Plumbing issues are bound to develop over time, even within a properly maintained home. While some problems become noticeable right away, others build slowly and give you warnings ahead of time. Knowing what to look for can help you address things before they get out of hand. Let's look at 10 reasons you need to call in a professional plumber.
1. No Water
One of the most obvious signs that indicate you need to call a plumber is when there is no water. If you have paid your water bill, a lack of water in the plumbing suggests a blockage or a leak. Debris, heavy metal deposits, limescale, and rust can build up inside the pipes, causing a blockage. Leaks are the most common culprit for no water flowing from a faucet. Corrosion on metal pipes, built-up water pressure, and damaged plumbing can all cause water to leak. Finding the problem can be difficult because most of the plumbing sits within the walls of your home. Our team can help you locate blocks or leaks in your plumbing system and help fix the problem.
2. Lack of Hot Water
If you can’t get hot water, it usually indicates a problem with the water heater or the piping. There might be a leak in the hot water tank or issues with loose connections. Heating elements can break, burners could go out, and valves might shut. Tankless water heaters can have clogged screens or buildup in waterways. Damage to the hot water pipe can also be an issue. It is often the result of the same problems associated with no water flow. A professional technician can find where the problem is and fix it quickly. We can also offer maintenance options that help identify issues before they become serious. That can help keep the hot water flowing to your clothes washer, dishwasher, and shower without unwanted interruptions.
3. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can become frustrating as it takes longer to do tasks like taking a shower. Debris can partially block a pipe, causing less water to travel through it. Older metal pipes can also become corroded and precede the development of holes in galvanized pipes. Leaks will also cause water pressure to drop within the home. Partially closed water shutoff or water meter valves can also limit water pressure in the plumbing system. Systems with a pressure regulator can drop below manufacturer settings if the component fails. We can help determine what is causing low water pressure in your home or verify if the issue is with your water supplier. Addressing things like corrosion buildup now can prevent leaky pipes in the future.
4. Burst Pipes
Cold water can cause pipes to contract along weak points of the system, causing bursts. While the weather seldom reaches the freezing point, the Las Vegas area averages 10 days annually below 32 degrees. High water demands during the summer can also draw cold water into warm pipes. Emergency plumbing services will help address burst pipes quickly, restoring your water as soon as possible. Professional plumbers can also offer inspections and maintenance that can help identify potential bursts before they happen.
5. Moisture in the Basement
Discovering a damp basement floor or walls is disheartening. Improper weatherproofing could be the culprit, as could damage to basement walls. Leaking pipes may also be the problem if it stays soggy or smells moldy during dry weather. Calling in a plumber will allow you to discover if you have a leak and where it is. Eliminating moisture in the basement can save you money, especially in fully finished basements. It can also help address mold buildup that can cause health problems.
6. Slow-Draining Plumbing
On the other end of plumbing is the drainage system that removes water and sewage from your home. Slow-draining pipes are a common sign that indicates it is time to call in a professional plumber. Clogs are the culprit here, restricting the amount of water moving through the pipes. A common issue is years of buildup from hair, grease, soap, or other debris. Excessive amounts of food can also cause clogs, even if you have a garbage disposal. Items can accidentally go down the drain, rodents climb into the pipes, and roots penetrate piping walls. A trained technician can use tools to locate clogs and remove them. Experience and knowledge allow them to do this without damaging pipes or other parts of your home.
7. Overflowing Drains or Toilets
Nothing will grab your attention as quickly as a toilet overflowing when you flush it. Finding water gurgling up from a floor drain in the shower or laundry room is also distressing. The problem usually stems from a blockage that prevents water from draining, displacing wastewater all over your floors. Buildup within the pipe walls can reach a point where it stops waste from moving through the pipes. Collapsed or shifting sewage pipes and root penetration can block waste products out in your yard. In the case of overflowing toilets, improper float adjustments or blocked venting could be the issue. Our team has the tools that can locate blocks anywhere within your drainage system. Once the problem is found and identified, we can restore proper drainage, unblock vents, or adjust floats.
8. Gurgling Showers or Toilets
Another sign to call a plumber is when you hear gurgling in the toilet during showers or vice versa. Your shower and toilet likely share a drain line and vent stack. A clog or partial blockage in either system forces air up or down the piping, causing the gurgling you notice. A trained professional can identify the part of the shared system causing the problem. Once located, they can clear the drain pipe inside the home or the vent from the roof.
9. Adding New Appliances
Calling a plumber to help install a new refrigerator, dishwasher, water heater, or other equipment offers many benefits. You will know the job is done right, and a trained technician can handle issues that arise during installation. Equipment warranties might require professional installation to provide coverage. It could also be a requirement for your homeowner’s insurance, local ordinances, or HOA community guidelines.
10. Add-ons and Remodeling
You should call in a plumber whenever your remodeling projects involve the plumbing system. A professional will merge new piping efficiently with your current plumbing, preventing issues later. They can also install your new plumbing to meet current building codes.
We Can Help With Your Plumbing Needs and More!
If you notice issues with your plumbing or want to avoid them from sneaking up on you, we can help. Our team can assist with plumbing installation, maintenance, and repairs for drains, supply pipes, and sewer lines. We are also available around the clock to help with plumbing emergencies! Our company can help with all your cooling and heating projects as well. Contact Simply Cooling, Heating & Plumbing today for your HVAC and plumbing needs in Las Vegas and the surrounding area.