# **Reasons It's Time to Call a Plumber** A plumber is a professional who installs and repairs pipes that carry water and sewage. They are trained to spot problems before they become disasters and can save homeowners lots of frustration, time and money. Sometimes it is obvious when to call a plumber, like if your toilet is overflowing or there’s no water coming out of your faucet. Most times most plumbing problems should be handled by a professional. Sites like Https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ will give you more information on plumbing services. **Clogged Drains** If you notice that your sink, toilet or shower is draining slowly, it's time to call in a plumber. This is a sign that there is a blockage somewhere in the pipes. The water that flows through the pipes contains dissolved minerals which can build up over time. This will cause slow drainage and low water pressure. Some of the most common causes of blocked drains include items being flushed down the toilet that are not meant to be there (including baby wipes and sanitary products). Fats from cooking can also solidify into blockages in your drains. If these blockages aren't dealt with quickly, they can cause overflowing drains and even damage your sewer pipe. Another issue is that your drains could be damaged by tree roots. You can help prevent this by ensuring that any trees near your drains are well-maintained. **Leaky Pipes** If your water bill spikes without explanation, it could be a sign that you have leaky pipes. Even small leaks should be taken seriously because they can cause serious damage to your home and lead to higher water bills. Leaking pipes can also ruin the structural integrity of your home, causing warped and stained walls, and invasive mold growth. Getting your leaky pipes repaired as soon as possible will save you money on repair costs and will keep your house safe and healthy. Before plumbers enter your home, they will often check other areas of your house to make sure they have identified the source of the problem. You can help them by clearing the area around your toilet, shower and sinks to give them easy access to the leaking pipe. It will also give them a chance to spot other problems like clogged drains that may need to be addressed before they start working on the leaking pipe. **Low Water Pressure** Just like cholesterol can clog your veins, limescale and other mineral deposits can restrict the diameter of pipes, causing low water pressure. If you turn on your shower and the water sprays out, but not with the normal pressure, it is time to call a plumber. Homeowners should always check the main shut-off valve on their property’s water supply to make sure it is open all the way. For city residences, this can be found at street level on the water meter outside or in the basement of their house. It may be closed for street work or due to a city-wide outage. If the problem is city-wide, a plumber will be needed to help determine the cause and address it. Low water pressure isn’t just annoying but it limits what you can do with your household appliances and can even reduce the value of your home. Calling a professional as soon as you notice low water pressure will ensure you get back to normal in no time. **Burst Pipes** If you have a sinking feeling that a water pipe has burst, you need to act quickly to save yourself money and damage. Water gushing from a ruptured pipe can cause serious structural damage to buildings and homes. The resulting water damage can cost you thousands of dollars in renovation and repair costs. Some signs that a pipe has burst include: large puddles of water, strange smells coming from the water, or discolored water. Discolored water often indicates rust or manganese in the pipes, which can lead to a burst. Strange noises coming from your water pipes also indicate a problem. If the noise is constant, check other items in your home for a source of the sound before calling a plumber. The best thing you can do before a plumber arrives is to shut off your water supply, move furniture and valuables away from the area, and clean up any water damage. This will make it much easier and faster for your plumber to work on the problem.