When something goes wrong with your plumbing system, you might be tempted to try to repair it yourself rather than call a plumber. After all, it’s not as if you have a limited supply of tools at your disposal. Unfortunately, this is the kind of DIY mistake that can result in serious injury or property damage. If you attempt to repair your plumbing without the right materials and tools, you could end up causing more harm than good. Fortunately, there are a few signs that will let you know when it is time to call a plumber. Here are some of the most common reasons why you might need to call a plumbing contractor ASAP—before things get ugly!

You smell gas

If you smell gas in your home, it could be a sign that a gas line has been damaged or is leaking. This is obviously not a good thing, and it’s essential that you turn off the main gas valve to prevent a dangerous situation. Unfortunately, there are many ways that gas lines can become damaged. You might have accidentally damaged the line while digging in your yard, or it could have been damaged by an underground animal (like a raccoon or skunk). If you smell gas in your home, it’s best to call a plumber immediately.

Water is flowing from your toilet

If you happen to notice that your toilet is leaking, it’s important to turn off the main water supply and call a plumber immediately. This is a sign that your sewer line has been damaged, and it could result in serious flooding in your home. If you attempt to repair the toilet on your own, you could end up causing more damage than good. The best course of action is to shut off the water supply and call a plumber.

You notice strange noises coming from your pipes

If you hear strange noises coming from your pipes, it could be a sign that there is a problem with your plumbing system. This is obviously not a good thing, and you should shut off the water supply and call a plumber immediately. There are a number of reasons why you might hear strange noises coming from your pipes, including tree roots growing into your sewer line, frozen pipes, and water hammer. If you hear strange noises coming from your pipes, it’s best to shut off the water supply and call a plumber.

Your water bill is skyrocketing

If your water bill is skyrocketing, it could be a sign that your water supply has been contaminated. Unfortunately, this could be the result of a number of issues, including a broken water pipe, a malfunctioning water treatment system, or a leak in the water main. If your water bill is skyrocketing, it is best to shut off the water supply and call a plumber immediately. There are a number of reasons why you might see a spike in your water bill, including high usage, low water pressure, and water leaks.

You suspect that your pipes are frozen

If you suspect that your pipes have frozen, it’s best to shut off the water supply and call a plumber immediately. Unfortunately, this is a relatively common problem in cold climates, and it can be difficult to detect. If you suspect that your pipes have frozen, you should inspect them for visible signs of damage. If you see a visible crack in your pipes, it’s best to shut off the water supply and call a plumber.

Your crawlspace is flooded

If your crawlspace is flooded, it could be a sign that your sewer line has been damaged. Unfortunately, this could be a difficult and dangerous situation to repair. If your crawlspace is flooded, you should shut off the water supply and call a plumber immediately. There are a number of reasons why you might have a flooded crawlspace, including a broken water pipe, a broken sewer line, frozen ground, and a broken water meter. If your crawlspace is flooded, it’s best to shut off the water supply and call a plumber.

The toilet won’t flush

If the toilet won’t flush, it could be a sign that there is a blockage in the toilet or the sewer line. Unfortunately, this is a difficult and dangerous situation to repair. If the toilet won’t flush, you should shut off the water supply and call a plumber immediately. There are a number of reasons why you might have a clogged toilet, including a buildup of hair and soap scum, a broken flush mechanism, or a buildup of grease and oil. If the toilet won’t flush, it’s best to shut off the water supply and call a plumber.

Conclusion

Plumbing problems are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them. If you suspect that you have a plumbing issue, there are a number of steps you can take to avoid further damage and repair the problem as soon as possible. By following these tips, you can avoid the risk of serious injury, save money on repairs, and protect your home from further damage.

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.