There are certain situations when it’s clear you need to call an emergency plumber. For example, if water is flooding your home or rushing through the ceiling, you must have a professional attend to it immediately. However, there are also times when it might need to be more obvious. Read on to learn five signs to call an emergency plumber directly!
Water Leaks
The most obvious sign that it’s time to call a plumber is when there’s a water leak in your home. Fast-acting water leaks can result in significant harm, such as high water bills and structural problems for your house. Your family’s health is also at risk because it may lead to mold and mildew.
Other signs you need to call an emergency plumbing service immediately include:
- A foul smell coming from your drains.
- Discoloration in your water (typically caused by tannins).
- A sagging ceiling.
Even though these issues can be hard to find, your home must be fixed immediately to avoid more damage.
However, not all leaks are emergencies. Some can wait until normal business hours and may only need a bucket or towel under the leak to collect the water.
Clogged Drains
If you don’t treat clogged drains, you could face major issues. Fats, oils, and grease solidify in your pipes when they cool down, forming a clog that “catches” everything that drains through the pipe. Mineral buildup from hard water can also block piping, especially when it creates limescale. Using a water softener in your home can help prevent these problems. A constant dripping sound from your sink, tub, or shower is another sign of a plumbing problem that needs immediate attention. It could indicate a serious leak or even a broken pipe.
Increasing your monthly water bill is a big red flag that something is wrong with your residential plumbing system. Emergency plumbers can assess the situation and make necessary repairs. The cost of ignoring this issue will only grow.
Sewer Backups
There are few things more alarming—and dangerous—than sewage backups. When the line that carries waste from your home to the city sewer system becomes blocked or damaged, wastewater and sewage can return to your drains. It creates a health and sanitation hazard and requires immediate attention from a plumber. A foul odor coming from your drains or toilets is an indicator that the problem is serious.
You must be aware of the warning signs of a plumbing emergency to act promptly. By paying attention to your pipes, you can catch problems early on and avoid the costly repairs that come with a backed-up sewer line. Bubbling toilets and foul-smelling drains are red flags that something is wrong with your home’s sewer line.
Water Heater Issues
An inadequate plumbing system can significantly harm your house and interfere with your everyday activities. However, identifying when to call an emergency plumber can be challenging. A sudden and unexplained water loss indicates you must call an emergency plumber. It could be a symptom of a pipe burst, severe water pressure issues or even major problems with your main water line.
If you’re experiencing cold water or notice puddles around your water heater, it also indicates that it needs repair or replacement. Other signs include water that smells bad or is cloudy in color, which might indicate rust within the pipes or sediment buildup. Getting this fixed as soon as possible is crucial to avoid further damage.
Water Damage
A homeowner may encounter one of the most costly and disastrous issues when they have water damage. In addition to warped floors and even foundation issues, it can result in rotting wood, mold, mildew, and stains on walls and ceilings. It’s important to call a plumber as soon as you notice any signs of water damage so they can take care of the problem before it worsens.
It’s also important to remember that if you notice an unexplained increase in your water bill, it may be caused by a hidden leak in your home. By averting expensive water damage to your property, immediately calling a plumber can save you money. Water damage can damage your furniture, utilities and electrical systems, sabotage your foundation, and more.
