There are also some signs you can be looking for that will help you avoid a plumbing disaster. Being aware of what’s going on in your house is invaluable and can save you from a big mess- and a big headache. It can be hard to know when to make the call to bring in the professionals. Read through the list below to learn helpful tricks for knowing when you need to pick up the phone and call in backup.

1. Listen for Gurgling

You know that strange gurgling sound coming from your pipes? Do not be so quick to write that off as just some weird typical ‘pipe noise.’ Gurgling can actually point to a much more serious plumbing issue.

Pipes make a gurgling sound when you have a blocked drain or a vent pipe. When water does not drain fast enough, it usually results in a build-up of dirt, grime, and other materials. As a result, air bubbles have difficulty getting through your pipes and escape in the first place they can. And voila! You get gurgling sounds.

If gurgling means your pipes are beginning to become blocked, then you will need to call a plumber soon to come to take a look. Blocked pipes can lead to leaks and significant spills, which then damage your floor, ceiling, and more. Before this becomes a headache, be sure to get a plumber over.

2. Sewage Smells Are Floating Around

You will know it when you smell it: sewage smells are always a problem. The scent of wastewater, either in your home or outside around your property, can point to a severe problem that needs fixing ASAP.

Sewage lines can quickly become backed up when individuals flush items they shouldn’t or that don’t break down properly. There are other culprits, too- like tree branches that grow and interrupt the sewage line.

Unless you want to be knee-deep in sewage and digging up your line to replace it, we recommend hiring a professional plumber to help solve the problem. They will be able to locate where the problem is and replace any pipes with ease. Don’t wait if you smell sewage, call a plumber immediately.

3. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure when you shower or wash dishes is not just a bummer- it could be a sign of a more serious problem. Low water pressure won’t go away by itself either. The causes can be numerous, so call in a professional plumber who can investigate and solve the problem with ease.

Low water pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Rust in pipes
Poorly installed or broken water line
Blockage of pipes from dirt and other buildups
An issue with the water supply from your city

With as much as we use water on a daily basis, you will not survive very comfortably for long without your normal pressure. Don’t wait to get your life back to normal. If your water pressure is low, go ahead and have a plumber explain and then fix the problem.

4. Faucets Won’t Stop Dripping.

Leaky faucets can be a sign that you have an issue with your plumbing that is potentially costing you a lot of money. The problem may be easy to ignore- like a dripping faucet in a guest bath that you do not often use, see, or hear. But out of sight, out of mind is not the solution to this problem. In fact, a shower faucet that drips ten times a minute could result in up to 500 extra gallons of water that you need to pay for a year.

Dripping faucets could point to a more significant issue like a crack in a pipe. Other causes include pressure build-ups, or perhaps a piece of the faucet is not installed correctly. Dripping water is not only expensive but also bad for the environment. Do not sit on this problem too long; go ahead and call for help.

5. A Sweating Water Heater

Your water heater is not just that big scary thing in the basement or in a closet- it serves a vital function, heating your water and making sure you have ample supply. You will want to check on it every now and then. If you see your water heater is “sweating,” then you may have a serious issue.

If the piping or casing of your hot water heater has cracked, then you will have some smaller leaks. These are great to catch early if you can. Water heater repair can run on the expensive side, so the sooner you find the problem, likely the more affordable it will be for you to have a plumber fix it.

When dealing with hot water heaters, look out for other issues like rust, corrosion, a large pool of water, or a lack of hot water. A professional hummer will help you avoid a major headache with your water heater, so be quick to make the call.

Plumbers to the Rescue

Plumbers are crucial for solving problems with water and pipes throughout your house. Thanks to their professional background and training, they can professionally solve problems and provide you with lasting service.

Knowing when to call a plumber is not always easy to determine. If you suspect something might be off- go with your gut and get help. Keep the points in this list in mind, like gurgling noises, sewage smells, or a sweating hot water heater, and call if you see any of these going on in your home.

Proactively enlisting the services of a qualified plumber can save you valuable time, money, and resources.