Typical homeowners probably know how to use a drain cleaner and plunger—and that is about it. This is why it’s crucial to know about warning signs related to plumbing issues, such as a clogged drain or pipe before it becomes a bigger plumbing issue, and know when it’s time to leave the problem to the pros. Otherwise, you can lose a lot of money and time on repairs. Here are some plumbing red flags indicating that you need to call in a pro pronto:
Gurgling Sounds
These sounds coming from the dishwasher, toilet, or when doing laundry might be the first sign of compromised or clogged drain. If the gurgling is coming from a toilet that is not currently in use, your system might be trying to search for air, which can in turn lead to a backup. When you hear gurgling sounds when using the dishwasher or washer or when you are showering, turn off the water supply immediately to avoid a backup and then call for help.
Slow Drainage
If your sinks are suddenly taking their sweet time draining, it is best that you call your plumber to check out what might be causing it. In addition, if your toilet, sink, or bathtub just will not drain after you’ve tried to unclog it using a plunger and drain cleaner, best leave the job to the pros to avoid further damage to your pipes.
Low Water Pressure
In most cases, low water pressure in your bathroom or kitchen sink is just plain old gunk buildup in the aerator of your faucet. In this case, you can try to fix this by cleaning the buildup of gunk. However, if this still does not fix your water pressure, you might be dealing with more serious problems such as a water leak, eroded waterline, or a broken pipe, explains an experienced HVAC and plumbing contractor in Salt Lake City.
Frozen Pipes
If you suspect that your pipes have suddenly frozen, you need to act fast and call for help right away. Common signs of frozen pipes usually include moisture or visible frost on exposed pipes, weird clanking sounds, no water when you turn on your faucet, and sewage smells coming from your faucet. Resist the urge to thaw the frozen pipes yourself as this can result in cracks, or worse, a pipe bursting. You can prevent your pipes from freezing during winter by letting the faucet drip water throughout the night and leaving all doors to your sink cabinets open so that warm air can easily circulate.
Sewage or Sulfur Odors
If you suddenly smell the stench of rotten eggs, you probably have a damaged sewer pipe or vent. Left unaddressed, these issues can lead to environmental problems and affect your foundation.
Plumbing is usually one of those seemingly mundane things that average homeowners don’t really think about until something bad happens. Don’t be that kind of homeowner. Keep these warning signs in mind and call your plumbing expert if they occur.
