Did you know that water bills in the US have risen by an estimated 80% in the past decade? As a result, millions of consumers can no longer afford their water bills.
If you have faulty plumbing pipes, expect your bills to become even more unaffordable. Moreover, plumbing woes can make your house stink, and they can even cause water damage.
To that end, we came up with this guide listing the top signs you need a professional plumber. Read on to discover when exactly to call a licensed pro.
More Than One Clogged Drain
Each sink, floor, and tub drain in your home comes with its own drain pipe. All these drain pipes then converge into the main drain or sewer line outside your home.
If you’re like most homeowners, your main drain pipe connects to the municipal sewer line. Only about a quarter to a third of US homeowners rely on an on-site wastewater treatment system.
If you’re only dealing with a single sluggish drain, the clog is likely in its individual drain pipe. You can try removing the clog with a plunger or a plumber’s snake.
However, several slow drains indicate a blockage in each of their drain pipes. Worse, there may be large clogs in the main drain or sewer line itself. Since this issue is harder to isolate, it’s best to get expert plumbing services instead.
One of Your Pipes Burst
Plumbing pipes can burst if the water in them freezes and causes the weak joints to expand and crack open. The older and the more corroded your pipes are, the higher their risk of bursting. However, even newer pipes that don’t have proper insulation can still rupture.
Either way, shattered pipes can cause water to keep spilling out into your home. If you experience this problem, close your home’s main water shut-off valve right away. Get in touch with an emergency local plumber to get that pipe fixed within the same day.
You’re Drowning in Water Bills
Defective pipes leak precious water that goes to waste. Despite being unable to use all that leaking water, you still need to pay for it.
If your water bills keep rising and there’s no change in your household usage, you likely have leaks. This is one of the warning signs that you need to call a pro to get your plumbing system checked and fixed.
Your Home Smells Like Sewer Gases
Another of the top reasons to call a plumber is if your home stinks of sewer gases. Sewage and wastewater can smell like rotten eggs, or you might find them putrid or rancid. These odors come from gases like hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.
Decaying matter stuck within your drains can make those gases waft into your home. The waste materials can’t make it all the way to the main drain or sewer, so they start decomposing within the pipe.
While sewer gases won’t make you sick at low levels, they smell so awful you definitely don’t want to breathe them in. Have your drains cleaned and unclogged as soon as possible by a professional plumber.
Don’t Delay Calling a Professional Plumber
Clogs in drains can assault your olfactory senses, while leaky pipes waste a lot of water. Burst pipes are even worse, as they can really turn your home into a swimming pool. So, as soon as you notice these symptoms, don’t put off ringing up a professional plumber.
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