Some plumbing emergencies are no-brainers. If you walk down into your basement and find two feet of water on the ground, you won’t think twice about calling a plumber. But what about plumbing problems that aren’t as urgent? Do you really need to call a plumber about a leaky faucet or a slow drain?

Consider this: The average US home leaks 10,000 gallons of water every year. Not only is that wasteful for the environment, but it also increases your water bill. Does that mean you need to call a plumber for every tiny drip? Not necessarily. But before that tiny drip becomes a huge (and expensive) problem, you need to discern the wisest course of action. In this post, we’ll help you determine if your plumbing issue is a DIY fix — or if it’s time to call your plumber.

Signs You Need a Plumber

Sometimes, all you need to do is clean the showerhead or check your water meter valve. Unfortunately, not everything is a quick and easy fix. Here are some common problems with pipes that need more than a bottle of Drain-O.

Visible Water

Any time water is anywhere other than inside your shower, toilet, or sink, you’ve got a problem. If you find water pooling around the base of your toilet or under the kitchen sink, calling a plumber is a must. A slow, small leak can quickly turn into a disaster if you don’t address it. The same goes for visible signs of water damage on your ceilings, walls, or floors. Dark spots, wet spots, or patches of mold or mildew all signal a hidden water leak. 

No Water (At All)

Having no water at all could be as much of an emergency as a flooded living room.

Check all water outlets in the house to see if there’s a blockage to one room or if the entire house is affected. If you’re getting cold water but no hot water, it could be a problem with the water heater. No water at all could be a sign of a burst or severed pipe underground on your street. A major leak around your water meter could also cut your home’s supply of water.

Other Common Scenarios

Here are some other problems and circumstances when calling a plumber is a wise idea:

  • Consistently slow drains
  • Very low water pressure
  • Sewer line or septic tank leak in your yard
  • Foul odors from your drains
  • Running or gurgling toilets
  • Strange rattling or clanking sounds
  • Water tinged with brown, blue, or green
  • Installation of new pipes, sinks, or bathtubs

If in doubt, it’s always best to have a plumber do a professional inspection. It’s better to discover a minor problem (and fix it) before it gets worse.

Calling a Plumber: Is It Time?

Extreme plumbing emergencies are rare, but why wait for a major disaster to occur? If you detect any of the signs listed above, calling a plumber is your best bet. A few hours of professional repair work costs much less than fixing a flooded basement or a burst pipe. Do you live in or around Santa Maria? Do you need a plumber to inspect a water problem in your home?

Click here to learn about our plumbing services or give us a call at 805-346-1791.