When to Call a Plumber for a Leak

Most people know that a plumber can help with a leak – but not everyone knows when a leak warrants calling a plumber. Upon discovering a leak, it can sometimes be hard to tell if you should attempt a DIY fix, or if you should call a professional for assistance.

Here, we’ll share some helpful insight about when to call a plumber for a leak based on our 30+ years of experience assisting customers with plumbing issues throughout Upstate NY.

Should I Call a Plumber for a Leak?

Water leaks can be minor or they can be catastrophic – and sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference. Here are some signs that you should call a plumber for a leak.

Call a plumber immediately if:

• Water is actively spraying, pooling, flowing, or dripping and you can’t shut off the water
• Water is leaking through a wall, ceiling, or floor
• You notice a leak and don’t know where the water is coming from
• Water is leaking from an area you can’t access
• Your basement is flooding
• A pipe bursts or is visibly damaged
• You hear water running when all faucets and hoses are turned off
• You notice a leak near electrical wiring, outlets, or appliances

These leak scenarios are plumbing emergencies and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Other signs that a plumber might be necessary are:

• A leak keeps returning even after you think you have fixed the issue
• A pipe, toilet or faucet is dripping persistently and you can’t get it to stop
• Your water bill has inexplicably increased and your usage has not changed
• You notice mold or a musty smell
• You discover water stains, warped flooring, damp drywall, or bubbling paint
• Your water pressure changes suddenly

When Should I Call a Plumber for a Leak?

In most cases, we recommend calling a plumber as soon as possible after discovering the leak. For emergency scenarios like floods, leaks interfering with electrical wiring, and burst pipes, you should call a professional plumber as soon as you notice the issue – even if it’s outside of regular business hours.

Remember: Even seemingly minor leaks can cause extensive water damage, leading to mold and other issues. Leaks can also result in higher water bills and cause other serious plumbing problems down the line.

If you notice a leak in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local plumber! In Glens Falls, Queensbury, Saratoga and beyond, call 518-792-7114 for 24/7 emergency service from Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating.

When to Try Fixing a Leak Yourself

As professional plumbers, we’d be glad to help you with even a minor leak, but we do understand that fixing a leak yourself, if possible, can be more convenient. That being said, you should only attempt to fix a leak yourself if:

• It’s a minor leak
• You can see where the water is coming from
• You can access the connection where the leak is happening
• You’re comfortable with tightening a fitting or replacing a washer

Keep in mind that even minor leaks can be difficult to resolve at times, even if you’re determined to fix the leak yourself. In most cases, it’s in your best interest to call a professional for help. Water damage is not something you want to mess around with and a minor plumbing repair is typically much more affordable than repairing water damage throughout your home.

Don’t Hesitate To Call Your Local Plumber For Assistance

If you suspect you have a leak in your home, it’s in your best interest to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible for help with leak detection and repair. If you live in South Glens Falls, Queensbury, Lake George, Saratoga, Bolton Landing and the surrounding areas, make one call to Jack Hall for help.

Call us at (518) 792-7114. We’re available 24/7 for plumbing emergencies and we’d be happy to assist you in finding the leak, mitigating damage, and getting things back in working order as soon as possible.