5 Plumbing Issues You Shouldn't Wait to Fix

Plumbing issues always seem to appear at the worst possible time—just before you’re about to leave for vacation or in the middle of an expensive Christmas. While you can delay addressing some of them until a more convenient time, others will need to be addressed urgently. 

But how do you know which plumbing issues can wait, and which need to be fixed ASAP? We’re sharing every potentially major problem you need to be aware of in this guide. 

Burst or Leaking Pipes

If you notice a pipe that’s leaking or has burst, this is obviously a plumbing issue that you need to address immediately. Burst pipes or substantial leaks can cause major water damage fast, and you may end up having to spend even more money on replacing carpet or repainting damaged walls. Plus, having water leaking out of your pipes will increase your water bill quickly.

The first thing to do is shut off your water to prevent any more damage. Once you’ve done this, call in professional help. Choose a company with the capacity to provide emergency response, like Military Plumbing.

Blocked Drains

Blocked drains are another plumbing issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If your sinks and showers are taking much longer than normal to drain, they’re probably blocked with debris like grease and hair.

You might think a blocked drain isn’t an emergency, but it can lead to pipe damage or even sewage backup if you ignore it for too long. Plus, those bad drain smells will only get worse, and bacteria will spread the longer the blockage is allowed to sit. If you’ve tried the DIY drain unblocking methods and they haven’t worked, you’ll want to call a professional.

Constantly Running Toilet

A toilet that’s constantly running ends up wasting a huge amount of water every day. You might have learned to live with the trickling water noise, but you’ll still be spending more than necessary on your water bill.

The good news is that this is an easy fix (often coming down to replacing a faulty flapper or float). If you’re not a fan of DIY or don’t want to learn a bit of basic plumbing, you can call a plumber to fix the issue within an hour.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure that isn’t explained by your water company (due to repair work or a burst pipe further up the line, for instance) might signal a hidden leak or corrosion within your own water supply system. 

Nobody wants to live with low water pressure. You’ll end up showering in a trickle of water, and your appliances like washing machines and dishwashers may be unable to perform properly. Call a plumber to address the issue ASAP, especially if you’re not sure about the cause—the last thing you want is to ignore an issue, only for it to escalate into a major leak or burst pipe.

Water Heater Issues

Finally, if you suddenly have no hot water or your hot water temperature is inconsistent, you’re probably dealing with water heater issues. This is especially likely if you’re hearing unusual noises, like banging and whining, coming from the heater.

The cause of the problem might be anything from sediment build-up or a failing component, and leaving certain problems too long before you address them might cause your heater to completely break down. Having to fully replace your heater is far more expensive than a repair, so call a plumber as soon as you notice an issue.