Top 10 Signs You Need a Plumber in Des Moines Today

Introduction: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Plumbing problems often start small, maybe it’s a slow drain, a dripping faucet, or a toilet that keeps running. While these issues might seem minor at first, they can quickly turn into costly emergencies if ignored. A small leak today could lead to serious water damage, mold growth, and skyrocketing water bills tomorrow.
Many homeowners in Des Moines assume they can handle plumbing issues on their own, but without the right tools and expertise, DIY solutions often make problems worse. Small issues like a slow drain or weak water pressure may seem harmless, but they can be early warning signs of costly plumbing failures. Ignoring these problems can lead to expensive repairs, water damage, and even mold growth.

Imagine waking up to a flooded kitchen from a hidden pipe leak or realizing your water heater has failed right before an important family gathering. Many homeowners don’t realize the severity of plumbing issues until it’s too late. Recognizing the early signs of plumbing trouble can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and prevent major disruptions to your home. In this guide, we’ll cover the top 10 signs that you need a plumber in Des Moines, how professional services can help, and when to call for emergency plumbing assistance.

How Plumbing Problems Escalate Without Immediate Repair

Hidden Leaks Can Cause Expensive Damage

A small water stain on the ceiling or a damp spot under the sink might not seem like a big deal, but hidden leaks can destroy your home’s structure over time. Water can seep into walls, floors, and insulation, leading to mold growth, rotting wood, and weakened foundations. Fixing the problem early can prevent thousands of dollars in damage.

Clogged Drains Can Lead to Sewer Backup

A slow drain might be annoying, but if multiple drains in your home are slow at the same time, this could indicate a major blockage in your sewer line. If ignored, this can result in wastewater backing up into your sinks, toilets, or bathtubs, creating an unsanitary and costly mess. A professional plumber can use advanced drain cleaning techniques to clear the blockage before it becomes an emergency.

Top 10 Signs You Need a Plumber in Des Moines Today

1. Low Water Pressure Throughout Your Home

When your shower or sink suddenly loses pressure, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. While mineral buildup in showerheads or faucet aerators is a common cause, low water pressure throughout the entire home could signal a more serious plumbing issue. If the problem isn’t isolated to a single fixture, it could mean there’s a leak hidden behind your walls, corroded pipes, or even a problem with the municipal water supply. A drop in pressure might also indicate a partially blocked or broken water main.

Trying DIY fixes, like cleaning your faucets or checking for obvious leaks, may provide a temporary improvement, but a professional plumber can diagnose the root cause and fix the issue before it worsens. If you’re experiencing persistently low water pressure, it’s time to contact a licensed plumber in Des Moines to inspect your system and prevent further damage. Learn more about our plumbing services.

2. Slow or Clogged Drains That Keep Coming Back

A slow drain might not seem like a big issue at first, but if left untreated, it can lead to complete blockages, wastewater backup, and even pipe damage. Water taking too long to drain from your sink, shower, or bathtub could mean a buildup of hair, soap scum, grease, food particles, or even tree roots invading your underground pipes. Homeowners often rely on store-bought drain cleaners, but these contain harsh chemicals that can weaken your pipes over time, leading to leaks or pipe corrosion.

If slow drainage is a recurring issue, a professional drain cleaning service is the best solution. Plumbers use high-pressure water jets, drain cameras, and specialized tools to remove stubborn clogs safely and efficiently. Ignoring drain issues could result in costly repairs, so if you’re frequently dealing with clogged drains, it’s time to call in a professional.

 Need professional drain cleaning? Schedule a service today.

3. Unpleasant Odors Coming from Your Drains

A strong, persistent sewage smell coming from your drains is never a good sign. It’s often caused by a dry P-trap, blocked vent pipe, or a cracked sewer line. P-traps are designed to hold a small amount of water, creating a barrier that prevents sewer gas from entering your home. If the trap dries out due to lack of use, it can allow unpleasant odors to seep into your living spaces.

However, if the smell persists even after running water through the drain, there may be a more serious problem. Sewer gas leaks can be hazardous to your health and may indicate a damaged drain pipe, sewer backup, or poor ventilation in your plumbing system. A professional plumber can inspect your drains, seal any leaks, and restore proper airflow, keeping your home safe and odor-free.

4. Rusty or Discolored Water

If your tap water has a brown, yellow, or reddish tint, it could mean rust is corroding your pipes or that there’s sediment buildup in your water heater. While some discoloration is caused by temporary disturbances in the municipal water supply, persistent rust-colored water is a sign that your plumbing system needs attention.

Over time, rusty pipes can weaken and eventually burst, leading to expensive repairs and potential water damage. If you notice discolored water, it’s important to have a licensed plumber test your water and determine whether your pipes need to be replaced or if your water heater requires maintenance.

Concerned about your home’s water quality? Our expert plumbers can help.

5. A Sudden Increase in Your Water Bill

If your water bill has skyrocketed but your household’s water usage hasn’t changed, you may have a hidden leak. Even a small leak—such as a dripping pipe behind a wall—can waste thousands of gallons of water per year, leading to higher utility costs and potential structural damage.

Common signs of a hidden leak include water stains on walls or ceilings, damp spots, musty odors, and unexplained puddles of water. Professional leak detection services can pinpoint leaks behind walls, under floors, and even underground before they cause serious damage. If your water bill is unusually high, don’t wait—get a professional inspection before the problem worsens.

 Think you have a hidden leak? Schedule a leak detection service today.

6. No Hot Water or a Malfunctioning Water Heater

If your water heater suddenly stops producing hot water, takes too long to heat up, or makes rumbling noises, it could be due to sediment buildup, a faulty thermostat, or a failing heating element. Over time, sediment collects at the bottom of your water heater, reducing efficiency and increasing energy costs. If left unchecked, it can even cause the tank to overheat and crack.

