When to Call a Plumber

Reading Time: 4 minutes

If you have a leak in your toilet, musty odors emanating from your faucets, or a bathtub that will not drain, it may be time to call a plumber.

Do not let your plumbing problems turn into a costly disaster. Contact a plumber to ensure that your plumbing system is in good condition.

Not sure if your plumbing problems are small-scale or more serious? Consult this handy guide to plumbing issues by Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning.

Pipe Leaks

Pipe leaks can accumulate over time and cause significant damage to your home. If you are experiencing leaks or bursts in your plumbing system, it is time to call a plumber.

This is a scenario that plumbers see often, so it is important to call the experts first if you experience any leaks in your plumbing system or find water leaking from pipes near your foundation.

What Causes Pipe Leaks?

Almost any plumbing system is susceptible to leaks if you do not maintain it. Here are some common causes for pipe leaks:

• Clogs: Any time you use your plumbing system, residue is left behind. This can eventually develop into clogs and leaks that need repair or replacement.
• Natural Deterioration: Pipes are under a lot of pressure every day to transport water from one end to the other without interruption. The constant pressure on our pipes wears them down over time and causes breaks in the pipe walls which lead to leaks.
• Natural Disasters: If a pipe break was caused by external forces like an earthquake or hurricane, contact a professional immediately.

Warning Signs of a Pipe Leak

How do you know if you have a leak or burst? Look for these warning signs:

High Water Bill

If you notice an increased water bill for unexplained reasons, it could be due to a pipe leak. Leaks can happen anywhere in your plumbing system, but typically show up on the water meter or at a connection to an outside spigot. If you see that your water meter is constantly running when no one is home, this should be a red flag.

Strange Smells

If you notice a strange smell coming from your toilet or sink and it’s not due to buildup of waste matter that needs to be cleaned out, there is likely an issue with the pipes underneath. The smell of sewage coming out of a drain, sink or toilet. Sewer gas can be dangerous to your health and the odor may worsen as the problem advances so it’s important not to ignore these signs.

Drop in Water Pressure

A sudden drop in pressure when using any faucet throughout the house could also indicate a burst pipe. These are just some warning signs for more serious problems such as bursts and leaks; if you suspect one of these issues has occurred, call a plumber immediately!

Water Stains

You might also notice stains on ceilings and walls that are damp or wet; this is often an indication that water is already leaking into other parts of your home. In addition, if you have any mold in your home (or near plumbing), water damage will likely increase over time because moisture breeds mildew which damages building materials like wood siding, paint and plaster from behind with little warning.

Mold & Mildew

If you’re experiencing pipe leaks or bursts in your plumbing system, it’s time to call a plumber. Leaks and bursts are frequently caused by clogs or natural deterioration. How do you know if you have a leak or burst? Look for these warning signs.

If you suspect there’s a leak but don’t know where it could be – turn off the main valve for your house to stop water flow. Although not always possible, avoid turning anything back on until repairs can take place.

Clogged Pipes

If your sink or bathtub will not drain properly, the most common culprit is a clogged pipe. Cleaning drains regularly can prevent clogs from developing, but if a clog forms despite regular maintenance, calling a plumber is your best bet.

What Causes Clogged Pipes?

The common reasons for a clogged pipe include:

• Grease and Hair: This can build up over time. Hair is a major culprit because it combines with grease to form a sticky goo that can easily clog your pipes!
• Toilet Paper or Other Items: Toilet paper or other items not disposed of properly can cause pipe clogs.
• Fats, Oils and Grease: Fats, oils or grease can also slowly build up in pipes.
• Drain Cleaners: Drain cleaners are designed to dissolve the clogged material in your drainpipe may actually cause damage over time if used too often.
• Tree Roots: When tree roots invade your plumbing system, they create a blockage in the pipes. This can cause water flow to be restricted.
• Rust Sediment: If a pipe is old, an obstruction in the line can form from rust sediment.

Warning Signs of a Clogged Pipe

Do you think your pipes are clogged? Here are some warning signs:

• Water Flow: A slow or restricted flow of water from the sink, shower, bathtub, or toilet.
• Changes in Water Pressure: If you notice any change in pressure, then it’s worth checking your pipes for clogs and blockages.
• Strange Smells: Foul odors coming out of fixtures such as sinks; toilets or showers can sometimes be caused by rotting food waste that has been left to decompose inside the pipe over time.

If these signs sound familiar, we recommend calling a plumber immediately to avoid further damage to your plumbing system and minimize potential repair costs later on.

Running Toilets

If you have a toilet that won’t stop running, it could be from one of two things. Either your tank is broken and leaking water or the flapper valve needs replacing to seal off leakage.

Don’t waste your hard-earned money on a running toilet. If you’re not careful, it can lead to costly repairs down the line.

Is It Time to Call a Plumber?

If you think something might be wrong with your plumbing, don’t wait to contact the licensed plumber team at Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning. We do the job right the first time.

Our master plumbers will come assess your situation and offer solutions for how we can help you get back to normal quickly.

We want to make sure that your home is safe and that there are no costly disasters lurking in the shadows waiting to happen! Call us today at 1-888-773-1524 or contact Art online to speak with a representative today. We look forward to solving your plumbing issues!