5 Warning Signs You Need to Call a Plumber Immediately

Plumbing issues. They provide an unwanted sneak attack on your home, and it’s almost always when you least expect them. Often those problems that appear to be nothing more than a minor inconvenience can snowball into a major dilemma if you don’t address them quickly. 

These issues can range from a slow drain to strange noises coming from your pipes. Whatever the problem is, getting on top of it as soon as possible can save you from costly repairs and potential water damage.

Keeping an eye out for certain red flags can help you avoid watery disasters and keep your plumbing system healthy and functional. Knowing the signs that suggest you need a plumber ASAP will help you protect your home and save your sanity.  

The Importance of Timely Plumbing Intervention

Before we look at 5 of the most common warning signs, let’s first look at why early intervention is so important. 

Nipping plumbing problems in the bud can certainly feel like a short-term inconvenience at that moment. However, it is a short-term inconvenience that just might save you from a raft of long-term problems. What you might be inclined to pass off as “just a minor leak” or a slow drain could actually be the early warning of a much bigger, more insidious problem lurking within your pipes. Let the problem go and it could escalate into serious damage to your property, such as burst pipes, water damage, or even mould growth. 

By getting ahead of the problem and calling a licensed plumber like Metropolitan Plumbing at the first sign of trouble, you can save yourself a whole lot of grief in the future. Whether it’s a persistent leak or low water pressure, a plumber can provide the timely intervention you need to keep your plumbing in top shape and your home safe from possible damage. 

Sign 1: Slow Draining Sinks or Bathtubs

When you find your kitchen sink, shower or bathtub draining a little slower than it should, chances are high that there’s something not quite right. Blockages in your drainage system can accumulate and eventually create a full, stubborn clog. Common causes include:

• Soap scum
• Hair
• Food particles
• Grease or oils

This is certainly one of those concerns that people can be tempted to ignore but can escalate into a much larger issue if ignored for too long. A completely clogged pipe can cause a backup of water. This typically leads to unpleasant smells and potential damage to your plumbing.

Though you may be inclined to pull out the chemical drain cleaners to fix the problem, they can actually harm your pipes and potentially increase the risk of future issues. In any case, you’re better off calling a professional plumber to properly address the problem and get your drains flowing smoothly again.

Sign 2: Low Water Pressure Throughout the House

Imagine waking up and heading straight for the bathroom only to find the water pressure in the shower to be mind-bogglingly lower than normal. It’s the last thing you need at that time of the day, right?

More than a mere nuisance, low water pressure actually points to a deeper problem within your plumbing system. If you experience a drop in pressure across several taps or even throughout the whole home, it could be down to numerous issues, such as:

• Leaking pipes
• Sediment build-up in your plumbing
• A problem with your water supply

Left unresolved, low water pressure can progressively worsen and cause further damage like pipe corrosion or hidden leaks. Rather than enduring weak water flow and crossing your fingers in the hope that it’ll sort itself out, understand that it probably won’t sort itself out and that you need a plumber. They will investigate and identify the cause, and provide the appropriate fix to prevent larger, costlier repairs in the future.

Sign 3: Unusual Noises Coming from Pipes

You know how in horror movies the main character will hear a strange noise, maybe some banging, whistling, or gurgling, and another character just puts it down to plumbing pipes? Sometimes it really is your plumbing pipes. And that’s not necessarily a good thing. 

These unusual sounds often indicate issues such as trapped air, excessive water pressure, or water hammer. What is water hammer, you ask? It’s a phenomenon that occurs when water suddenly changes direction or stops, causing a jolt that rattles the pipes. Yes, these noises may seem harmless. However, ignoring them can lead to serious damage, including pipe leaks or bursts. 

Unusual sounds are your plumbing's way of telling you something’s wrong, and calling a plumber to investigate can help prevent expensive repairs.

Sign 4: Persistent Water Leaks

No matter how small they may seem, you should never ignore persistent water leaks.

A dripping tap or a constantly running toilet may seem like a minor issue. Over time, though, they can waste a significant amount of water that you will pay for. A barely visibly-leaking toilet can waste up to 4000L a year while an unrepaired leaking tap can waste up to 12000L!

Equally as concerning, though, is that undetected leaks can cause water damage to walls, floors, and ceilings. This effectively creates the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew to thrive. 

It’s always a good idea to contact a plumber at the first sign of a leak to prevent further complications and preserve the integrity of your home.

Sign 5: Foul Odours Coming from Drains

Bad smells wafting from your shower or kitchen sink are a clear red flag that something has gone awry in your plumbing. 

The most common causes of these foul odours are an accumulation of:

• Debris
• Grease
• Food scraps

Even sewage stuck in your pipes can be a common offender. 

Over time, they can form blockages that produce bad odours and more serious plumbing issues. In some cases, these smells can suggest a problem with your sewer line and allow potentially toxic gases to make their way into your home. 

Ignoring these foul odours from your drains can pose health risks to your family and make your home environment noticeably uncomfortable. Calling a licensed plumber to assess and resolve the problem will go a long way towards making your home safe and odour-free once again.

Stay Ahead of Plumbing Problems

Staying on top of plumbing issues around the house can save you from expensive repairs and unnecessary stress. 

No matter what the problem might be, identifying the warning signs as soon as possible is the most effective way to nip the issues in the bud. The last thing you need is costly property damage or health problems because you let a persistent water leak or unpleasant durian smell linger a little too long. 

When any of these red flags emerge, contacting a licensed plumber straight away is your best plan of attack. They’ll assess and fix the issue promptly. 

Don’t wait for a disaster—reach out to a plumber at the first sign of trouble to keep your home safe and sound.