Household leaks account for about 10,000 gallons of water lost annually, and 10 percent of homes in the United States experience water leaks that waste approximately 90 gallons of water on average daily.
Though some plumbing issues can be fixed easily, homeowners can take a lot of time to identify where the problem is, and they may need to hire a plumber.
Don’t wait until it’s too late and the damage becomes visible because you’ll spend a lot of cash to have the problem fixed. Homeowners in Portland, OR, should call an emergency plumber when they notice the following signs below.
There’s No Water Available
There’s nothing more disappointing than not having water in your home. If you live in a rental apartment, the first thing is calling your neighbor or the landlord to check if the water has been cut temporarily.
However, if it’s only your room experiencing the problem, water could be leaking due to frozen pipes, major leaks, or the main water line. It’s advisable to call an emergency plumber to solve the problem to avoid hiked water bills.
Slow Drains
You may notice pools of water filling your feet when showering or padding your kitchen sink when cleaning dishes. If this happens in your bathroom, it’s because of hair and gel clogging your pipes. A build-up of food waste or grease can slow your drainage in the kitchen.
Some of these clogs can be undone using a plunger. However, there are some instances that a plunger can’t unclog your pipes so you’ll need to contact an emergency plumber immediately. If you continue using a clogged plumbing system, it can damage your pipes, and you’ll experience long waiting times as the water slowly drains from the kitchen sink and bathroom.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure from faucets causes you to spend much time cleaning dishes or showering. It’s usually a major problem when the water pressure is too slow to flush your toilet. Poor water pressure is caused by stuck debris on the faucet’s aerator. You can easily resolve the problem by scrubbing the aerator. However, doing it several times can end up damaging the faucet aerator.
Additionally, cracked pipes in the walls or beneath the home can slow the water pressure. You’ll have leaks every time you use water and can damage your home’s foundation. If you own a home and you experience low water pressure in more than one fixture, it’s time to call a plumber to address the issue.
Frozen Pipes
This normally happens during winter and can lead to pipe bursts if not fixed promptly. If you turn on your faucet or shower and no water comes out, it’s a sign of a frozen pipe.
Additionally, you can see frost on your pipes or hear banging sounds coming from your pipes, which is an indication that the pipes are frozen. When water freezes in the pipes, it expands rapidly, causing cracks or pipe bursts.
To avoid such instances, you should close your windows to ensure your home is insulated and run water when temperatures become cold. Don’t wait any longer if you encounter such problems. Get in touch with an emergency plumber.
No Hot Water
Every homeowner understands the frustrations of running out of hot water while showering. You could be in the middle of a shower, then suddenly you are hit by cold or hot water.
If you don’t have enough hot water, there could be a problem with your water heater. If you’re in doubt and the problem occurs repeatedly, you may need to contact an emergency plumber to fix the problem. A certified plumber can assess the issue to determine the cause of temperature fluctuations.
Overflowing Toilets
An overflowing toilet is a sign of a problem with the plumbing system. At times it can be addressed by replacing the flapper. However, there are times it’s difficult to locate the real cause, especially if you don’t have a clogged plumbing system.
If your toilet keeps overflowing, try turning off the water source and use other facilities. The water can contaminate the bathroom floor, leading to bacterial growth in the house. When the toilets overflow on their own, it’s time to call an emergency plumber.
Dirty Water
The quality of water coming into your home can impact your health. If you have access to dirty water, it can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, which can cause illnesses to you and your loved ones. If brown water is running from your faucets, it indicates the presence of iron in the water. If the water from your taps isn’t clear, get in touch with a plumber to prevent further health issues.
Sewage Odor
Sometimes sewage smell could be a result of clogging in your plumbing system. The smell is usually unbearable and can harm your health as well as the environment. The odor could be caused by damage to your property due to heavy rains that can cause backups on your sewer systems.
Also, improperly ventilated drain pipes can lead to odor smell penetrating your home. If you own a home in Portland, OR, and your property smells sewage, reach out to an emergency plumber right away.
When You’re In Doubt, Contact an Emergency Plumber
Family-owned and operated since 2005, Pilot Plumbing offers professional residential and commercial plumbing solutions in the greater Portland, OR, area. Our plumbing experts are equipped to perform comprehensive plumbing services, including faucets, bath fixtures, and pipe repairs. With clean and fully stocked trucks, our technicians provide maintenance services and emergency solutions. If you need an emergency plumber, don’t hesitate to call us.
