5 Signs It's Time to Call a Professional Plumber

Knowing When It Is Time To Call a Professional

Do you suspect you have a plumbing problem but perhaps you aren’t sure what’s wrong or if you need to call a plumber? Some problems are obvious, such as a dripping faucet or a toilet that won’t flush. Some problems aren’t as easy to pinpoint, such as low water pressure or if that unpleasant odor is coming from your garbage disposal or somewhere else. Here are some common plumbing issues, what might be causing them, and how they are remedied.

Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be a mystery. The first thing to do is ask your neighbors if they are also experiencing water pressure issues. If so, then it’s a problem to report to your municipal water department. If the low water pressure is isolated to a single area, then the problem could be mineral buildup or deposits in the pipes or fixtures. If the problem persists throughout your house, it could be a more serious problem such as a leak, broken pipe, or corroded or blocked water line.

Noises in Pipes

If you hear knocking coming from the pipes when showering or running water, the problem could be low water pressure or loose valves. Gurgling sounds are more serious and can indicate a clog somewhere in the water lines. Don’t ignore strange sounds. Call a plumber to figure out where the sounds are coming from and what is causing them.

Wet Spots

Wet spots could appear in your house, basement, or yard. If you see damp patches on the ceiling, it usually means you have a leaky roof, however, these damp patches could also be from an upstairs bathroom pipe or fixture that’s leaking. Wet spots on the basement walls or floor could be from a leaky water heater or washing machine or could be caused by drainage issues outside your home. Regardless of the source of moisture, these problems need to be addressed before excess moisture damages your foundation or promotes mold growth. Wet patches in your yard could indicate a leaking sewer line, especially if you also smell a foul odor.

Slow Drains

There are many causes of slow drains. The p-trap under the sink could be clogged, which is a simple fix. Other causes could be a build-up of soap scum, hair, and/or minerals from hard water. In these cases, a plumber can clean and snake the drains to remove debris and get the water properly draining again. In more complicated cases, there could be a clog somewhere in the water line or main drain, which will require more extensive solution, such as hydro jetting.

Smells

If a foul odor is emitting from your kitchen sink, it may be tied to your garbage disposal. Discarded food that has not been properly processed could be rotting and cause the odor, or a clogged p-trap can also emit odors. If you smell an odor like garbage or rotten eggs, that signals a potential sewer line problem. Don’t ignore this. Sewer gases contain hazardous chemicals and can be harmful to your health.

Atlas Butler Can Handle Your Plumbing Needs

If you are experiencing any of these plumbing issues or others, reach out to Atlas Butler at 1-800-FURNACE. We’ll send a trained plumbing technician to your home to diagnose the problem and devise a solution. We answer our phones 24/7 and will get your plumbing problem remedied as soon as possible.