6 Signs You Need to Call a Plumber

Although there are some common plumbing-related issues that are easily solved without calling in a licensed plumber, there are other issues that you shouldn’t take lightly. Putting serious plumbing issues off because you don’t have time to contact a professional or you don’t want the expense can backfire in the worst way. And if you’re concerned about how much you’ll have to spend, the plumbing bill you could eventually get by waiting on the repairs could be much, much higher.

To learn what can’t wait when it comes to plumbing issues, check out these 7 signs that it’s time to contact a plumber.

1. A Gurgling Noise

If you’re running water in the shower or bathtub and your toilet starts gurgling and showing signs of air bubbles, there’s a definite blockage somewhere. The best thing to do in this particular situation is to turn off the source of water quickly to avoid having to deal with water backing up into your home. Then, immediately contact a plumber.

2. Water Running Without Reason

If the sound of running water is coming from your toilet, it could be a simple fix, such as replacing the flapper. But the noise of running water through pipes when no one is using the water means you might have a leak. Check your floors and walls for signs of water leaking. If you live in a two-story home, look on the ceiling for wet spots. If you find any, call a plumber immediately. If you allow the leak to continue, you’ll have to do a lot more than call a plumber.

3. Reduced Water Pressure

In the case of reduced water pressure, sometimes you can remove the faucet aerator, clean it and replace it — and the water pressure issue will be solved. If that doesn’t work, however, you may have a more serious problem. If you happen to live in an older home that has galvanized pipes, corrosion could be the reason for reduced water pressure, according to Nick’s Plumbing & Sewer, a reputable plumber in Houston. If your home has PVC pipes, corrosion won’t be an issue, but a blockage or water leak could be.

4. Slow-Draining Sink or Bathtub

Although you can choose to use over-the-counter drain clog products or plungers to speed up a slow-draining sink or bathtub, it may be a waste of time. It also may be a waste of time if you’re buying expensive plumbing chemicals. Plus, sometimes, you can do more harm than good by damaging pipes or even the finish on your sink or bathtub. If you try these methods first, however, and they don’t work, the best thing to do is call a licensed plumber.

5. Pipes That are Frozen

Unfortunately, plumbing pipes can freeze in extreme weather if you don’t drip your faucets and take other precautions. You’ll know this is the problem if no water comes out of the faucet and you hear clanking noises when the faucet is turned to on. You might also smell a foul odor. If you fear you have frozen pipes, you’ll need to call a plumber immediately. Frozen pipes can crack or burst, so as soon as you realize this is the issue, shut off the main water valve to your home. The main water valve may be inside your house — in a basement, crawl space or near the water heater — or it may be located outside at ground level, underneath a cover by the street.

6. An Unfamiliar Odor

Anytime you smell an unfamiliar odor – such as a rotten-egg smell – the culprit may be a broken vent or sewer pipe. In the case of a broken vent, the plumber may need to open up the drywall in your home to access it. If you have a concrete slab underneath your home, a broken sewer pipe can cause major damage. In both of these instances, call a plumber. If the odor you detect in or around your home is a natural gas odor, you’ll need to call your utility company immediately after opening your windows and evacuating your home.

Although people don’t usually enjoy opening up their wallets for plumbing repairs, sometimes it’s necessary. If your plumbing problem isn’t something simple that can be solved by a session with a plunger or by cleaning a clogged faucet aerator, you’ll need to contact a plumbing professional. If you choose to put off calling a licensed plumber, you may end up creating more problems and expense for yourself.