8 signs you need to call a plumber

We’ve all been there, scrambling to find a plumber that can come and fix our mess ASAP.  Let’s face it, plumbing is not something we think about until it’s a problem. And by then, it’s usually too late – it’s an emergency situation.  But what if we could avoid such disasters altogether? 

In this blog post, we will explore eight signs that indicate you need to call a plumber. Whether it’s a slow drain or strange noises coming from your pipes, these are all warning signs that something is wrong and that you should take action before a problem turns into a disaster.

When should I call a plumber?

If your home has any sort of plumbing problem, it is important to call a plumber as soon as possible. Plumbing problems can lead to serious water damage if not fixed in a timely manner. 

Some common signs that tell you it’s time to call a plumber include:

• Water leaks: Even small water leaks can cause big problems. If you see any water leaks, no matter how small, it is important to call a plumber right away.
• Poor water pressure: If your water pressure suddenly drops, there may be an issue with your plumbing. You should call a plumber to have them take a look.
• Strange noises: If you hear any strange noises coming from your plumbing, such as gurgling or dripping, it is time to call in the big guns. It’s time to call a plumber.

What to do before you call a plumber?

There are a few things you can do before calling a plumber to try and determine the problem. First, check all of your fixtures to see if any are leaking. If a leak is present, tighten the fittings or replace the washer. Next, identify the location of your main water shut off valve and make sure it is in the “on” position. 

These are some of the symptoms of problematic plumbing in your home that indicate you need to call a plumber: 

1. You have no water at all
2. You have no hot water
3. Your geyser is sweating
4. You have low water pressure
5. Your drains won’t drain
6. Your taps won’t stop dripping
7. Your toilet keeps overflowing
8. Your house smells like sewage

Let’s get to the root of the problem. 

1. YOU HAVE NO WATER AT ALL

If you have no water at all, it’s time to call a plumber. This is usually caused by a problem with your main water line or a water heater. If you have a well, it could be that the pump has failed. Whatever the cause, without water, you can’t live, so it’s time to call in a plumber.

2. YOU HAVE NO HOT WATER

If you have no hot water, it is likely that your water heater or geyser is not working properly. There are a few things that could be causing this, such as a broken heating element or a problem with the thermostat. If you suspect that your geyser is malfunctioning, you should call a plumber to have it checked out.

3. YOUR GEYSER IS SWEATING

If you notice water dripping or pooling around your geyser, it’s a sign that your geyser is sweating. This is usually caused by a build-up of limescale on the inside of the geyser, which insulates the heat and causes condensation. If left unchecked, this can lead to serious damage to your geyser and plumbing.

If you notice your geyser sweating, it’s important to call a plumber as soon as possible. They will be able to clean out the limescale and prevent further damage.

4. YOU HAVE LOW WATER PRESSURE

If you have low water pressure, there are a few potential causes. First, check to see if all your faucets are affected or just one. If just one is affected, the problem is likely with that fixture. If all fixtures are affected, the problem is with your home’s main water supply.

There are a number of possible reasons for low water pressure, including:

• A leak in your home’s plumbing
• A clogged aerator on your tap or shower head
• A water pressure regulator that needs adjusting
• A broken water line

If you can’t identify the cause of your low water pressure, it’s time to call a plumber. They will be able to diagnose and fix the issue quickly and efficiently.

5. YOUR DRAINS WON’T DRAIN

If your drains are backing up or draining slowly, it’s a sign that there is a blockage somewhere in your plumbing. This could be caused by anything from tree roots growing into your pipes to grease and food build-up in your kitchen sink. If you suspect that you have a blockage, the best thing to do is call a plumber so they can diagnose the problem and clear it for you.

6. YOUR TAPS WON’T STOP DRIPPING

If your taps are dripping, it is a sign that you need to call a plumber. This is because the washers or seals in your taps are worn out and need to be replaced. A dripping tap can waste a lot of water, so it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible.

7. YOUR TOILET KEEPS OVERFLOWING

If your toilet keeps overflowing, it’s a sign that you need to call a plumber. Overflowing toilets can cause water damage to your home and create a health hazard. If your toilet is constantly overflowing, it’s important to call a plumber to have it fixed.

8. YOUR HOUSE SMELLS LIKE SEWAGE

If your home smells like sewage, it’s DEFINITELY time to call a plumber! This is not something you can ignore or hope will go away on its own. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse and could potentially lead to health problems for you and your family.

Sewage odours are caused by a build-up of human waste, grease, and other organic matter in your home’s sewer line. When this happens, it creates the ideal environment for bacteria to grow and multiply. The result is a nasty smell that can permeate your entire home. Gross!

If you suspect that your home smells like sewage, the first thing you should do is identify the source of the odour. If it’s coming from a specific drain or fixture, there may be a clog that needs to be removed. If the odour is coming from multiple places or seems to be general throughout your home, it’s likely that there is a problem with your main sewer line.

Either way, it’s important to call a professional plumber as soon as possible to assess the situation and make any necessary repairs. Trying to fix the problem yourself could make things worse and put your family at risk.

What to do while waiting for a plumber?

If you have a plumbing issue, it’s important to take action quickly to avoid further damage. However, you may not be able to get a plumber to your home right away. If you’re stuck waiting for a plumber, there are some things you can do to minimize the damage and prevent the problem from getting worse.

First, turn off the water to the affected area. This will stop any further water damage and make the repair job easier for the plumber. Next, locate the main shut-off valve for your home and turn it off. This will prevent water from flowing into your home if there is a major problem with the plumbing.

If there is sewage or wastewater leaking, it’s important to contain it as much as possible. Place absorbent materials like towels or rags around the leak to soak up the liquid. You should also avoid using any drains in the area until the problem is fixed, as this could cause sewage to back up into your home.

Conclusion

Finally, call a professional plumber as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the situation and let you know what needs to be done to fix the problem.  In some cases, they may even be able to come out immediately to make repairs.

Did you know? You can easily find a registered plumber by downloading the Home+ App, we vet all our tradespeople for your peace of mind.

Interested in reading more about home maintenance and home repairs? Take a look at whether you need a plumber to install a gas geyser. Read about when you should call an electrician and what the different kinds of electricians can repair.