“How serious is a leaky pipe? Can I fix it myself or should I call a plumber?”
If these questions have been running through your head lately, we can help. The following guide will help you diagnose and address your particular leaky pipe problem. In it, you’ll learn just what to do if you suspect you have a leaky pipe, including when to call a plumber.
The most important thing, though, is that you don’t procrastinate. A leaky pipe can be a big problem, especially the longer you wait to fix it.
Fortunately, these tips will only take you 5 minutes to read. So, without further delay, read on to learn when to call a plumber for a leaky pipe.
Contents
1. Water Is Leaking Inside the House
If it hasn’t rained in a while but your ceiling is dripping, shut off your home’s water supply and call a plumber immediately. (The water shut-off valve should be somewhere near your water heater.) You probably have a burst pipe, which will lead to a burst ceiling if you ignore it.
It’s not worth the delay or the risk to try and patch the pipe yourself. Leave it to a professional plumbing and heating company instead.
2. Other Signs of a Leaky Pipe
Also, dripping isn’t the only sign of a leaky pipe in the house. Mold and mildew, musty odors, and stained paint on your walls and ceiling are also telltale signs. Another sign you’ll notice is when your monthly water bill increases immensely.
You could also have a leak outside the house. For instance, you may notice a large puddle in the lawn where there wasn’t one before. Or, you might find spots where the ground always seems to be moist.
Those signs could indicate a burst pipe underground. This is especially common after very cold winters. Water sometimes freezes and expands inside the pipe, causing it to burst.
Call a plumber right away if you notice any of these signs.
3. Should I Call the Water Company?
It’s free to call the water company and ask if them about the leak, so it can’t hurt, right? Actually, in most cases, it’s kind of a waste of time. And you really can’t afford any delays when it comes to fixing a leaky pipe.
Instead, do this simple test. Shut off your water supply and check your water meter.
If the meter is still going up, the leak is part of your property and the water company won’t fix it. Call a plumber.
But if you have puddles around your house and your meter isn’t changing, there could be a leak in the water company’s lines. In this case, you should definitely give your water company a call.
4. When a DIY Solution Is Appropriate
The only time a DIY solution is even remotely a good idea is when the pipe is easily accessible, like the u-bend pipe under the sink. In fact, this is arguably the only leak you should fix because it’s a drainpipe and not a pipe with running water. For any other pipe leaks, call a plumber.
Now you know what to do about a leaky pipe. But your friends might not. If you know someone who could benefit from this information, please share this guide about when to call a plumber.
Want some more advice? Check our Home and Real Estate blog to learn the benefits of air duct cleaning, green energy systems, and other great ways to improve your home.