Debbie Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, day or night. It’s essential to recognize the signs that indicate a problem with your drain and sewer lines before it’s too late. Here are five common red flags that you need emergency rooter service:
Water Pressure Drops
When your water pressure suddenly drops, it is likely caused by something out of your control. It could be a problem with the city’s water supply or nearby homes.
The first step is to determine if this is a widespread issue by asking your neighbors if they are also experiencing low water pressure. If the problem affects multiple locations around your house, it may indicate a plumbing leak somewhere in your pipes.
If the issue only affects one fixture, it could be a clogged aerator or cartridge in your sink or shower head. In most cases, removing these items will help restore your water pressure to normal.
If you still have low water pressure after trying these tips, it may be time to call a plumber. A professional will be able to diagnose the cause and fix it quickly. This will save you the frustration of dealing with a water crisis alone. It will also prevent further damage to your pipes and fixtures.
Discolored Water
While most cases of discolored water do not pose a health concern, it can be alarming. Whether it is yellow, brown, or orange, a change in water appearance could indicate a problem with your sound system that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
A sudden color change may also indicate new sediment in your pipes caused by the natural breakdown of organic material or from mining and excavation near your well. This is not only a potential health hazard but can also cause corrosion and damage to your water pipes.
First, determine the source of the color. If the discoloration is only present in cold water, it is likely caused by harmless air bubbles, as cold water holds more air than warm. Run a few cold faucets for one to two minutes, which usually clears up the problem. If the discoloration occurs in hot and cold water, it’s more likely due to mineral deposits that have been stirred up from WSSC water system work or plumbing issues.
Water Stains
Stains and spots on your fixtures, dishes, and clothing can indicate water contaminants. Various things can cause these, but stains typically appear around your sinks, showers, and faucets. Depending on the minerals in your water, these stains can be nearly every rainbow color. Black stains usually indicate a high level of manganese in your water. This is common in well water systems but can also occur with city water. Yellow or orange stains are often caused by high levels of iron in your water. These stains may be more difficult to remove and are usually caused by untreated hard water.
Sewer stains indicate that it’s time for emergency rooter service. Your sewer line drains wastewater and waste into the public sewer system. If damaged, it can lead to sewage backup inside your home. This is a very messy and dangerous situation, so it’s essential to have your sewer lines checked regularly. Signs of a sewer problem include a strong odor, spongy grass in the yard, and standing or clogged drains.
Water Leaks
Water leaks are a significant problem for any house and can lead to massive damage. They’re also a giant money pit, so catching them as early as possible is essential. There are a few signs to look out for, such as unexplained puddles, damp areas, or musty smells.
Another sign is a higher-than-usual water bill. This is often caused by a pipe that’s been damaged. Another common cause of leaks is temperature changes. This can cause pipes to expand and contract, which may cause them to move or crack. This can also be caused by tree roots interfering with water lines, so it’s essential to check around the yard for any signs of this regularly.
The best way to find a leak is by turning off all the water-use appliances in your house and checking the water meter. If the dials are still moving, there’s a leak in the pipes. This is usually a good indicator that you need to call in a plumber.
Sewer Backup
When your home’s sewer line is blocked or broken, wastewater and raw sewage will return to your drains. This is a significant emergency that requires immediate professional attention. Sewage backups can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your property. You’ll know it’s time to call a plumber when you see wetness around your floor drains in your basement, garage, or laundry room. Wetness also often appears in the toilets and bathtubs, although it can be found anywhere a drain is located.
Your home’s main sewer lines can get clogged as easily as individual drain pipes, especially with hair, soap scum, and cooking grease. When this happens, sewage will back into your home’s drains and toilets, leading to health hazards like Shigella, E. coli, Giardia, and Rotavirus.
In addition to the apparent signs of sewage backup, you may also notice that your yard is becoming increasingly soggy and moist. Puddles that take a long time to disappear and squelching noises while walking on the soil are additional signs of a malfunctioning or damaged sewer line.
