8 Signs It’s Time to Call a Plumber

With more people staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, your house’s plumbing system is being used more every day by all your household members. The problem with the overactivity in water usage in your home is that at any given time, plumbing emergencies can occur.

Some plumbing problems might look like a simple DIY project. However, toilets, sinks, and bathtubs can get more damaged if you don’t know exactly what is triggering the problem. We don’t recommend taking on plumbing issues on your own because you can potentially do more harm than good.

So, what should you look out for when a plumbing problem arises? At Brothers Plumbing, we have been offering a variety of plumbing services in Toronto for over 50 years, so we know how to remedy plumbing issues before they become too big. Let’s take a closer look at 8 signs it’s time to call a plumber.

1. Toilet keeps overflowing

You noticed that 20 minutes ago, you flushed the toilet, but it continues to keep running and filling up. At first, you might turn a blind eye because, after all, the toilet is constantly being used.
However, a toilet that keeps filling up after each use and starts overflowing is a sign that something serious is going on with your plumbing system.

In common cases, the seal that connects the toilet tank to its bowl might get damaged; when the seal gets damaged, water leaks and keeps the tank filling up with water. This is what causes the constant sound of the water running in your toilet, and it’s best a plumber comes in to fix this problem.

2. No hot water

Hot water is an important necessity in all households for providing water for showers, cooking, and laundry. So what happens when you turn on the sink, and there’s no hot water? There are several reasons for this, including a malfunctioning water heater, an electrical problem, or a plumbing issue. In any case, if you discover that your water is not turning hot from all faucets, it’s best to call a professional plumber to take a look.

3. No water at all

Next to no hot water, turning on the faucet to discover no water coming out at all is very concerning. You might rack your brain and try to remember if you paid the water bill, and if you did and all faucets aren’t producing water, then there is a serious plumbing issue. In some instances, blocked pipes or leaks could be the cause. In any situation, you shouldn’t investigate your indoor plumbing since they are concealed under your home, and it could get dangerous. It’s time to call a plumber who can diagnose the problem and get the water running again in your home.

4. Drains are clogged

Sinks and bathtubs are more prone to getting clogged due to things like hair and grease build-up. If you have tried using a plunger and it got clogged again, you should call a plumber to take a look. Plumbers have special tools such as cameras to insert into the pipes connected to your tubs and sinks. From there, they will be able to diagnose the main cause of the stoppage and use the proper tools to unclog them permanently.

5. Washing machine hose is leaky

In every household, the laundry needs to be done regularly. So, if you discover your washing machine’s hose is leaking due to a crack or bulge, we recommend you call a professional plumber to repair with their special tools. Since the washing machine is constantly being used, we don’t recommend that you apply the “wait and see” approach because mould develops very quickly in the back of the washing machine and will eventually affect its performance.

6. Burst pipes

During the winter months, water can freeze in the lines of your home’s pipes, causing them to burst. The colder the weather gets, the longer water stays frozen in your pipes, which eventually leads to water damage. It’s best to seek professional plumbing services immediately before it gets worse.

7. Dripping faucets

Dripping faucets might seem like a minor issue in the beginning. Before you know it, though, months pass and the dripping becomes more frequent. If one of your faucets starts dripping at a faster rate, it might be coming from a crack in one of the pipes, but that’s not always the case. Call a professional plumber to diagnose the problem. They will determine the causes such as water pressure build-up or if an old bracket needs to be replaced.

8. Leaky water heater

A water heater that starts leaking should be addressed right away because, in the long run, it can cause property damage in the basement. We recommend that you do not attempt to repair the water heater yourself, as you risk getting burned or injured. Since water heaters are specific appliances that only certified contractors can repair, you need to call a plumbing contractor to determine what is causing the leak.

There you have the 8 signs it’s time to call a plumber. The thing about spotting minor water issues is to observe how things are running on a weekly basis. Check the toilets after flushing to make sure they aren’t overflowing, that faucets are not leaking when shut off, and that the sink and tub drains are not clogged.

On a monthly basis, especially during the winter months, inspect the water heater to see it isn’t leaking. Check the back of the washing machine to ensure the hose is not leaking or damaged. Whenever there is no water or hot water coming out of the faucet, seek a plumber’s assistance immediately.

If you would like a free quote on plumbing services in your home, our professional plumbers at Brothers Plumbing are here to help you in Toronto and throughout the GTA region. Call us toll-free at 1-800-742-0018 or contact us here.