There are some plumbing problems that you can attempt to fix on your own and others that require the help of a plumber. Some of the issues that you can try to fix on your own include unclogging a blocked toilet, clearing up a slow drain, and replacing a faulty flapper valve to address the problem of a continuously running toilet. 

When it comes to unclogging a blocked toilet, you can use a plunger to loosen the clog. For a blocked drain, methods such as the use of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water can help you clear the clog. You can also use a drain snake to clear clogs located deeper inside the drain. 

As noted above, it is not always possible to address plumbing issues using the DIY approach. Some plumbing problems are more complicated or difficult to diagnose, meaning that you will need the help of a plumber when you spot them. Below are seven signs that you need to talk to a plumber immediately. 

 

• Bad odors

 

Various factors cause bad smells in the plumbing. For example, clogs in the sink drain, toilet, and bathroom drains can cause bad smells. In the case of sink drains, accumulation of materials such as food particles, soap scum, and grease in the P-trap and other sections of the sink drain is one of the most common causes of bad smell in the plumbing. The odor is felt as the deposited materials decay and produce foul gases. 

Dry pipes and leaks can also cause bad odors in the plumbing due to cracked pipes and loose pipe joints. Dry pipes, for instance, lack the mechanism to prevent bad smells in drains from venting out into the atmosphere. Similarly, leaks can cause smelly wastewater to accumulate in the kitchen, bathroom, or any other area and cause bad odors.

Since there are so many possible causes of bad odors in the plumbing system, it is advisable to talk to a plumber immediately if you cannot pinpoint the origin of any bad smell that emanates from your plumbing.

 

• Leaks of any type or size

 

If you notice a leak of any size in a plumbing system, be it a pipe or a water heater, you should let a professional plumber inspect the damage. Leaks occur due to problems such as cracks in pipes, loose pipe joints, broken or damaged pipes, faulty valves, and many others. Leaks can also happen as a result of old pipes. The leakage may appear small on the surface but cause notable damage. For example, leaks in pipes located near the foundation can cause severe structural damage to the foundation. 

There are also scenarios in which it may be challenging to identify the exact location of a leak. As well, leaks in equipment such as water heaters may require advanced expertise to fix. Therefore, if you spot a leakage in your plumbing, you should call or talk to a plumber immediately. 

 

• A faulty water heater

 

Water heaters can develop numerous types of problems, including loose pipe joints, broken valves, and thermostats, no hot water, producing strange noises, and producing smelly or dirty water. Because a water heater has many connections and systems, it may not be able to appropriately fix some of the problems that it develops on your own if you are not a skilled plumber. If you suspect that your water heater has an issue that you cannot fix by yourself, you should contact a plumber. 

 

• Backflow

 

Backflow is one of the worst plumbing problems that you can experience. Backflow refers to the unwanted flow of any liquid in a pipe or drains in the opposite direction. Backflow can cause issues such as water from the toilet cistern flowing back into the main water pipe, or wastewater getting mixed with clean water. When backflow occurs, you can experience issues such as smelly water, a clogged toilet, or rugs getting damaged by the water that is flowing backward. 

The cause of backflow in your building may not be easy to identify. You should always call a plumber to diagnose and fix your plumbing when you notice a backflow. 

 

• Slow drainage

 

Slow drainage gets manifested through issues such as clogged or partially draining sinks drains, toilets, and bathroom drains. Kitchen sinks are particularly susceptible to slow drainage due to the accumulation of insoluble food particles, grease, and soap scum in the P-trap. Slow drainage in bathrooms may get caused by the buildup of gels and hair in the drains. Toilets can become clogged due to the presence of materials such as sanitary pads or enormous chunks of toilet paper in the pipe. 

If clogs occur in the deeper sections of the drains, they can cause slow drainage even if the materials are not visible. Talking to a plumber will help you solve this problem. 

 

• Gurgling sounds

 

Gurgling sounds in the sink or toilet indicate that there is some negative air pressure as a result of a blockage in the drain. The gurgling sound means that there is no clear passage for water from the sink or toilet to flow through the pipe. If the cause of the gurgling sound does not get diagnosed, it can lead to more severe issues such as complete drain blockage, damage to a sink’s P-trap, and backflow. If you talk to a plumber, you will get a way of fixing the gurgling sound problem. 

 

• Sound of running water in pipes located underneath the wall

 

If you hear water running through the pipes in walls, even when there is no one in the kitchen or restroom, this is an indication that there could be a leak somewhere. You need to contact a plumber as soon as possible to have the issue fixed. 

Conclusion

You can attempt to fix some plumbing issues on your own, but when it comes to matters that need an expert’s help, you should always talk to a plumber. By calling a plumber or making a video chat with them, you can have your problem resolved before it develops into a severe issue.