Some plumbing issues are impossible to ignore, such as a ruptured pipe that is gushing water into your home or a backed up sewer line. Other issues are seemingly minor and may be overlooked or ignored. However, many relatively minor issues can cause major problems down the road. These are some of the little plumbing situations that you should immediately call a plumber about.

1. The Sound of Dripping Water

For many people, a periodic dripping sound somewhere in the distance may be easy to overlook. After all, you may not see any water or be able to identify the source of the sound. However, this is a leading indicator of a hidden leak. Any water that is not properly contained within the pipes and plumbing features can create substantial damage. A plumber can use specialized equipment to determine if a leak is present so that it can be repaired before additional damage is done to your home. If you want to learn more, you may find more information at Drain Rescue.

2. Water with a Strange Color or Smell

Unusual water smells and colors are commonly caused by hot water heater issues. For example, debris accumulated at the bottom of a tank-style water heater can create a bad smell and can even result in sediment in the water. This is a sign that your hot water heater requires maintenance or even a full replacement soon.

3. Toilets That Flush Sluggishly

In some cases, a toilet that flushes sluggishly is caused by a moderate blockage in a single pipe that feeds into the main sewer line. When all of the toilets flush sluggishly, there may be a developing issue with the sewer line that needs to be addressed before it becomes a major and damaging problem. Sewer line issues can be caused by clogs, tree roots growing in the line, soil settlement and more. Your plumbing specialist can diagnose and repair the damage.

4. A Pipe That Keeps Clogging

In some homes, a specific pipe may regularly develop a partial or complete clog. You may do your best to snake the drain or to otherwise deal with the issue, but an ongoing situation can be stressful and inconvenient. You may be thinking about using a chemical drain cleaner to clear away the clog. Remember that these chemicals are damaging and caustic. They can result in severe deterioration that can ultimately create even more significant damage to the plumbing features. A professional should address this issue for you.

As you can see, small or moderately bothersome issues may be more than an inconvenience. These are issues that ultimately could create severe damage and result in expensive repair bills. If you notice any of these signs of trouble or if you have other plumbing concerns, reach out to a plumber for an inspection.