When something goes wrong with your plumbing, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Even a small issue with your pipes or faucets can lead to higher bills and maintenance problems down the road. If you notice that your water bill is higher than usual or if there’s a strange smell coming from your drains, it might be time for a plumbing repair. However, not every plumbing problem is easy to solve. If you notice any of these red flags during a home inspection, it’s best to contact a plumbing contractor as soon as possible. Here are some common signs that indicate your plumbing might need a professional’s assistance.

Water that smells like rotten eggs or sewage

If you notice a strong sewage smell coming from your drains, it’s a good idea to call a plumber. Sewage smells can indicate a variety of problems, including a clogged sewer line or faulty septic tank. In some cases, sewage backups can cause serious damage to your property.A foul-smelling water supply can indicate a variety of problems, including a faulty water heater or a build-up of bacteria and minerals in your pipes. If you notice a strong sewage smell or a rotten-egg smell in your water supply, it’s best to shut off the water to your house and contact a plumber.

Water that is discolored or dirty-looking

If you notice that your water is discolored or dirty-looking, it’s a good idea to contact a plumber. A variety of issues can cause water to become discolored or dirty-looking, including a build-up of minerals, a faulty water softener, or a build-up of bacteria. If you have a septic tank, an occasional discoloration of water is normal. However, a consistent discoloration could be a sign of a larger problem.If you notice a persistent discoloration of water, it’s best to contact a plumber. A clogged or damaged septic tank can cause a discoloration of water. A faulty water softener can cause a discoloration of water in some cases. A build-up of bacteria can cause a discoloration of water that is not normal.

Water that runs constantly or slowly

If you notice a continuous flow of water coming from your faucets or drains, it’s a good idea to contact a plumber. A continuous flow of water could indicate a broken water pipe or a faulty water heater. If you notice a slow flow of water, it’s best to contact a plumber as soon as possible. A slow flow of water can indicate a clogged pipe, a broken water heater, or a faulty water softener.If you notice a continuous flow of water, it’s best to contact a plumber. A slow flow of water can indicate a clogged pipe, a faulty water softener, or a faulty water heater. A continuous flow of water can also indicate a broken water pipe.

Water that comes out of the faucets with a low pressure

If you notice a low pressure in your house, it’s a good idea to contact a plumber. A low pressure can indicate a variety of problems, including a faulty water softener, a clogged water main, or a broken water pipe.If you notice a low pressure in your house, it’s best to contact a plumber. A low pressure can indicate a variety of problems, including a faulty water softener, a clogged water main, or a broken water pipe. A low pressure can also indicate a broken water heater.If you notice a low pressure in your house, it’s best to contact a plumber. A low pressure can indicate a variety of problems, including a faulty water softener, a clogged water main, or a broken water pipe. A low pressure can also indicate a broken water heater.

No hot water at all

If you notice that you have no hot water, it’s a good idea to contact a plumber. A variety of issues can cause a lack of hot water, including a faulty water heater, a broken water pipe, or a clogged water main.If you notice a lack of hot water, it’s best to contact a plumber. A lack of hot water can indicate a variety of problems, including a faulty water heater, a broken water pipe, or a clogged water main. A lack of hot water can also indicate a broken water heater.If you notice a lack of hot water, it’s best to contact a plumber. A lack of hot water can indicate a variety of problems, including a faulty water heater, a broken water pipe, or a clogged water main.

Toilet constantly running or flushing slowly

If you notice that your toilet is running constantly or flushing slowly, it’s a good idea to contact a plumber. A variety of issues can cause a toilet to run constantly or flush slowly, including a faulty flush mechanism, a clogged toilet, or a broken toilet tank float.If you notice that your toilet is running constantly or flushing slowly, it’s best to contact a plumber. A running toilet can indicate a variety of problems, including a faulty flush mechanism, a clogged toilet, or a broken toilet tank float. A flushing toilet can also indicate a broken toilet tank fill valve.

If you’re ready to find a plumbing contractor in your area, you can search online for “plumbing contractors near me” and find a list of local companies who can help you out. You can also try calling your local hardware store and asking if they know any local plumbing contractors they can recommend.

Frequently Asked Question

Most plumbers charge an average of $70 to $120 per hour before trip fees and materials. Rates can range as high as $200 or as low as $45. A plumber's hourly rate covers their wages, insurance premiums, union dues, overhead, equipment, vehicle maintenance, and tools.
The national average cost to repair pipes is $150-$205, but prices range anywhere from $50- $733. Hourly plumber rates range from $55-$195 per hour for pipe repairs.
Rough-in plumbing for new construction costs $8,000 to $12,000, or about or about $4.50 per square foot for an average 2,000 square foot home with 2 or 3 bathrooms. Repiping an existing home the same size runs $3,100 to $5,500, or $0.40 to $2.00 per linear foot.
Water pipes – Leaking water pipes cost an average of $150 to $350 to repair. Finding the leak may cost an additional $100. Drywall repair costs an additional $250 to $750, depending on the hole's size and location. If a pipe froze and burst, you might be looking at paying $1,000 to $4,000 in water damage and cleanup.