A healthy plumbing system is essential in maintaining your family’s comfort inside the home. This is because severe plumbing problems can cause water leaks and massive flooding. Besides, mold and mildew growth associated with a plumbing issue can negatively affect health, causing breathing difficulty, allergy, and other respiratory problems.  

Even seemingly minor plumbing problems can become a nightmare if homeowners neglect to fix them promptly. That’s why annual plumbing system inspection and preventive maintenance are a must. So, how do homeowners know when they need plumbing repair services?  

If you notice persistent leaks, reduced water pressure, or unusual noises coming from your pipes, it's time to call your local professional plumber. Don't wait for minor issues to escalate into major headaches. If you live in Idaho, you can contact a trusted plumber Post Falls to keep your plumbing system in top condition.

The following are some signs to watch out for when you need plumbing repair services:  

1. High Utility Bills  

A skyrocketing utility bill means higher water wastage than consumption. The most common sources of water wastage include leaks around drains, water heater issues, dripping faucets, leaky dishwashers, and running toilets. All of these problems warrant seeking professional plumbing repair services.  

Once you resolve all plumbing issues in your home, expect to pay lower utility bills. You also gain peace of mind knowing that you only pay for the water you use. Find out more about how each problem should prompt plumbing repair services below.  

2. Leaks Around Pipes Or Drains 

Leaky pipes may occur in showers, tubs, and other water-tight drains. Signs of water damage, such as floor damage and discoloration on the ceiling beneath the bathtub, indicate water leaks.  

Never ignore leaking drains or pipes. Otherwise, this plumbing problem can cause significant consequences for your home. Leaks around pipes can cause poor water quality and structural damage, like warps and stains on ceilings, floorings, and walls, affecting your home’s curb appeal. Moreover, black mold can invade your entire property and harm your family’s health. 

3. Water Heater Issues 

It’s a must to regularly check traditional water heaters with tanks for indications of leaks. Because of frequent temperature changes and round-the-clock water storage and handling, the seals of traditional water heaters with tanks may decay over time.  

Listen for a hissing sound in the pressure relief valve during an inspection e. If you observe this sign, you need an expert plumbing service to repair or replace your old water heater.  

Other water heater issues that need plumbing repair include too hot, too cold, and too little or no cold or hot water. Likewise, your water tank might not be large enough to sustain your hot water needs. A professional plumber can assess your plumbing system to determine the possible cause of significant temperature fluctuations. They’ll be able to handle this even more efficiently if they’re using plumbing service software, as modern platforms are equipped with functions that let them serve their customers swiftly and consistently.

4. Dripping Faucets 

Dripping faucets are a significant source of wasted water in many households. The common causes include a worn-out gasket, valve seat corrosion, and a loose O-ring or rubber washer. Most homeowners can fix these problems by replacing the washer, gasket, or other damaged parts. 

Although changing the faucet handle or the faucet can help resolve most dripping faucet issues, there are other possible causes why this dripping occurs. Serious internal piping issues caused by mold, rot, and outdated plumbing structures can cause dripping faucets. Therefore, you need to seek plumbing repair services if dripping faucets don’t resolve with washer or gasket replacement.  

5. Leaky Dishwashers 

Because of the complexity of dishwashers, it’s essential to know the signs of leaks to save water and utility bills. You shouldn’t see a pool of water around or close to your dishwasher. Otherwise, suspect a leaky dishwasher.  

A leaky dishwasher can arise from a bad seal, drain damage, or a leaky hose. Consider a burst pipe a plumbing emergency that should prompt immediate professional plumbing intervention. Hence, act quickly to avoid more serious problems, like flooding and severe water damage.  

6. Running Toilet 

Homeowners have a wide array of toilet options when they decide to install a new one or replace an old toilet. This bathroom fixture faces problems as time passes, such as clogs caused by toilet paper, sanitary napkins, hair, or toys, and running toilets. You don't want to resort to having to avail toilet rentals, would you?

The more severe form of water wastage than a dripping faucet is a running toilet. Aside from high utility bills, a running toilet can cause significant damage to your flooring and ceiling underneath the bathroom.  

The common reasons why a toilet runs relentlessly include damage to the fill tube, the float, or the flapper valve inside the tank. While many homeowners can address this problem through do-it-yourself troubleshooting, it’s best to hire a professional plumber if you don’t have any experience doing it. This step can save you effort, time, and a significant amount of money caused by incorrect troubleshooting.  

A sign of a clogged main line includes pooling or water around the toilet. Yet small amounts of water leaks can also be a culprit. This is a pressing issue, so hire a qualified local plumber as soon as possible to avoid a messy plumbing disaster.  

7. Sewer Gas Smell 

A sewer gas smell in the home often results from plumbing failures. If you notice this smell from your bathroom, suspect a sewer gas leak emanating from an unused drain pipe or a damaged toilet seal. Sewer gas can harm health and safety. Thus, a sewer gas odor in the home is an emergency requiring a professional plumber’s expertise.  

8. Clogged Drains 

This plumbing problem is a common occurrence in many households. In underground plumbing systems, roots can cause clogged drains. The same is true with grease buildup and hair. Homeowners can fix a clogged drain using a plunger, but call an expert if the clog becomes difficult to remove. Plumbers have cameras and other sophisticated tools to help remove the clog. 

9. No Water At All 

Have you ever experienced no water coming out from your shower or faucet? The possible causes of this plumbing problem include backups, frozen pipes, and major leaks. Issues with the water main, like structural damage, can cause zero water. Contact a plumber immediately if you encounter this problem.  

Conclusion 

As much as possible, homeowners must seek professional help to repair plumbing issues to ensure proper procedure and avoid recurrence. They must also watch the telltale signs to know the best course of action. If you’re unsure how to fix a plumbing issue, it’s advisable to talk to a plumbing expert than compromise your safety, belongings, and entire property.