A professional plumber can flush out sediment, replace worn-out parts, or install a new energy-efficient water heater if needed. If your water heater is over 10–15 years old, it may be time for a replacement. Waiting too long can lead to total failure, leaving you without hot water when you need it most.

 Need water heater repair or replacement? We’ve got you covered.

7. Burst or Leaking Pipes

A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency that requires immediate attention. Pipes can burst due to freezing temperatures, corrosion, or excessive water pressure, causing flooding and major property damage. If you notice water pooling in unexpected places, hear hissing sounds behind walls, or experience a sudden drop in water pressure, turn off your main water supply and call an emergency plumber right away.

Even small leaks can lead to mold growth, weakened foundations, and costly repairs if left untreated. A professional plumber can detect leaks, repair damaged pipes, and reinforce weak areas in your plumbing system to prevent future problems.

8. Running Toilets and Constant Dripping Faucets

A running toilet might not seem like a serious issue, but it can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day, increasing your monthly water bill. The most common causes include worn-out flappers, faulty fill valves, or a broken float mechanism. Similarly, a dripping faucet may seem minor, but over time, it can waste thousands of gallons of water.

Replacing these components requires precise installation, and a plumber can quickly diagnose and fix the issue, ensuring your plumbing system operates efficiently. If your toilet constantly runs or your faucet won’t stop dripping, don’t ignore it—fixing it now can save you money later.

9. Gurgling Sounds from Pipes or Drains

If you hear gurgling noises from your sink, toilet, or bathtub, it could indicate a blocked vent or drain pipe. Plumbing vents allow air to flow through your pipes, helping wastewater drain smoothly. When these vents become clogged or damaged, it can create negative air pressure, leading to slow drainage and gurgling sounds.

Ignoring this issue could result in sewage backup or complete drain failure. A professional plumber can inspect your vent pipes, clear any blockages, and restore proper drainage, preventing a messy and expensive situation.

10. Water Stains or Mold Growth on Walls and Ceilings

Water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors are a clear sign of a hidden plumbing leak. These stains may appear yellow, brown, or gray, and over time, they can weaken your home’s structure and cause mold growth. Mold thrives in moist environments, leading to musty odors, health risks, and costly remediation.

If you see discoloration, peeling paint, or damp areas, a plumber can locate the leak, fix the damaged pipes, and prevent further damage to your home. The sooner you address a hidden leak, the less expensive the repairs will be.

Suspect a hidden leak? Call a professional today.

Why You Should Call a Professional Plumber Instead of DIY Repairs

Many homeowners attempt DIY plumbing repairs, thinking they’ll save money, but without the right tools and expertise, DIY fixes often make problems worse. Store-bought chemical drain cleaners may seem like a quick fix, but they contain harsh chemicals that corrode pipes, leading to costly repairs. Similarly, over-tightening pipe fittings can crack pipes or strip threads, causing hidden leaks that worsen over time. Even a small drip under the sink may seem minor, but if ignored, it can lead to mold growth, high water bills, and structural damage.

Professional plumbers in Des Moines use advanced equipment like camera inspections, high-pressure drain cleaning, and electronic leak detection to accurately diagnose and fix issues efficiently. They ensure all repairs comply with local building codes, preventing further problems and protecting your home. Instead of risking expensive DIY mistakes, hiring a licensed plumber guarantees long-lasting solutions, saving you time and money in the long run.

Our Plumbing Services & Service Locations in Des Moines

At Lazer Home Services, we proudly serve Des Moines and the surrounding areas, including:
  Altoona, Ames, Ankeny, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights.

We offer:

• Drain cleaning & clog removal
• Leak detection & pipe repair
• Water heater installation & repair
• Emergency plumbing services
• Sewer line inspections & repairs

 Learn more about our plumbing services here: Plumbing Services in Des Moines

 Quick Plumbing Health Checklist 

Many homeowners overlook small plumbing issues, assuming they aren’t urgent. But how do you know if your home’s plumbing system is in good condition? Before calling a plumber, perform a quick Plumbing Health Check to spot warning signs early:

• Is your water bill unusually high despite normal usage?
• Do you hear gurgling sounds coming from your drains?
• Is your water pressure lower than usual in multiple fixtures?
• Have you noticed discolored tap water or a foul odor from your drains?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you likely have an underlying plumbing issue that needs professional attention. Ignoring these signs could lead to serious damage and expensive repairs. Instead of waiting for an emergency, contact a trusted plumber in Des Moines today.

Final Thoughts

Many homeowners delay plumbing repairs because they don’t see an immediate problem—until disaster strikes. Don’t wait until a small leak turns into a major disaster! Call Lazer Home Services today to avoid expensive water damage and unnecessary stress. For a limited time, get $50 OFF your first plumbing service and ensure your home’s plumbing system is in top shape. Appointments fill up fast, so act now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should I do in a plumbing emergency?

Turn off your main water supply immediately to prevent flooding, then call an emergency plumber for urgent repairs.

How much does a plumber cost in Des Moines?

Costs vary based on the problem, but minor repairs may start at $100-$200, while major issues like pipe replacements or sewer repairs can be more expensive. Contact us for a free estimate.
Who is the Best Plumber Near Me in Des Moines?

For fast, reliable plumbing services, trust Lazer Home Services. We offer same-day repairs, emergency services, and expert solutions in Des Moines.

How Do I Know If I Need a Plumber?

If you have low water pressure, slow drains, rising water bills, or leaks, call a plumber before it gets worse.

Call Us Now: 515-758-7729