Nobody really wants to call a plumber, but failing to do can have serious consequences. Water damage from burst pipes and leaky bathroom fixtures cost homeowners an average of $1,000 to $3,000 per incident.
Don’t let this happen to you. Here are five clear indicators that you need professional plumbing help right away.
1. Leaky Pipes
Dripping faucets aren’t just annoying, they can also cost you hundreds of dollars in wasted water. Some of the most telltale signs of a pipe leak include:
- Constant dripping sounds
- Moisture under the sink
- Noisy pipes (hearing water rushing when nobody is using it)
- Brown, wet spots on your walls, ceilings, or floors
Slowly leaking pipes can cause serious water damage. Even worse, once pipes have a small leak, they’re more susceptible to bursting or breaking.
You may be able to repair your leaky pipes on your own using fitting compound or joint filler. However, this only a temporary fix. Call a pro when leaks are small to avoid the possibility of much bigger problems.
2. Discolored Water
As a general rule, the water coming out of your faucet should always run clear. Red, yellow, or brown discoloration is usually caused by old, rusty pipes. Green or blue shades are often the result of corroded copper plumbing.
Discolored water is not only unsightly, it’s likely an indicator that you have more serious home plumbing problems.
3. Foul Smell
A sewage or sulfur smell might mean there’s a broken sewer pipe or vent under your home. This can cause serious damage to your home’s foundation and contaminate the environment.
Any time you notice a foul smell coming from your plumbing, it’s smart to have a professional check it out.
4. Slow Drains
If your toilet, tub, or sink are draining slower than usual, you likely have a full or partial clog. Sometimes you can fix this with a plunger or over-the-counter drain cleaner. If the clog won’t go away or your pipes clog repeatedly, you probably need a plumber.
Liquid drain cleaner is caustic and long-term use can damage your pipes. If you try too hard to remove a clog on your own, you can end up breaking your pipes, costing yourself thousands of dollars in repairs.
5. Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are an urgent issue. Some of the most obvious signs include:
- Water that won’t run
- Noise coming from the taps when you turn them on
- Moisture or frost on exposed outdoor pipes
Never try to thaw out your pipes on your own. Doing so can lead to cracks or even burst pipes. If you think you have frozen pipes, call a plumber ASAP.
Is it Time to Call a Plumber You Can Trust?
At Louis Mechanical Contractors, we believe in doing things right the first time. You can trust us to deliver quality work on everything from small jobs to million-dollar projects.
If you’ve got a plumbing problem, call a plumber!
