At some point in everyone’s life, there’s been a need for a plumber. Anyone who’s owned a home will tell you that calling a plumber is better than a backed-up toilet or a burst pipe. These issues can be disastrous and expensive.
If you might think there’s something off with your plumbing, it’s always best to search for the issue. There are certain things to look for that would indicate issues with a plumbing system. However, if you’ve found a sign that there’s a problem and you’re still having major issues, it’s best to search for a plumber.
How to Find a Plumber
If you think there might be an issue with your plumbing, it’s best to act quickly. Small issues can grow to larger ones, and you need someone with expertise to fix any major issues for you.
It’s easy to find many plumbers through an online search. You can access websites of local plumbers to see reviews and recommendations, with some sites also offering average rates or range of services. Many plumbers also provide a free consultation, providing an assessment of the estimated cost of the fix. There’s no risk in doing this, and you can have multiple plumbers come to see who will provide the best work for the lowest cost.
Here are some signs that you might need to call a plumber, so look for these potential issues.
Poor Drainage
A clog in your pipelines can result in slow drainage in the sink or shower. Many people think it’s a simple fix and can do it themselves, thinking it’s just a hairball or something simple. They can go to the store and pick up the first draining gel or pipe cleaner they see, thinking that will solve the issue. This can lead to unforeseen consequences and even bring damage to the pipes.
Plumbers will be able to diagnose the issue while also noting the age and makeup of the pipes. The wrong chemical substance to clear the pipes can react with different metals, causing them to burst or decay. A clog might seem like a simple fix for poor drainage, but it’s best to have a professional assess the issue to make sure no further damage is done.
Hearing Gurgling or Bubbling
Gurgling or bubbling is when the plumbing system either has air bubbles in it, or it is trying to find air. While this seems like a common occurrence with a working system, it could belie some more serious issues to fix. It could be coming from the toilet, the sink, the dishwasher, or the washing machine.
Gurgling could mean that your plumbing is close to a backup, which could cause minor leaks or major issues like sewage coming out of the drain. Nobody wants that.
Sewage backups are extremely costly, averaging in the thousands of dollars to fix. It’s even worse if the sewage gets on expensive belongings or damages flooring. Gurgling or bubbling in your appliances shouldn’t be ignored, and it’s best to contact a plumber to stave off any unplanned expenses.
Poor Water Pressure
Water pressure should remain steady in a healthy plumbing system. However, if one day you notice a sudden drop in the water pressure, that’s a sign that you might have an issue with your pipes. The most likely cause of this could be a blockage or some gunk that has been slowly building up in the pipes.
Don’t let your guesses guide your decisions though, because there could be more nefarious reasons for the drop in water pressure. Eroded waterlines could be the cause of the decrease in pressure. It also could be due to a fractured pipe, leaking water out of the system. According to estimates, repairing an eroded waterline can be an $800 bill, while a fractured pipe fix could cost you $600.
When you notice a drop in your water pressure, save yourself some unforeseen expenses and call a plumber to inspect the issue. You never know what deeper issue could be lurking in your pipes.
Hearing Water Running
This may seem like a confusing sign, given that any time you flush the toilet or run the shower you hear water running through the pipes. However, if you still hear water running through your pipes after the toilets have been flushed or the shower is off, that is not a good sign. This is a sign that water is still trying to move through a closed system, which means that there could be an opening in the pipes due to a leak.
Rather than having a pipe burst in your bathroom or kitchen, translating to interior structural damage and potentially thousands of dollars in repairs, it’s better to search for a local plumber to come and provide a fix. The plumber can assess and replace your hot water line for as little as $200, saving your house from a big leak or burst pipe and the headache and cost that would bring.
Even if it’s not a major issue, it will also save you from the higher water bill of having your pipes running and wasting water all throughout the day.
Smelling Sewage or Sulfur
The smell of raw sewage or rotten eggs is never a good sign, especially in a working plumbing system. Smelling something bad is an obvious sign that something is wrong. This could mean that there’s a leak or a broken pipe somewhere and should be fixed as soon as possible.
Smelling something bad is a serious issue that could mean trouble for the house’s foundation. According to Home Advisor, the average price for a foundation repair is $4,000. It’s better to call a plumber to come out immediately to inspect and fix the issue, rather than wait and have an expensive problem on your hands. This last sign is the most expensive and should be acted on the quickest.
If any of these signs pop up in your house, it might be a sign that there is something wrong with your plumbing. Search for a local plumber to come by and fix any underlying issues that might exist. It’s best to get at least 3 quotes from different plumbers to balance your comfort with their skill, as well as their cost. And once you find a good plumber, you know who you can always turn to.
It’s better to have someone come and inspect your plumbing to give you peace of mind, rather than let a small issue grow into a big problem.
