Plumbing issues can cost you a lot of money if they are not dealt with promptly. However, if you know when to call a plumber, you can save both time and money. 

Leaky pipes may seem like a minor nuisance, but they can cause significant damage and increase your water bill significantly over time. If you notice a sewage smell or other signs of a leaky pipe, call a plumber immediately. 

1. Leaky Pipes 

Leaky pipes are one of the most common plumbing problems and if they go unrepaired can lead to significant water damage and even mold in your home. If you notice a sudden increase in your water bill or have noticed wet patches, sinkholes, and/or reduced water pressure it could be a sign of a leaky pipe. 

When a plumber initially installs your home’s piping, seals are placed around the water connectors to ensure there are no leaks. However, over time these can wear down or break, causing leaks. 

A single leaky faucet may not seem like a big deal, but it can waste up to 34 gallons of water per hour. That’s a lot of money wasted and an unnecessary strain on your piping system. The quicker you spot a leak, the sooner a plumber can fix it and save you money. 

2. Frozen Pipes 

Frozen pipes are a serious problem that can lead to costly water damage. To avoid frozen pipes, keep the temperature in your home higher than normal during cold weather, insulate attics and crawl spaces, and open cabinet doors to improve airflow. 

You can also thaw out frozen pipes by using common heat sources, like wrapping a heating pad around a pipe or blasting it with hot water from a hair dryer. However, if you can't locate a frozen pipe or if it's located behind walls and in other hard-to reach places, call a plumber right away. 

When you call a plumber to unthaw your frozen pipes, they'll use high-quality equipment that will heat and agitate the ice and water in your plumbing system. This will prevent the ice from expanding at a rate that your plumbing can't handle and can save you the hassle and expense of a burst pipe. Plus, plumbing professionals can make sure your pipes are fully insulated to prevent freezing in the future. 

3. Sewage Backups 

Sewage backups are extremely unpleasant, but they also pose serious health risks. The sewage water in these backups is heavily contaminated with bacteria, viruses and other harmful organisms. If you come into contact with this contaminated water, you could suffer from various illnesses, including Hepatitis A and Gastroenteritis. 

Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent a blocked drain in Melbourne, sewer line clogs,and sewage backups. These include regularly having your pipes inspected by a professional and refraining from pouring grease down your drains or flushing paper products other than toilet paper down the commode. 

If you notice wastewater backing up into your sinks, tubs or showers, call a plumber right away. It’s important to take immediate action as sewage backups can cause significant damage to your home and belongings. You can also protect yourself by wearing a face mask, safety goggles and rubber gloves while cleaning up the mess. You should also turn off electricity in any areas where wastewater or sewage water may be present, as it can cause severe electrical damage. 

4. Water Damage 

Water damage can be a devastating event. It destroys building materials, damages appliances, and can cause health issues from mold and mildew that thrive in moist environments. Not to mention that it is expensive and time consuming to repair and restore. 

Even a small leak can create long-lasting, hard to correct damage to a home or commercial property. It only takes an inch or two of water to saturate insulation, de laminate drywall, short circuit electrical systems and more. 

Water can also create structural problems like rotting wood and weaken foundations. It is crucial to act quickly when a problem occurs to limit the damage. If it is safe to do so, open windows and doors to air out the space as much as possible, remove wet items and place them in a sunny area to dry, and turn off circuit breakers for wet areas. Keeping up with maintenance and performing regular plumbing checkups can help prevent water emergencies in the first place.