You should call a plumber right away if you have no water, sudden low water pressure, drains that will not drain, unexplained water stains, a sewer smell, a toilet that keeps running or a leaking water heater. These signs often point to a problem that gets worse, and more expensive, the longer it waits. Here is what each one means and what you can safely do first.
1. No Water at Your Taps
Turning on a faucet and getting nothing is alarming. Start with a few quick checks:
- Is it every fixture or just one? A single dead faucet often points to a closed valve or a fixture problem.
- Are neighbors affected? If so, your water utility may be doing repairs.
- Is the main shutoff valve fully open?
- If you have a well, did the well pump lose power?
In cold weather, no water can mean a frozen pipe. Frozen pipes can burst as they thaw, so call a plumber before trying to heat them yourself, and never use an open flame.
2. Sudden Low Water Pressure
If only one faucet is weak, unscrew and rinse the aerator at the tip. Mineral buildup there is common and easy to fix.
If pressure drops throughout the house, the cause is usually bigger. Possibilities include a hidden leak, a failing pressure-reducing valve or corroded pipes restricting flow. A plumber can test your pressure and track down the source.
3. Drains That Won’t Drain
One slow sink is often a local clog from hair, soap or food waste. A plunger or hand snake may clear it.
Several slow or backed-up drains at once is a different story. When a toilet gurgles while the washer drains, or water backs up into a tub, the problem is likely in your main drain or sewer line. That calls for professional help with clogged drains, and sometimes a sewer camera inspection to find the exact cause.
Avoid pouring chemical drain cleaners into a fully blocked line. They can sit in the pipe and make the repair more hazardous.
4. Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls
Brown rings, bubbling paint or soft drywall usually mean water is leaking from a pipe, fixture or drain above. Even a slow leak can lead to mold and structural damage over time.
Check your water meter with all fixtures off. If it is still moving, you likely have a leak somewhere in the system, and a plumber should find it before more damage is done.
5. A Sewer Smell in the House
A sewer odor from a basement floor drain or a rarely used sink may just mean the trap has dried out. Run water for a minute to refill it.
If the smell keeps coming back or is strong throughout the house, it may point to a cracked drain pipe, a clogged vent or a sewer line problem. These need professional attention.
Important: a rotten-egg smell may be natural gas, not sewage. If you suspect gas, leave the house right away, do not flip switches or use flames, and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Never attempt gas line repairs yourself.
6. A Toilet That Keeps Running
A toilet that runs or refills on its own is wasting water around the clock. The cause is often a worn flapper or a fill valve that needs adjusting.
You can try replacing the flapper yourself. If the toilet still runs, or water is leaking at the base, call a plumber before the floor underneath is damaged.
7. A Leaking Water Heater
Water pooling around your water heater should never be ignored. A leak from the pressure relief valve or fittings may be repairable, but a leak from the tank itself usually means it is time for a replacement.
To stay safe:
- Shut off the cold water supply valve to the heater.
- Turn off the power at the breaker for an electric heater, or set a gas heater’s control to the off or pilot position.
- Keep people and pets away from the area, since the water may be hot.
Tank water heaters typically last about 8 to 12 years. If yours is in that range and leaking, learn more about water heater repair and replacement.
When to Call a Plumber Right Away
Some problems can wait for a weekday appointment. Others cannot. Call immediately if you have:
- Water actively leaking and you cannot stop it.
- Sewage backing up into tubs, showers or floor drains.
- No water anywhere in the house with no utility explanation.
- A leaking water heater.
- Signs of a burst or frozen pipe.
Know where your main water shutoff valve is before an emergency happens. Turning it off quickly can greatly limit water damage.
Local Help in Royersford and Surrounding Areas
Avanti Plumbing & Drains has served homeowners from our Royersford shop since 2006. We are family-owned, licensed and insured, and available 24/7 with same-day and after-hours service across Montgomery and Chester County. Our trucks are fully stocked, so many repairs can be handled in a single visit.
Don’t Wait on a Plumbing Problem
If you are seeing any of these signs, a quick call now can prevent a much bigger repair later. Call (610) 489-2717 any time, day or night, or schedule service online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is low water pressure a plumbing emergency?
Not always. If one faucet is weak, cleaning the aerator may fix it. A sudden drop throughout the house can mean a hidden leak or failing valve and should be checked soon.
What should I do if my water heater is leaking?
Shut off the cold water supply to the heater, turn off the power or set the gas control to off or pilot, keep people away from hot water and call a plumber.
Why does my house smell like sewage?
A dried-out drain trap is a common cause, so run water in unused drains first. If the smell returns, it may be a cracked pipe, blocked vent or sewer line problem.