Repairing a kitchen faucet. Stopping a running toilet. Unclogging a shower drain. Most of the time, small plumbing issues like these can be easy for many homeowners to resolve on their own.
However, every now and then, extensive leaks or pipe issues can occur. When this happens, it can be frustrating, cause damage, and may even be costly to you if not resolved quickly.
Here are 7 signs that it’s time to call a plumber instead of handling the project yourself.
1. You Can’t Get Any Hot Water
Are you noticing a lack of hot water? Does it take several hours for water to warm back up after use?
While it’s normal for hot water to dissipate after someone takes a long shower, it’s not normal when it takes hours for you to get running hot water again. If you’re experiencing a lack of hot water, you should contact a local plumber to ensure that your water heater is functioning properly.
Here are just some of the common reasons why you’re not getting hot water:
- Your water heater is too small
- Sediment has built up in the bottom of your water heater’s tank
- The water heater is reaching end-of-life
2. Your Water Heater is “Weeping” or “Sweating”
If you ever check the pilot light or just walk by the water heater and notice that the ground beneath is a little damp, then you have what we call a “weeping” or “sweating” water heater.
What this means is that you likely have leaks from cracks in the piping or casing, which could be problematic in the future. Other signs of a water heater needing attention include:
- Rusty spots
- Corrosion
- A large pool of water
Here is an estimate of what to expect for a water heater replacement cost.
3. You Are Experiencing Low Water Pressure
Usually, if it’s just one faucet in your kitchen or bathroom that has low water pressure, more than likely the issue is unique to that one faucet. For example, if it’s a clogged aerator that’s causing the low water pressure, you can simply unscrew the aerator and clean out any buildup to get the faucet working properly again.
If you’re noticing multiple faucets with low water pressure though, it’s a sign that you are experiencing cracked or broken pipes in your home’s walls or under the foundation. If this is the case, you should call your plumber as soon as possible.
4. Your Drains are Not Draining
It’s common to experience a clog in your kitchen sink, tub, and toilet drains every now and then. Most of the time, these can be resolved using a plunger. Issues with hair, grease, and more are commonplace. However, if your drains continuously fail to drain, there could be a larger issue present.
If a drainage problem happens frequently, we highly recommend contacting a plumber for a drain cleaning service rather than trying to treat a symptom to a possible serious underlying issue.
5. Your Toilet Overflows Frequently
It’s common for a toilet to overflow. Usually, this problem can be easily addressed by unclogging it. If your toilet begins overflowing at any point, simply turn off the water (located underneath the bowl at the back or on the left side.)
However, when your toilet overflows for no obvious reason, or water is starting to back up on its own, you may have a clog in the drainpipe itself. This could be in your main drainpipe or in the sewer line. If you have a clog like this, you may find water backing up into the toilet after using other plumbing in your house, such as the dishwasher or shower.
6. Your Faucets Drip Constantly
Do you have a constant drip in one or more of your faucets that you’ve been meaning to fix? Many times, a small drip is a simple, quick fix that requires just a little tightening. For example, some small fixes just need plumbers’ tape or a new bracket, and you’re all set.
However, sometimes a crack in a pipe, or a part that was incorrectly installed is what is causing the drip. If that’s the case, pressure buildups or a more serious issue could be present. For a peace of mind, reach out to your plumber with any concerns about your dripping faucet.
7. Your Home Reeks of Sewage or Gas
If your home has a backup or clog, the smell can waft through the house. When you first notice an odd sewage smell, be sure to contact your plumber. Left unchecked, the issue can worsen.
Also, if you smell gas, this is a sure sign of a gas leak. You may need to call both your plumber and gas company to turn off your gas and identify the problem.
Contact Valentine Plumbing
Need an immediate plumbing service that goes beyond simple plumbing tips?
Contact the plumbers at Valentine Plumbing & Heating on our website or at (920) 788-5369 and we’ll diagnose your home’s plumbing issue. Our team proudly serves the cities of Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Oshkosh, and Green Bay.
Our Services
Valentine provides a wide range of services. These include but are not limited to: plumbing repairs, toilet, sink, and shower services; drain installations and cleaning, sump pump repairs and installations, water heater repairs and installations, water softeners, garbage disposal services, septic services, pipe repairs and installations, and leak fixes.
If you’re experiencing an issue with old plumbing or other issues, our experts can ease your mind!