I get it. Sometimes, you don’t really feel like calling a plumber, especially if your only problem is as minor as a dripping kitchen faucet. But when plumbing disasters, like burst sewer pipes, strike, you’re left with no choice but to scramble for emergency solutions.
These situations are usually your wake-up call to be more proactive the next time your pipes show early compromising signs. Thankfully, many distress signals can prompt you to schedule a timely appointment with your plumber before things spiral out of control again.
Here are the most common cues that require a plumbing service call, ASAP.
Foul Smell
A foul smell plaguing your house isn’t simply an inconvenience to your comfort; it’s a sign of a serious plumbing problem that needs your immediate attention.
In most cases, you’ll be alerted to the smell of a rotten egg when problems with your plumbing system exist. It’s most likely your sewage gasses returning through the toilet and drains due to clogs blocking its path.
However, in less common but probable instances, it can be a sign of a gas leak. Like septic stench, natural gas has a similar rotten smell that can tip you off to a leak. A gas leak is extremely dangerous as it exposes you to fire hazards and carbon monoxide poisoning. So, the next time you catch that bothersome whiff, avoid delaying a much-needed call to your local plumber.
Discolored Water
It’s a general rule that the water coming out of your faucet must always be clear. Any discoloration of your tap is bad news and a cause for immediate concern.
If your pipes are rusty, your water flow will exhibit a brownish hue. Murky waters suggest sediments in your pipes, while greenish water points to algae growth, which can thrive during colder months.
All these discolorations can only bring trouble to your home. Rusty water means your pipes can potentially burst due to significant corrosion, while sediment and algae are a risk to your and your family’s health. Clearly, these conditions warrant an emergency plumbing service.
Multiple Clogged Drains
One clogged sink is already enough to cause a headache; how much more if several obstructed drains appear around your house?
Beyond the inconvenience of delays in your daily routine, multiple clogged drains paint a bigger picture—an impending plumbing disaster. This nightmare easily points to a serious clog down your main pipeline. Prolonging a much-needed appointment with your local plumber only increases pressure within your pipelines, potentially causing them to burst before professional help can even knock on your front door.
Malfunctioning Water Heater
Besides giving you cozy showers during the cold seasons, your water heater is also crucial in disclosing underlying plumbing issues. You may not know it yet, but the symptoms of a malfunctioning water heater can point to a plumbing problem that needs urgent care.
For instance, low water pressure in your unit can indicate hard water or increased mineral concentration in your tap. These sediments can accumulate and clog your heater, causing a gradual drop in water flow. Other appliances at home are also vulnerable to early breakdown due to these disruptive materials.
It would be best if you could immediately call for a thorough inspection and, if necessary, have a water softener system installed.
DIY Repairs That Won’t Work
Your practical DIY plumbing repair skills are essential to maintaining your pipe system. They’re your first resort to keeping bigger plumbing troubles at bay. But as a quick fix, DIY repairs can only offer a temporary solution.
When your plumbing remedies can no longer keep up with an issue, it means that whatever you fail to address now requires a more comprehensive plumbing repair. It’s time to let a professional repairman take charge as soon as possible.
You’ll never know if the minor clog you eagerly addressed with a plunger for months may have already developed into a major clog further down the line. Or maybe those caustic drain cleaners you constantly rely on to melt away your frequent grease buildup have already damaged your pipelines.
Know who to call when a plumbing emergency strikes– connect with Proper Plumbing Today!
Even when there are no warning signs, a plumbing mishap can still pop out from undisclosed issues deep within your system, hence the need for a reliable plumber you can call during these times of emergency.
At Proper Plumbing, we deliver quick and efficient emergency plumbing solutions that will address your urgent troubles and prevent future ones. We have a team of experts that’s ready to answer your call and resolve your emergencies in no time.
Don’t let plumbing emergencies catch you off guard, connect with Proper Plumbing now!
Over the years, Scott MacPhail mastered his craft, working with plumbing companies and general contractors. Through years in the field, working with plumbing companies and general contractors, Scott saw what "proper" plumbing should look like.