes flowing properly again. In more severe cases, a plumbing professional can use a special tool called a drain auger to dislodge troublesome clogs that aren’t easily removed by hand or with a standard drain snake.
Unusual Pipe Noises
Your pipes shouldn’t make much noise, especially when you turn on your sinks and flush your toilets. However, if you start hearing weird sounds like whistling, banging, gurgling or vibrating, they could be a sign of a serious problem that requires professional attention as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs and damage to your home.
High-pitched sounds like whistling or squealing are usually signs of trapped air in your pipes, which causes water flow to be restricted. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including worn out faucet washers, partially closed valves or clogged drains. In addition, it may be a sign of low water pressure in your home that can also be resolved by installing a pressure regulating valve.
Banging, knocking or clanging sounds are usually a result of something called “water hammer” that occurs when you shut off an appliance quickly. This causes a shock wave that travels through the pipes and makes them knock against each other or anything else they come into contact with. You can often stop this from happening by adding water hammer devices behind each of your appliances, but a plumber will be able to diagnose the cause of the issue and fix it completely.
Gurgling or bubbling sounds can be a sign of a blocked drain, which is typically caused by a build-up of soap scum, grease and hair that is blocking the flow of water. If you try to unclog the drain yourself, you could end up causing further damage to your pipes and may even lead to a sewer backup in your home.
Vibrating or rattling sounds typically indicate loose or improperly secured pipes that shake or vibrate when water passes through them. These sounds can be difficult to detect, as they may occur in areas of your home that you can’t easily access, such as the crawl space or basement. However, a professional plumber will be able to identify and secure the loose pipes, which can prevent further damage or wear and tear. You can often prevent these sounds by walking around your home to check the connections of your pipes to see if they are loose, but in some cases, you will need professional help.
Water Stains
Water stains on your sinks, toilets or showers are more than just unsightly; they can indicate serious plumbing problems. These stains may be caused by hard water or even sewage backups that need to be addressed as soon as possible. Leaving these issues unattended can lead to expensive repairs and structural damage to your home. But how do you know when it’s time to call a plumber for help?
If your toilets and showers are prone to stains, it’s important to note the colors and shapes of the stains in order to spot the cause of the problem. Brown or black stains are typically caused by manganese in your water, while yellow and green stains are usually due to high levels of iron. These stains are most common on metal faucets and fixtures. If you notice these stains, contact a residential plumber for professional plumbing services in Salt Lake County right away to prevent them from getting worse.
Another clear sign it’s time to call a plumber is when your drains are slow to empty or are completely clogged. While occasional clogs can be cleared with the use of over-the-counter drain cleaner, when many drains are affected it’s often a sign of a larger issue. A plumber will be able to find the source of the problem and fix it quickly before it causes further damage to your pipes or your home.
Sewage odors are also a surefire sign that you need to call a plumber for help. These odors can be caused by several things, including drain pipes that aren’t properly ventilated, a blockage in your sewer line or even heavy rainfall that causes sewage to back up into your home. If you notice a strong sewage smell in your home, it’s essential to call a plumber right away to avoid costly repairs and health hazards.
Your plumbing system is a vital part of your everyday life, and it’s important to take care of it. Knowing the warning signs that you need to call a plumber for assistance can save you from costly repairs and potential structural damage to your home. When plumbing issues arise, it’s important to call a trusted professional—this plumber fort wayne can quickly resolve your concerns and restore your system to optimal condition.
Dripping Faucets
If you have a dripping faucet, it may not seem like a big deal at first, but over time, it can significantly increase your water bill and lead to water damage. It’s also a sign that you need professional plumbing help to resolve the issue and prevent further damage.
A dripping faucet is most often caused by worn out or damaged parts, so it’s important to have them replaced promptly. If you’re able to do so on your own, be sure to follow the instructions closely and don’t over-tighten screws or nuts, as this can damage or bend delicate components. Once the new parts are installed, be sure to test the faucet by turning it on and ensuring there are no further leaks.
Sometimes, even when homeowners do their best to fix a dripping faucet, the problem persists. This is usually a sign that the problem lies deeper than what is readily accessible, and an experienced plumber is needed to locate and address it.
Another sign you need professional plumbing help is a sudden and unexplained increase in your water bill. This could indicate a hidden leak in your pipes or even an underground pipe burst. Professional plumbers can use tools such as hydrojetting to clear out any blockages and restore your home’s water supply.
If your sink drain is constantly clogged, it’s likely due to a buildup of residue from hair, soap scum, and other materials that are rinsed down the drain. A clogged drain is not something you should ignore, as it can cause serious damage to your pipes and fixtures. Instead, call a professional plumber who can use high-powered hydrojetting to clear out any blockages.
A dripping faucet can be a bit of an inconvenience, but it’s necessary to keep your home warm during freezing temperatures and help thaw any frozen pipes. Leaving the taps on just enough to drip will make it less likely that the pipes will freeze and break, as the continual drip will provide a path for water to escape and relieve any pressure. Just be sure to keep the temperature in your home consistent and monitor your water usage closely if you plan on keeping your faucets on.