When it comes to routine household plumbing problems, most homeowners can fix the problems themselves. Clogged drains and toilets are easily fixed with a plunger or drain solution in most instances. Plenty of homeowners are also willing to tackle larger problems themselves, such as replacing the tank mechanism or wax ring on their toilet. While you may find that you can tackle much of your home's minor plumbing issues, there are certain problems that require plumbing services. Here are three signs you need plumbing services as soon as possible.

Strange Smells

If your drains or pipes are producing a strange smell throughout your home, it can be a sign of major plumbing problems. Some smells that you should be wary of include sulfur, sewage, and gas. Smelling sulfur or sewage can indicate a broken sewer pipe underneath your home while the smell of gas can indicate a broken gas line. In these cases, a plumber will be able to fix the problem. Snaking a sewer line can cost between $100 and $800 while replacing a sewer line can cost anywhere from $1,000 to upwards of $25,000. Repairing a gas line costs between $258 and $751 on average.

Visible Water

Visible water being a sign that you need a plumber may seem obvious. While you may rush to call a plumber if there is standing water or flooding, you may not be so fast to call them if it's just a small puddle or a drip. Ignoring visible water, such as water spots on the ceiling or walls or dampness in the basement, can lead to disaster later on. Visible water is often due to leaky pipes or other issues that can cause a lot of damage if left unchecked. The average cost to hire a plumber is between $45 and $150 per hour. However, the cost is worth it to find out where the water is coming from and to fix the problem.

Water That Isn't Clear

Another sign that you need to call an emergency plumber is water that isn't clear. While in some cases, the cause of the color in the water is innocuous, in other cases it can mean a potential health hazard. The reasons why your water isn't clear can be due to rust, copper, algae, mold, or a variety of other causes. Problems with your water heater may also be to blame. No matter what the cause, a change in your water's color is a reason to call a plumber immediately.

While many plumbing problems can be solved at home, in many cases a professional plumber is needed. If you notice strange smells, water in places it shouldn't be, or water that isn't clear, it's time to call a plumber immediately.

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