Do you know how to tell when you need professional plumbing services? House issues can crop up at any time, and whether you are a new homeowner or have lived in your house for a long time, it is always good to have a go-to list of things.
Yet, your list needs to include plumbing issues. While issues with plumbing and houses go together like bread and butter in older homes, it is critical to know when you need a plumber – not any plumber – rather than stumbling upon a broken system at a time. If you have never been sure when to seek a professional plumber, here are a few signs your home needs professional plumbing services.
1. Reduced Water Pressure
If you have reduced water pressure, it is a sign that you may need professional plumbing services. Broken pipes, clogged drains, or low-pressure levels in the municipal water supply can cause low pressure or lack of water flow.
If the water pressure in your home is low, corrosion or mineral build-up in the system might be the cause. You may also experience frequent fluctuations in pressure, spurting, or high-pitched noises coming from faucets which could state a problem with the system.
You can solve low water pressure at home by cleaning the aerator on the tap or replacing a corroded washer. You can have more info when you call a professional plumber.
2. Signs of Water Damage
If the inside walls of your home are wet and discolored, it is a sign you may need professional plumbing services. You may also notice cracks in your drywall or bubbling paint, another sign of water damage. Excessive moisture, musty smells, or the presence of mold or mildew are also common signs of water damage and could be an indicator of a plumbing issue.
Additionally, if water is leaking from your pipes, fixtures, or walls, or if you hear dripping, gurgling, or other strange noises coming from your pipes, it is critical to call a professional. No matter the issue, professional plumbing services are essential to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
3. Regular Plumbing Clogs
Regular plumbing clogs are common in many homes but ignoring them can cause serious problems. Professional plumbing services are likely in order if your drains become clogged regularly.
Slow draining is a telltale sign your home is due for a plumbing checkup. Continual clogging of sinks and toilets can cause a backup of water and can cause sewer water to backflow into your home. If you have recurring clogs, it may be time to call a professional plumber.
4. Strange Noises When Using Water
Strange noises when using water are a clear sign that your home needs the help of a professional plumber. If the plumbing system is not functioning, it can lead to wasted water, water supply, and substandard water pressure.
Also, strange plumbing noises may state a much bigger issue, such as an issue with the sewer system or a water main break. It’s always best to get a professional to come and inspect your home’s plumbing system to determine the source of the strange noises. The sooner you take care of the issue, the better off your home’s plumbing system will be.
5. Slow Moving Drains
Slow-moving drains can signal that your home needs plumbing services. It is common to experience slow drains, but if the occurrence persists, you likely need to address a plumbing problem. If you notice that water is taking longer than usual to go down your sinks, bathtub, and toilet, it is a sign that you need professional plumbing services.
When water begins to pool or back up, something is blocking the water from draining. It could be anything from a clogged pipe to a tree root in the sewage line. Professional plumbing maintenance is the best option to prevent further damage from occurring.
Furthermore, if the blockage remains, it could lead to an overflowing toilet or sink. Get your home inspected by a plumbing service to ensure drain functions.
6. Water Discoloration
Need to identify visual clues that your home may need professional plumbing services. Signs such as water discoloration are red flags for homeowners. Discoloration can vary from brown or yellow to green or cloudy white.
If water that starts clear emerges this color, it may be a sign of sediment build-up and old, corroded pipes. It may also tell that bacteria are present in your water supply, which could have harmful consequences if not addressed. This problem needs to be tackled by a professional plumber.
7. Bad Odor From Drains
A foul odor from drains is a sure sign of an obstruction or a more significant plumbing issue in your home. Clogged drains and pipes can often cause a musty or sewage smell coming from them. If a backup is in the sewer line, you may smell sewage and rotting food.
You should contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible in both cases. A professional plumber can diagnose the issue and take the necessary steps to resolve the plumbing problem.
Doing nothing will only make the problem worsen and cause more permanent damage. Investing in professional plumbing services can save you from the hassle of dealing with a more significant problem in the future.
8. Aging Pipes
Aging pipes are among the main signs that your home may need plumbing services from a professional. Old metal pipes can corrode and weaken. It results in significant water pressure issues or even leaks.
Suppose your home’s plumbing is over 50 years old; it’s a safe bet that there could be problems. Look for discoloration, such as rust or sediment, on the inside of the line.
Additionally, check for leaks, odd smells, and other signs of wear and tear. A professional plumber can inspect your pipes, perform any needed repairs, and alert you to any future pipe replacement that might be necessary.
9. Lack of Hot Water
There are a few telltale signs that your home needs professional plumbing services, such as a lack of hot water. If it takes a long time to heat, or your water temperature only reaches lukewarm, you might have an issue with your water heater. You should also notice if there is a leak near the water heater or if you hear strange noises from the tank.
10. Continual Dripping
If your home is dripping, it’s a sign that your plumbing system needs professional attention. It can be caused by various things, from an inadequate seal, a broken pipe, or a leaking valve.
Ignoring a continual dripping problem can damage floors, furniture, and walls and can increase your water bill. Addressing an issue like dripping early on will save you money in the long run and can prevent mold and other damage to your home.
11. Burst Pipes
The most common sign of a burst pipe is water accumulating in one area of your home, usually in the form of a large pool, puddle, or stain. You may also hear a rushing sound from the burst area or feel the dampness in walls or floors nearby. Additionally, you may see damage to the paint, wallpaper, or other finishes and notice puddles or wet spots appearing in an unexplainable place.
12. Flooded Basement
If you have water in your basement, it is a sign that your home requires professional plumbing services. It indicates that water is coming in from the outside or is rising through the basement floor.
It results from a backed-up sewer line or an underground leak that called for professional attention. It is best to address these issues as soon as you notice them, as they can only worsen and cause unsanitary situations or damage your home.
13. Extra Green Patches on the Yard
One of the signs that your home needs professional plumbing services is the extra green patches in your yard. If you observe small patches greener than the rest of your lawn, this may be due to a plumbing issue.
These extra green patches result from broken underground pipes leaking water and causing a pool of water to form throughout your yard. If you are unable to detect the source of the extra green patches, a professional plumber will likely be able to solve the problem for you.
Consider Hiring Plumbing Services for Your Home
Periodic maintenance and inspections of your home’s plumbing services can help catch any issues before they become severe. If you are experiencing any recent issues or signs of plumbing problems, contact a local plumber to ensure your home’s plumbing is repaired in the safest, most efficient way possible.
Don’t get stuck in a critical plumbing disaster – act now! For more informative and helpful articles on home improvement, check out other articles on our blog.