Although some warning signs are more obvious than others, such as large amounts of water leaking out inside your property, it is never wise to ignore any warning signs that are suggesting an impending plumbing disaster is about to strike.
When things go bad quickly you will often have to give a 24/7 emergency plumber a call to get the problem resolved as rapidly as possible. Sometimes, you get clues and warning signs before disaster strikes. Here is a look at some of those warning signs that suggest you have a potential plumbing emergency on your hands.
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Water leaking
A small amount of water dripping out of somewhere may not constitute an immediate emergency but things can escalate quickly.
The moment you see any signs of water leaking, however small, it would be a good idea to get a plumber to investigate as soon as possible.
You might also hear water leaking but can’t see it. This could be equally hazardous as the water could come into contact with your electrical circuits in the wall.
Don’t ignore any sights or sounds that suggest you have a leak.
Is your ceiling bulging?
If you spot a wet patch on the ceiling or you notice that a part of it is sagging this could be due to water leaking.
You should call a plumber straight away to investigate the cause before the situation gets worse. Your ceiling could collapse under the weight of water if the issue is not resolved.
Can you see some unsightly stains?
Sometimes, you can spot a few unsightly stains on your ceiling rather than any signs of sagging.
This is normally an indication that the water has been present for a while. Call a plumber to check out the issue as it means that water has been soaking into the ceiling for a period of time and you need to know why.
Don’t ignore damaged or burst pipes
Even a small amount of damage to a pipe can quickly escalate into a flooding scenario if left unchecked. Always get a professional to investigate any damaged or burst pipes in your home.
Is your water pressure low?
If you notice that water is not coming out of your faucet as quickly as expected that could be an indication of a damaged pipe somewhere in your water system.
It could also be a clogged aerator or a valve. Get a plumber to check the cause of low water pressure.
No hot water?
If you notice that you have no hot water and you notice a smell of gas you could need an emergency water heater repair. It is not always an emergency when you don’t have any hot water but it is still something you want sorting as soon as possible.
Do you have clogged drains?
A certain amount of clogging is inevitable. However, slow drainage problems and bubbling water could be a sign of something more serious going on. Call a plumber to investigate the problem.
Bad smell in the house?
The smell of sewage is unmistakable and very unpleasant. Backed-up sewage is a potential health hazard. Get a plumber to investigate urgently as sewage releases dangerous airborne contaminants.
Never ignore the smell of gas
Any hint of a smell of gas or a whistling or hissing sound that you can hear are all potential indicators of a gas leak. This is an emergency scenario and you should call for help as a matter of urgency.
If you spot any of the warning signs talked about or have any concerns it is advisable to call a plumber as soon as possible.
