It’s a nagging drip drip drip or a clogged pipe, how hard of a fix could it be? Well, some plumbing problems look like a simple fix. But it’s precisely those moments that you end up knee-deep in mucky water, or cause yourself an even larger repair bill. Everyone likes to DIY– you learn a skill and you save yourself some money! That being said, sometimes a disaster is disguised as a minor problem, and you need a plumber.

If you’re unsure whether or not your plumbing problem needs a professional, keep on reading to find out if you need a plumber nearby.

Top Signs You Need a Plumber

Did you know that on average, Canadians consume twice as much water compared to Europeans? It’s rather normal for a household family to consume up to 335 litres of water daily! That means that when you have a plumbing problem that’s stopping you from accessing your water– you’ve got a big problem!

Let’s see if your plumbing problem is actually a plumbing disaster:

Do I need a plumber?

If you have any of these problems, chances are the problem is out of your hands. If that’s the case, don’t hesitate. Save yourself the money and hassle, and let the experts handle it.

Do you see your plumbing emergency below? If so, Call the Plumbing medic here! We’ll send over an expert in no time.

1. There is no water

There’s nothing worse than waking up to a weekday with no water running at all. The first thing you should do is call your neighbours and check if they are experiencing the same issue. If so, a plumber can help direct you to the correct city official. If the problem is only in your house, then it’s likely you’ve got a major issue going on. Having no water can be a major sign of an impending plumbing disaster. It means that either there is no water coming to your home, or the water that is coming is going where it’s not meant to be.

Sometimes you’ll have cold water, but no hot water. Keep reading to find out if you need a plumber in this case.

2. There is no hot water

If you’re going to shower after everyone of your family members and there is no hot water, then there’s a good chance that there’s nothing wrong. That being said, if it takes hours for the water to heat, or it doesn’t return at all, you know it’s time to call a plumber. The danger here is that the issue could be electrical. To make sure everything is safe, your plumber will probably check your igniters, fuses, thermostat,  and heating elements. If you’re not a skilled professional, these tasks can be quite dangerous. Best to avoid the risk and call a plumber.

3. Your water heater is sweating

So you have some cold and hot water, but when you go to check the heater it looks like it’s sweating. Well that can’t be good, right? A sweating water heater indicates that there is a leak. If you catch this problem early, the fix can actually be quite simple. If you catch it too late, there are a few signs to look out for:

• Rust
• Corrosion
• Pools of water

One or all of these issues means that the leak has been around a while or is large. In that case, you need to make a plumber service call.

4. Low water pressure

When your water seems to choke and spurt before it comes out, or if it only comes out in a weak stream, it’s usually a good idea to give a plumber a call. Although, if the faucet is in the bathroom, you could try unscrewing the aerator or a vinegar soak. These quick fixes work if the problem is sediment build-up. If these tips don’t work though, the problem is deeper. In that case, only a plumber’s specialized tools and knowledge can fix the root issue. And funny enough, the issue might actually be roots in your pipes!

If you have low pressure coming from your shower, there are a couple of simple fixes you could try. Check out our article here for more information!

5. Clogged drain

Clogs are one of the most common plumbing problems, from pipes to drains and toilets. Some of these clogs can be worked out with something as simple as a drain snake. Others, however, are a huge bill waiting to happen with one wrong twist of a wrench. Because clogs can be serious problems, plumbers will use speciality tools to get them out. Different types of clogs require different solutions.

For example, a grease build up could be solved by high pressure cleaning. Check out our article on high-pressure drain cleaning here.

6. Your house smells like sewage

Of all the plumbing disasters, this is probably the worst one to wake up to! And no doubt, if you smell sewage in your home, you’re not likely to DIY this problem! There can be many causes for overflowing toilets, which can be really confusing.  When in doubt, remember this: if your toilet or fixture is overflowing on its own, stop the main water and call a plumber immediately. You don’t want to wait for the water damage to happen!

Did you see your plumbing emergency in our guide? If not and you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Call Plumbing Medic for a Plumbing Service Call

The most important thing to remember when considering whether or not you need a plumber is that some problems can’t be handled alone. A special tool is often required for a permanent fix, and that means equipment and practical skill that a DIY plumber just doesn’t have.

Our plumbers are experts at solving your plumbing problem quickly and affordably. Whether you need repair, installation, or maintenance, we have the right solution for you.

Don’t hesitate to call us with your plumbing emergency now!