Most plumbers will impassionately tell you that no household plumbing problem – big or small – should be ignored. Professional help is a mere phone call away. However, some plumbing issues are legitimately more ominous than others. And, by ignoring these specific issues, you’re running the risk of experiencing a plumbing emergency at some point. An emergency that could’ve been completed prevented had you not ignored the warning signs preceding it. Plumbing emergencies generally involve expensive repairs and are often accompanied by significant property damage. It’s within your best interests to call a plumber immediately if you encounter any of the following.

Plumbing Issues You Shouldn’t Overlook

Frequent Clogged Drains

It’s okay to not overreact to a single drain clog. While we strongly discourage the use of commercially sold liquid drain cleaners, if just one drain in your house is acting up, generally a plunger or drain snake is all you’ll need to clear it.

That said, if you’re experiencing repeated clogged drains, or more than one drain in your home is clogged, this could be a sign of a more serious plumbing issue. A clog that’s potentially deep within your pipes or possibly within the sewer line itself. These types of clogs or any heavy buildup of deposits will require professional drain cleaning.

Decreased Water Pressure

Noticing a lower water pressure when you run faucets in your home? There could be many reasons for lower-than-usual water pressure in your house.

First, the culprit may not necessarily be your home’s plumbing system. It might be a temporary municipal problem. Construction near your home could impact water pressure. So can an issue with your municipal system. This is why you should first ask your neighbors if they’re also experiencing low water pressure.

If the problem persists, and it doesn’t appear to be a neighborhood issue, there could be major water leaks throughout your house or a water main blockage.

Pipe Burst

A lot of people in California are caught off guard by pipe bursts. They associate a burst pipe with cold temperatures and frozen pipes. But many Southern California homeowners have had a pipe burst in their house. Reasons for burst pipes in this region range from old corroded pipes to tree root infiltration and ground shifts from mudslides, landslides or construction.

If you suspect a burst pipe, immediately shut off the water in your home (make sure you know where your water main’s shut-off valve is) and then contact a plumber as soon as possible.

Water Stains on the Ceiling

One warning sign of a pipe leak from above is a reddish-brown discoloration on the drywall of the ceiling below it. This is especially concerning if the overhead room is a bathroom. A bathroom’s plumbing system is complicated and the potential for extensive water damage and expensive repairs is high. You also don’t want to ignore staining since the water damage could be severe enough for a floor collapse. You’ll want a plumber to assess the situation sooner rather than later.


Need Residential Plumbing Repairs in Ventura & Los Angeles Counties?

If you need a reliable Los Angeles and Ventura area residential plumber, call T-Top Plumbing Co, Inc. at (805) 527-8867. Our licensed and extensively-trained plumbing professionals can handle any plumbing job big or small!