7 Signs You Need to Call a Professional Plumber Immediately

Plumbing issues are every homeowner’s nightmare. Some might be a quick fix, but others could quickly end with you standing waist-deep in water. To make matters worse, many of these problems can go undetected for a long time, leading to even further damage. Plumbing is essential to your home’s function, ensuring everything from your morning shower to your kitchen sink runs smoothly. To maintain a comfortable and safe living environment, your plumbing must work properly.

Recommended reading: How to avoid a plumbing emergency

That said, how do you know when to call in the professionals? Some minor problems, such as toilet clogs and simple leaks, can often be resolved without professional help, but others require the expertise of a skilled professional. Here are signs you need to call an emergency plumber right away.

1. Your house has no running water.

Nothing ruins your day like finding out your home has no water at all. If you can’t get anything beyond a drip from your water fixtures and your home is the only one experiencing these problems in the neighborhood, you need a plumber immediately. Having no running water in your house can be a major warning sign that something has gone wrong with your plumbing system.

Significant leaks, backups, problems with the water main, and more can cause you to lose water. A plumber can tell whether the water was turned off or if the water that should be going to your home is going somewhere else instead. These types of major leaks often lead to significant structural damage to your home and its foundation. On top of that, they can end up costing you a lot of money due to high water bills.

2. You do not have hot water.

We often take hot water for granted until it’s gone. While it is normal not to have any hot water after someone has taken a long, hot shower, it is not normal for it to take hours to warm up. If your water takes more than a few minutes to warm up or refuses to heat up at all, it could be a sign that you need the water heater repaired.

An experienced plumber can help find the reason behind the issue and resolve it. It might be a minor issue, such as a snuffed pilot light, but you may also have a drip or other flaw that might mean extensive repairs or completely replacing your water heater. Even a malfunctioning thermostat or sediment buildup in the tank can lead to a lack of hot water. Sometimes, it doesn’t last if the tank isn’t large enough for your home, but you should always consult the water heater repair plumber to be sure. They can help you determine what tank size you need and install it once you choose.

3. You constantly experience low water pressure.

When your water fails to flow like it should, it’s time to call a plumber. They have the expertise to look at the internal workings of your system and determine the cause of the problem. When it is one faucet in one bathroom, it might be as simple as a clogged aerator. However, if cleaning out the aerator doesn’t do the trick, or if the low pressure affects more than one faucet, you may have a much more significant problem. Low water pressure can signal cracked or broken pipes within your walls or under your home’s foundation. These areas will leak over time and lead to more severe problems, such as cracks in the slab.

4. Your water heater is “sweating.”

A water heater that’s sweating or weeping is often a sign of a slow but steady leak. Many homeowners will first discover it when they check the pilot light or go near the water heater and notice the ground is a little damp.

Small leaks come from cracks in piping or the casing, eventually leading to more significant issues. Catching these as early as possible is better because repairs can be affordable and limited. Waiting will only lead to further damage that costs you more in the long run.

Other danger signs to keep in mind include rusty spots on your water heater or the surrounding piping, obvious signs of corrosion on the water heater, or an unusually large pool of water in the drip pan or surrounding areas.

Call your plumber if you notice any of these signs. Fixing or replacing your water heater before it causes further damage will protect your home at an affordable cost. Plumbing professionals can resolve these concerns and prevent major headaches if you call them immediately.

5. Your drains are constantly clogged, or your toilet regularly overflows.

Clogs are a common plumbing complaint, from tubs to toilets. Some clogs can be easily undone with a plunger and a little work, but if you cannot unclog them after a bit of work or there is a consistent clogging problem, call a plumber immediately. This signifies that the problem is beyond what an over-the-counter drain cleaner or DIY method can fix.

Plumbing experts can use special tools, such as cameras, to look deeper within the pipes for something that might be causing a long-term problem. Hair, grease build-up, tree roots, and problems with your septic tank are a few possible issues.

Similarly, toilets can sometimes overflow, but if this is a constant problem, there is likely something you are missing. When your toilet is overflowing, turning off the water can temporarily stop the water flow so you don’t flood your house. However, after that, you should consider calling a plumber. If your toilet overflows immediately after a flush, there is likely a blockage.

Recommended reading: Signs to Understand You Need Immediate Plumbing Services

Sometimes, toilets overflow for what seems like no reason at all. When water backs up on its own, you are likely experiencing a clog in the drainpipe itself, either in your main drainpipe or the sewer line. These kinds of clogs send water through your toilet whenever you run anything, from the shower to the dishwasher.

Homes with private septic systems can experience backflow when their septic tanks are full. This can lead to a smelly mess, so call a plumber immediately if you think this is the case. Your septic tank should be cleaned out at least every 18 months, but consider cleaning it more often if you experience consistent overflow and clog problems.

6. Your house smells like sewage, mold, or mildew.

Clogs and backups can create a smell that permeates your home and makes it unbearable to stay in your space. Don’t try to power through the smell and tackle the problem; call a professional plumber instead. The odor is often a sign of major plumbing distress, and attempts to fix it yourself can make the problem worse. This can also pose major health risks to you and your family due to the presence of harmful bacteria and gasses.

Many issues could cause the sewage smell in your house. Sometimes, drainpipes aren’t properly ventilated or may clog over their lifetime. Damage to your property from storms or earthquakes may also cause backups in your sewage systems and pumps. Clogs in a toilet or pipe can also be out of reach for the homeowner, especially without the right tools.

Persistent mold and mildew odors shouldn’t be ignored either. These can indicate hidden leaks or moisture issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible. Both thrive in damp environments and can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and other health issues. Smelling mold or mildew is a sign that water is accumulating where it shouldn’t be and might not be visible, such as behind walls or under the floors. A professional leak detection plumber can locate the source and repair the plumbing system, preventing mold growth and ensuring a healthier environment for you and your family.

7. You notice your foundation is cracked or your walls have visible water stains.

Perhaps the most important reason to call a plumber right away is cracks in your home’s foundation. These are often signs of major plumbing leaks, especially if the cracks are accompanied by dampness or water stains. The water can cause soil around your foundation to shift, leading to structural damage that compromises the integrity of your home. Expert plumbers can identify the source of the leak, repair it, and prevent further damage to your foundation. Addressing foundation cracks early also saves you from costly repairs and ensures the safety of your home.

Water stains on your walls, ceilings, or floors are another visible sign that you have a plumbing leak. These marks can range from small, discolored spots to large, damp areas that cause structural damage and mold growth if not addressed immediately. Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments and pose significant health risks to you and your family.

A professional plumber can identify the source of the leak and repair it, preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of your home and your family. Ignoring these stains will only lead to more extensive damage and higher repair costs in the long run.

Cali’s Choice Are The Professionals You Need

If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is important to act quickly and contact a professional plumber to prevent further damage. At Cali’s Choice, we specialize in emergency plumbing services, leak detection, and slab leaks. Our experienced team is equipped to handle all your plumbing needs, from water heater repairs to water damage. Don’t wait for a minor issue to become a major problem. Call Cali’s Choice today!