Plumbing Repair in Columbia City, IN

Is a plumber needed to fix an issue? It can be hard to tell if a plumber is really needed. While some issues, like a burst pipe that’s flooding the home, are more serious, any plumbing issues need to be handled fast before they get worse. The main question many homeowners have, however, is when to call a plumber. Below are some of the top plumbing issues that could mean there’s a serious issue and a plumber is needed.

Gurgling Noises

If the toilet, washing machine, or other plumbing fixture has started making a gurgling noise, it could just be how it sounds. However, it could be a sign that the pipes are blocked somewhere. If the gurgling starts out of nowhere, it’s likely going to be a blocked pipe. When gurgling sounds are detected, a plumber is needed to diagnose the issue, especially if the noise starts getting louder. A pipe that’s blocked now will likely turn into a leak later. If the blockage keeps the water from flowing properly and the pressure builds up, it pushes the pipes with a significant amount of force and causes the pipe to burst. Gurgling can also indicate a pipe that has collapsed, so a professional is needed immediately to fix the issue.

Plunging Isn’t Working

Most of the time, a plunger will fix blockages in the toilet. However, if this doesn’t work, it means the problem is a lot more serious. It’s likely that the blockage is further down the pipe, so a snake may be needed to remove it. A plumber will be able to do this properly and make sure the toilet is working again.

Sewage Smells

A cracked sewage pipe under the house or street can lead to the smell of raw sewage inside the home. Repairing this can be tricky, dangerous, and gross, so it’s definitely not something for a homeowner to do on their own. Raw sewage smells horrible and tends to smell like sulfur. It can be confused with the smell of leaking gas, but if the issue is suspected to be gas and not sewage, a professional is needed immediately. A gas leak is far more dangerous and needs to be handled right away.

Drains Don’t Work Properly

When sink or shower drains aren’t working, the first thing many people try is to go to a store and buy something to fix the blockage. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, however, as multiple uses can damage the pipes and lead to future issues. Chemical drain cleaners can remove some materials, like hair, but if there is a solid item blocking the drain, the chemical cleaners aren’t going to work. A plumber is needed to figure out the issue and fix the problem fast. 

A drain that isn’t working might not seem like a huge issue, it’s necessary to call a plumber right away. Standing water is incredibly unhygienic and will lead to bacteria and other things to start growing. This can lead to more issues in the future.

Drains are Slow

If the drains are still working, but they’re very slow, a plumber can figure out what is wrong and what is needed to fix the problem. It’s tempting to try DIY solutions, but by calling a plumber fast, it’s possible to quickly get rid of the problem and have functional drains again.

Faucets that Drip Constantly

Even if the tap is closed fully, if there’s still a drip, it’s time to get help. Drips can lead to more than 3,000 gallons of water being wasted over a year. A plumber can help make sure the issue doesn’t get worse, check to find out what is needed to get it working again and make sure the faucet is fully repaired to keep it from leaking anymore. Even if it seems like the drip is minor, it’s always a better idea to fix it now and avoid paying for wasted water.

Plumbing can suffer from many different issues, and knowing when to call a plumber can help stop these issues from getting worse. By being informed, it’s easy to make sure the problem is solved properly and that there won’t be any future issues to worry about. If you’ve noticed any of these or other plumbing issues in your home, call Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling today to get the help you need to fix it fast. They’ll make sure any plumbing problems are taken care of correctly, and you’ll have a lot less to worry about in the future.