Leaking Pipes: Six Signs It's Time To Call A Plumber

Toilet Leaks

One of the most common places to look for leaks is in a toilet tank leaking water into the bowl. Stubborn backups due to septic tank overflows and/or objects that never should have gone down the toilet such as human hair, wash cloths and soap are other signs of possible plumbing problems. Tell-tale signs include gurgling sounds, slow drainage and bad odors that indicate a possible sewage problem.

Toilet Leaks

One of the most common places to look for leaks is in a toilet tank leaking water into the bowl. Stubborn backups due to septic tank overflows and/or objects that never should have gone down the toilet such as human hair, wash cloths and soap are other signs of possible plumbing problems. Tell-tale signs include gurgling sounds, slow drainage and bad odors that indicate a possible sewage problem.

Accumulated Water

Anytime you see a puddle or accumulated water where you shouldn't, there's probably damaged, rusted or simply old pipes that are leaking. Other places of accumulated water or puddles can be seen in the basement from a broken water heater or radiator. Likewise, moss gathering around a sprinkler head in the yard means it's probably leaking which can damage property and run up your water bill.

A Slow Draining Sink

Hair or other objects are usually the culprits here and a quick plunge by your rubber plunger usually does the trick. However, fight the urge to use a drain snake as damage to plumbing lines may result. Overuse of strong chemical solutions may do some damage in the long run, so if your sink is not unstopped by repeated plunging then it's time to call a plumber.

Strange Sounds

Rattling, gurgling, pinging or any other similar sounds is an indication of trapped air in the pipes. If this is the case, a plumber may be needed. Don't ignore them simply because you don't see leaks. It could mean there will be much bigger problems in the future.

Bad Odors

Many times, toilets will emit bad odors from the plumbing. Asink with a bad odor may mean the P-Trap may have dried up from not being used often enough. One simple step to take is running water into a sink for a couple of minutes and then detect for any further odors. If a bad odor is still present, it's time to call a plumber.

Slow or Irregular Faucet Flow

If the water flow from your faucet is coming out slower than normal or is not forceful enough, a developing problem in the supply lines is in the works. If this happens during the winter season, your pipes are most likely totally frozen or almost frozen. If this is the case, then putting in an emergency call to your plumbing contractor is definitely a must.

Putting off any repairs for too long can cause further damage may result in health issues such as in the case of growing mold. Some problems can be taken care of yourself, but some cannot and should only be handled by trained professionals.