8 Signs That You Need to Call a Plumber

Many homeowners reach for a drain cleaner or a plunger when faced with plumbing issues. Sometimes, plumbing problems recur or become serious, and you need an expert before they turn into disasters. Check out eight signs that indicate the need to consult a plumber below.

1. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure affects daily tasks, leaving you to take more time than usual to shower, cook, and do laundry. Sometimes, the cause of low water pressure is temporary, such as maintenance service on the main lines or running the sprinklers. In other cases, low water pressure arises from serious issues, including clogged pipes, water leaks, and eroded waterlines. 

2. Clogged Toilets

People often flush things that shouldn't go down the toilet, such as cat litter, wet wipes, and menstrual products. These items may cause stubborn toilet clogs that won't go away with a plunger.

A plumber conducts a camera inspection to identify the source of the clogs, whether it's roots or grease accumulation in your drain lines. Then, the expert uses drain snakes, augers, and other special tools to clear your sewer system and keep your toilets flowing freely.

3. Gurgling Toilets

Sometimes, a compromised drain manifests as gurgling sounds when you flush the toilet or use the dishwasher or laundry machine. If your toilet gurgles when not in use, your pipes likely have a clog that prevents the flow of water and air. Gurgling toilets typically precede backups, which are dangerous because they lead waste back into your home. Have a plumber examine the entire sewer system for any blockages or cracks. 

4. High Water Bills

Unusually high-water bills are alarming, especially if your family's lifestyle has not changed. In many cases, a sudden increase in water consumption indicates a leak in your plumbing system. If you can't see water pools inside or outside your home, try shutting off the water from the main line. If the meter still registers water use, a plumber will check the entire plumbing system for the source of the leak.

5. Lack of Hot Water or Inconsistent Temperatures 

If you depend on your water heater for hot water, you can be frustrated by the lack of it on busy mornings. Your plumber will first determine if the tank size is enough for your family's needs since an undersized heater struggles to supply enough hot water. The expert also pinpoints the cause for inconsistent water temperatures if the water suddenly shifts from icy to incredibly hot.

6. Sweating Water Heater

Cracks in your heater's piping or casing cause leaks that appear as if the unit is sweating. The room where you keep the heater can also get too humid, causing the unit to corrode or rust. A plumber checks the heater's drain valves, thermostat, ignition system, burner, tank, and other components for the source of the leak. If you don't spot this problem, your heater likely suffers irreparable damage, and a replacement is necessary.

7. Discolored Water

Discolored water means that sediments and minerals are leaching into your water, which may affect your family's health. Your plumber checks the condition of your pipes, as older materials are prone to corrosion and mineral buildup. Depending on the state of your plumbing system, you may need to replace your pipes with newer and rust-resistant materials.

8. Sewage Odor

A persistent rotten egg smell from the drains or around the house can mean a serious problem with the waste line. If the odor accompanies standing water in the yard, the sewer system may have a leak or tree root intrusion. At this point, only a plumber has the equipment and expertise to check the entire plumbing system and perform repairs and replacements.

Our expert plumbers at AZ Emergency Plumbing are always on hand to solve any plumbing issue. Contact us today for all your plumbing problems.