When is a plumbing problem something you can wait on and when is it a genuine emergency that requires your attention right now?
You may need an emergency plumber long before water is actively spewing into your home. Sometimes the signs of trouble are a little bit more subtle.
If you can catch them before the entire plumbing system fails, you may save some money on repairs. You’ll definitely save yourself some stress. Here’s what you need to look for.
What are the signs of hidden leaks in your home?
The first potential emergency you’ll run into is a hidden leak. You might not be able to see the problem yet, but it’s definitely an emergency. Look for:
- Musty odors
- Water stains on the wall or ceiling
- Peeling paint
- Bubbled wallpaper
- Damp spots on the floor
- Soft spots on the floor
- Sudden decreases in water pressure
- Foundation cracks
- Sudden increases in your water bill
Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. Instead, ignoring the problem will make it steadily worse. Your home can become infested with mold and mildew. You can even spark a fire as the water interacts with your wiring. Or the wood that makes up the skeleton of your home can warp and rot. The leak, of course, can always get worse, leading to active puddles in your house.
What are the signs of hidden drain and sewer issues in your home?
Sewer backups can be gross and embarrassing. They can even start spewing human manure into the yard. They’re a severe health and safety hazard and a threat to your kids, your pets, and your own health.
Here’s what to look for.
- Foul smells
- Gurgling noises
- Clogs
- Weird lush patches in your yard
- Sunken spots
- Sinkholes
- Unusual rodent or insect activity
Sinkholes, collapsed pipes, exposure to deadly pathogens, and sewer-gas sickness are just some of the problems you can expect if you leave sewer line problems unaddressed. Sewer line leaks are always an emergency, even if you don’t see active waste pouring into your bathtub or flooding out of your toilet bowl.
What are some weird but small signs of an impending plumbing emergency?
Any time you see a marked, unpleasant change in the water you’re getting from your pipes, there’s a good chance there’s a problem worth inspecting.
- Multiple slow draining drains
- Discolored water
- Gurgling noises
- Unexplained soggy patches in the yard
- Sudden potholes or sinkholes
When in doubt, get it checked out! While you might not need to make a 3 AM call for any of these sudden signs, you should make an appointment just as quickly as you possibly can. These little signs usually mean a really big issue is already happening or is on the horizon, and it’s only a matter of time before you’re knee deep in the cold, wet, unpleasant consequences.
How can I get help with my emergency plumbing issue in Houston, TX?
Acosta Plumbing Solutions offers emergency services to Katy & Houston residents. Just call (832) 503-4262 to get started today. We don’t mind taking a look, even if you’re not sure. Better safe than sorry!