It’s nice to have a handyman around the house who can do all kinds of minor repairs when they’re needed. If you’re that person, that’s even better. However, it’s wise to understand the difference between an issue that’s fixable and one that you’ll need professional assistance for. Here are five signs that the plumbing problems in your home could be too much for you to handle.

Mold growth in non-shower areas

Mold grows naturally where there is moisture and little sunlight, but its presence could indicate a leak somewhere in the home. Mold often grows in the shower and bathtub because those areas commonly come into contact with water while you’re bathing. It can also be found on dark, damp basement walls. If it’s present anywhere else in the home, however, you might have a plumbing problem.

Cracks and warping in walls

One of the most classic signs of water leaks is cracking and morphing in walls and ceilings. Cracks can be very subtle, but if they’re easy to spot from a distance, you should get it checked out immediately. Water can also cause ceilings to hang and walls to misshapen. Look out for stains as they sometimes indicate leaks.

Backed up drains

When you see basement drains regurgitating waste water, you have a major plumbing issue on hand. Drains can become backed up over time when particles accumulate on the inner walls of the piping. Anything from toilet paper and hair to roots and small animals can clog drains and cause flooding. If your drains are backed up, and you need emergency drain cleaning, contact a plumbing service like Bedell Plumbers to do the dirty work.

Sputtering faucets

Leaky faucets are a common problem, but sputtering faucets can indicate a loss of water pressure that’s caused by a break in the piping. This is a serious concern that requires professional attention. Other possible causes of sputtering faucets include a worn out water pump, an obstruction in the water line, or a very sharp bend in the line. Plumbing professionals can determine the root of the problem and offer a viable solution.

Frequently clogging toilets

When you flush too much of anything down the toilet, it can easily get clogged. Clogged toilets in Indianapolis are a very common problem. A simple solution involves using a plunger to clear the blockage. If that doesn’t work, something more severe could be causing the obstruction. A toilet that backs up frequently even with regular plunging signifies a deeper plumbing issue.

If you notice any of the above, there could be a serious plumbing issue in your home. Instead of trying to fix things yourself and possibly making the problem worse, contact a professional plumbing service to check out your pipes.