Don’t want a $10,000+ plumbing disaster?
No one likes to pay for home repairs. In fact, who doesn’t want to pay as little as possible on home maintenance and repairs? The less you spend, the more money in your pocket for the things you actually want to spend it on.
The problem with that strategy…
Skimping on warning signs for serious plumbing issues will cost you ten times more than necessary in the long run. Emergencies that cost thousands in damage are 100% preventable with the right know-how.
If you don’t act fast, you’ll end up with very expensive water damage.
This article will teach you the clear warning signs that it’s time to grab your phone and call a plumber. Right now. Don’t wait for an emergency.
Let’s get started!
What you’ll learn:
- Why Timing Matters With Plumbing Issues
- The Costly Reality of Plumbing Emergencies
- 8 Clear Signs You Need Professional Help Now
Why Timing Matters With Plumbing Issues
Most plumbing emergencies are sudden and unexpected.
Well… Not exactly.
Most serious plumbing issues begin as small problems that can be easily repaired if they’re caught quickly.
About 25% of all home insurance claims submitted between 2018-2022 were water damage or freezing-related. On average, water damage claims cost a whopping $13,784 each. OUCH!
You’ll notice by now I’m big on prevention. Plumbing issues are no different. Staying ahead of problems helps you avoid major damage.
The Costly Reality of Plumbing Emergencies
You might be appalled to hear that the average household wastes over 10,000 gallons of water per year from minor leaks.
More than you can imagine? Try 10% of households. A 2023 study found that 10% of homes have plumbing leaks wasting 90 gallons of water or more per day.
Emergency plumbing situations in Georgia or the Chattanooga area can happen to anyone. You don’t have to be a victim of these common, costly scenarios.
Help is available, however.
Professional plumbers like our trusted plumbers at Pipers Plumbing North who serve Georgia and Chattanooga can help homeowners quickly identify these problems before they turn into expensive disasters.
You’re probably asking, “Okay, great. I want to prevent major plumbing issues. How do I know when a plumbing problem needs immediate attention?” (Bonus: Not all plumbing problems are emergencies.)
8 Clear Signs You Need Professional Help Now
Minor plumbing problems will almost always exist in your home.
There are times, however, when a given plumbing situation calls for immediate professional attention. Most people struggle to identify these times. Here are the 8 clear signs that you need to call a professional plumber ASAP.
- Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls
- Burst or Leaking Pipes
- No Hot Water (Winter Time)
- Overflowing Toilets
- Multiple Drain Clogs
- Sudden Loss of Water Pressure
- Gas Leaks
- Frozen Pipes
Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls
Spot water stains showing up on your ceiling or walls?
Bad news.
Water stains don’t just suddenly appear. Water stains mean that a leak has been going on for some time. By the time you can see the stains on your ceiling or walls, the water has already soaked in.
Act now. Turn off the water and call an emergency plumber immediately.
Burst or Leaking Pipes
You get the idea…
Leaking or burst pipes are obvious, no-brainer calls to professional help. This one isn’t a tough one to figure out.
Leaks and burst pipes let go of gallons of water in mere hours if left unfixed.
Here’s the surprising thing that most people don’t realize about leaky pipes…
Even small leaks can quickly become major flooding emergencies. It takes just a few hours for a “minor” pipe leak to send hundreds of gallons of water into your home.
Don’t wait until the leak becomes massive to take care of it. Shut off the main water supply right now, move furniture and valuables out of the way, and call a professional plumber right away. You don’t want the damage to get any worse, right?
The longer you wait, the more it costs to clean up.
No Hot Water (Winter Time)
Running out of hot water isn’t a simple inconvenience, it can be dangerous.
Hot water tank failures are emergencies because they present a danger to your family’s health when they occur during cold weather.
This can become an especially big problem for families with young children or elderly members who might not be able to take cold showers.
Hot water system failures can be the result of a major leak around the unit, or a gas odor present, but system failures in cold weather can be an emergency.
Overflowing Toilets
An overflowing toilet is more than just gross – it’s a health hazard.
Sewage backup can contain harmful bacteria and create unsanitary conditions throughout your home. The contaminated water can damage flooring, walls, and personal belongings.
If plunging doesn’t solve the problem, call a professional. Don’t risk your family’s health by trying to handle sewage issues yourself.
Multiple Drain Clogs
If your shower, bathtub, sink, and toilet all back up at the same time, it’s not a coincidence.
Don’t let just a single clogged drain fool you. Multiple drains clogging simultaneously? That’s an expensive sewer line problem waiting to happen.
Warning signs that multiple drain clogs are actually a much bigger issue include gurgling sounds from the toilet, bad odors coming from drains, or water backing up in sinks or other places that it shouldn’t.
Flush one drain and the next one clogs? This is your sewer line, friend.
Sudden Loss of Water Pressure
Low water pressure in one faucet or shower? No biggie. That’s usually a simple aerator cleaning.
Major loss of water pressure throughout your home, on the other hand?
Now we’re talking about emergencies. This could be a major problem with your home’s main water line or plumbing system internally.
Gas Leaks
Gas smells around your water heater? Gas is highly explosive and extremely dangerous.
If you notice a gas odor around your water heater, immediately leave the area, do not use electrical switches or appliances, call emergency services, and call a professional plumber.
Gas leak plumbing problems are a no-fix-yourself zone.
Frozen Pipes
Living in an area that sees cold winter weather?
Frozen pipes are something you should be concerned with. Frozen pipes are a common precursor to burst pipes when they eventually thaw.
Running water faucets that stop flowing during freezing weather conditions? Frozen pipes are the likely culprit.
If you notice no water coming out of your faucets during cold weather, take notice of the odd sounds when you turn on the tap. If you also notice visible frost on exposed piping, you know where the problem lies.
Just don’t try to thaw them with an open flame from a torch or space heater. Call a professional with the right tools and experience to get the job done.
Taking Action Before It’s Too Late
Let’s recap…
Plumbing emergencies are no fun and cost a ton of money.
They’re also almost always preventable with the right knowledge in your toolbox. Warning signs of a plumbing emergency are obvious if you know what to look for.
Fast action is always the best way to avoid an emergency situation.
If you notice any of these 8 warning signs I’ve covered in this article, act fast and call a professional plumber. You have no idea how much worse a problem can get in just a few short hours.
Professional plumbers have the tools, experience, and know-how to handle emergencies with ease and care.
Emergency plumber visits cost a fraction of the expense of water damage restoration and structural repairs down the road.
What You’ve Learned
Fixing plumbing issues can save you thousands of dollars in damage and protect your family’s health. The eight clear warning signs that it’s time to call a professional plumber covered all need immediate attention.
Don’t mess with your home’s safety. Call a professional plumber when in doubt. The savings and peace of mind will be well worth the cost.
Keep a look out for these warning signs and you’ll be able to head off major issues before they become disasters.
