Plumbing has an important job when it comes to keeping your home operating normally, but what do you do in case of a problem? Many homeowners choose to handle plumbing issues themselves, but there are times when it’s best to leave the work to the pros.

Many common plumbing emergencies can cause significant damage to the house, so time is of the essence whenever you need plumbing emergency services near you. To help save your home and prevent major damage, here’s a list of warning signs to let you know when you need a plumber’s help ASAP.

Burst pipes

Burst pipes are one of the more obvious signs of an immediate problem. One of the clear indicators your pipes have burst somewhere is if you have water coming into the house, but you can’t find out where. High water consumption is another indicator of a leak, so pay attention to your monthly bill to help detect any irregularities. This is definitely one of those problems you shouldn’t do yourself.

A professional plumber has the expertise to locate the affected pipe, which may be in a hard-to-reach area like behind the walls or underground. They offer plumbing repairs in Winnipeg. Pipes are particularly prone to bursting in winter when water can freeze and expand against the pipes.

Continual dripping

At first glance, a dripping faucet may not seem like much of a problem, but over time, it can cost you a considerable sum in water bills. Once you notice any dripping faucets, call your plumber immediately to take care of the problem before the costs add up.

One cause of a leaky faucet is a malfunction with the valve controlling the on/off setting on the taps or showerhead. If left untreated, the issue can cause serious damage to the plumbing as a whole, so contact a plumbing service right away. Dripping can also be caused by cracks in the pipes, incorrectly-installed elements, or pressure buildup. Whatever the cause, a plumber has the training and tools to diagnose the problem and offer a solution.

Make plumber visits more efficient by taking note of all the problems you’re experiencing. Once the plumber arrives, you’ll have a more comprehensive list so you can get all the problems taken care of all at once.

Lack of hot water

It’s normal to have little hot water remaining after someone’s taken a long shower. Hot water tanks have a maximum capacity, and it takes time to heat up the water again if you use too much hot water too quickly. However, if you’re turning on the hot water for the first time and not getting any, you have a problem. A water heater and the related systems are complex machines, so it’s best to turn to a plumbing company in Winnipeg for help.

Plumbers (and possibly HVAC technicians) have the skills to look at the system and identify any issues, giving you a working solution more efficiently. Sometimes, the problem arises from the water heater being too small, and a plumber can offer a helping hand in that case as well. They can offer some suggestions about the right size you’ll need for a new heater, and help out with installing the hot water tank after you’ve made your choice.

Slow drainage

If you’re noticing it’s taking a little longer to drain after taking a shower or when washing the dishes, you may have a drainage problem. A little clogging is normal, and minor clogs can be cleared up with a plunger and a little muscle. However, if the problem persists, or you experience recurring clogging, it’s time to call a plumber now. It can be difficult to tell what’s causing the clogging from where you’re standing, but plumbers have the tools to reach down the drain and dislodge whatever’s holding up the water flow.

Plumbers can have access to a plumber’s snake to reach down the drain and remove the blockage, or they can use a specialized camera to take a look and diagnose the problem. Gurgling noises when water drains is another indicator of a serious block. The noise is the sound of air bubbles kicking back up as the water struggles to make its way down the drain. Stay vigilant for any problems with the drains and address them right away when they occur.

Low water pressure

It may sound like a simple problem, but low water pressure may need the attention of plumbing services. While Winnipeg and other major cities can experience fluctuating water pressure from the municipal line, it may also indicate a problem with a blocked faucet aerator or a pipe leak. If you’ve scrubbed the faucet or soaked it in vinegar to remove the block and the problem persists, it’s a good idea to call for emergency plumbing services. It’s often difficult to pinpoint the major cause of low water pressure without the proper tools and training, so leave it to your local plumbers to tackle the issue.

In some cases, the problem may be caused by leaky pipes in the walls, which would need a professional plumber. Every time you use a faucet, water can leak from those pipes, which can cause serious damage to the surrounding areas and bring up your utility costs. Call for a plumber right away to get to the heart of the problem and get a faster, more efficient solution.

Unusual smells

Unusual smells are another common clue that something is wrong. Sometimes, backups or clogs can create smells that permeate the area, making it difficult to stay nearby. Foul odours can also be caused by broken sewage pipes or backed-up pipes. Whatever the cause, smells are a strong indicator of an issue with the plumbing.

Call a plumber right away to solve the problem. In many cases, it’s difficult to get to the source of the smells and do something about it without the right training and tools. Count on a local plumber to diagnose the issue and find a solution for you.

Soggy basement

In case of heavy rains, it’s not uncommon to experience basement flooding. However, if it happens a little too regularly, it may not entirely be the weather’s fault. Leaky pipes and faulty waterproofing may be letting in water, adding to the flooding and increasing the risks of water damage.

Get a plumber’s help locating the issue so you can identify the problem and get it taken care of. Aside from the water damage flooding causes, the damp environment also encourages mould growth. Mould can cause respiratory problems, so address the flooding problem right away to nip it in the bud before it causes more serious harm.

In case of a plumbing emergency, it helps to know a reliable plumber in Winnipeg who offers quality work. At The Pleasant Plumber Inc., we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services to help out any time a crisis strikes. Give us a call now at (204) 930-9630 any plumbing emergency.