There many reasons why you may need to call a plumber. Any of your plumbing systems can develop a problem that will need to be assessed and fixed by a qualified person. To ensure that your water pipes, toilets, sink drains, water heaters and other plumbing systems function effectively, it is necessary to contact a professional plumber whenever you realize that any of the systems has a problem. Early intervention can help prevent further damage, which may be costly to repair.

Below are 10 signs that you need to contact a plumber:

1. Gurgling sounds

If the toilet starts making gurgling sounds, there could be a blockage in the toilet or the toilet’s drain. The gurgling sound indicates negative air pressure due to a buildup of materials in the toilet’s drain, which develops an airlock when the toilet is flushed.

In a toilet system that is functioning well, air flows freely through the drain, preventing negative air suction and making it possible for waste to run smoothly. Gurgling indicates that there is an abnormal suction in the drain.

A plumber will examine your toilet to determine the cause of the gurgling sound. It is important for the toilet drain to be inspected and fixed since blockages in the drain can cause leaks or lead to the toilet becoming clogged.

2. Water leaks

Water leaks lead to notable water losses. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that an average household in the United States loses about 10,000 gallons of water every year through leaks. That is a considerable loss when you consider all households that have water leaks.

Leaks occur as a result of broken seals, corrosion, clogged lines, excess water pressure, damaged pipe joints, loose water connections, and rapid changes in temperature among other reasons. A plumber will help you identify the cause of the problem and fix the issue accordingly.

3. Kitchen or bathroom sink that is slow to drain

A kitchen or bathroom drain that drains slowly is an indication of some blockage in the drain. Kitchen sinks are particularly prone to getting clogged as materials such as food debris, oil grease, and soap scum accumulate in the P-trap and in the pipes. Bathroom drains can also become blocked as a result of the accumulation of materials such as skin flakes, hair, dirt, and soap scum in the drains.

When too many materials accumulate in the kitchen or bathroom drain, you will notice that the sink will be too slow at draining water. You need a plumber to check the drains and remove the materials that cause clogging.

4. Low water pressure

Low water pressure is manifested through occurrences such a faucet being very slow, meaning that you have to spend more time on the faucet to get the required amount of water. When this happens, there is a probably a clog in the aerator of the faucet. Low water pressure can also be caused by leaks due to issues such as loose water connections or damaged pipes.

A professional plumber will diagnose the cause of the low water pressure and fix it immediately.

5. Frozen water in pipes

When the water in pipes freezes, it expands. This may cause the pipes to develop cracks. When you notice that any of your pipes is blocked or has cracked as a result of freezing, you should call a plumber immediately for help. This is because pipes that have been damaged due to freezing may be unrepairable, meaning that they will have to be replaced. Where possible, it is also important for your plumber to insulate pipes that are prone to freezing.

6. A toilet that won’t stop running after flushing

If you flush your toilet and the water continues to run for some minutes or even hours, there is a problem that needs to be checked. One problem could be that water continues to trickle into the toilet bowl as a result of a loose connection between the water tank and the pipe that is linked to the toilet bowl. Another problem could be a cracked valve seal or flapper, which will cause water to run into the toilet bowl continuously.

If you have a toilet that won’t stop running, you should call an experienced plumber to diagnose the problem and fix it.

7. Faulty water heater

Water heaters can develop problems such as water leakages, not adequately heating water, or water becoming too hot. Such problems can arise because of issues such as loose pipe connections, worn out parts, or a faulty thermostat or heating element. You should call a plumber immediately to avoid hazards such as electric shocks and other losses that can arise from using a faulty water heater.

8. Clogged toilet

A clogged toilet can be unnerving. The causes of toilet clogging include the presence of too much paper in the drain, the existence of non-flushable materials such as wipes and paper towels in the toilet, congestion of the leach line, problems caused by hard water, and blockage of the main drain.

You need a plumber to unclog a blocked toilet and fix issues such as congestion of the leach line and clogging of the main drain to prevent further problems.

9. Old or broken sewer pipes

Old or broken sewer pipes are associated with problems such as sewer gas odor, mold, or slow drainage. Slow draining sewer pipes can cause problems such as toilet clogging. Old and broken sewer pipes are also likely to cause sewage leakages. If your sewer pipe is old or broken, you should call a plumber to inspect and repair it. 

10. An overflowing manhole

An overflowing manhole can be a big mess. The problem is usually caused by a blocked sewer pipe and needs to be fixed immediately by a professional plumber.

Conclusion

There are many signs that you can use to tell that any of your plumping systems is faulty and needs to be fixed. Calling a plumber at the earliest opportunity can help you avoid the inconvenience that is caused by faulty plumbing systems and further damage, which can be costly to repair.