Leaky sink repairA burst water pipe is an obvious sign that you need to call an emergency plumber right away. Other signs, however, may not be so evident. By becoming familiar with warning signs of potential plumbing problems, you can reduce the risk of serious water damage to your home.

When it comes to plumbing, it’s better to err on the safe side than be sorry. If not taken care of, small plumbing issues can become major problems that cost thousands of dollars to repair. Call a plumber immediately if you notice one or more of the following warning signs in your home.

Gurgling Noise in Pipes

If you hear a gurgling noise coming from your toilet, shower or dishwasher when not in use, this could be an early warning sign of a seriously clogged drain that could cause a backup. As water gets trapped in the drain, it makes this gurgling sound. If the problem’s not rectified quickly, you risk having water back up into your home and cause a flood. When you hear gurgling sounds, turn off your main water valve and call a plumber immediately.

Although it’s normal for a drain to get clogged every now and then, drains that are constantly clogging will continue to cause problems until a permanent solution can be found. If DIY measures aren’t working, call a plumber to get to the root of the problem. You may need to reline or replace old, corroded pipes to keep them draining as they should.

Sewage or Sulfur Smell

If you notice a foul sewage or sulfur smell around your home, a sewer pipe may have broken beneath your house. This problem needs to be taken care of right away to avoid damage to your foundation. If anyone suffers from allergies, asthma or bronchial problems in your home, the smell alone can pose a risk to their health. It’s best to call a plumber immediately to investigate and rectify the source of your problem.

Warped Hardwood Flooring

Slab leaks are water leaks that occur when corroded water pipes spring leaks or burst under your home. Left unchecked, slab leaks can cause untold damage to your home’s structure. Ceiling stains, persistent wet spots on cement, damp carpeting and warped hardwood flooring are just a few telltale signs of slab leaks. If you suspect you may have water leaks in your foundation, it’s crucial to call a plumber in Ladera Ranch right away.

Low Water Pressure/Running Out of Water

Low water pressure on a consistent basis could be due to a cracked or corroded pipe where water is leaking out. Fractured pipes can also be the source of your household running out of water when you least expect it as your water tanks are emptying at a faster rate.

Loss of water pressure or running water can wreak havoc in a household, making daily activities such as cooking, bathing and clothes washing more difficult. You’ll also be paying more for water consumption and electricity to heat new water to replace the hot water that’s leaking out.

Mold

Water leaks can cause moisture buildup in your home, resulting in the growth of mold. Mold is not only unsightly but can cause any number of health problems. If you notice mold growing in damp areas of your home, call a plumber to check for water leaks and get them fixed. Even small water leaks can cause mold growth over time. A plumber can help repair water leaks to nip this problem in the bud.

Working with a qualified plumber in Ladera Ranch can save you time, money and frustration in protecting your home.