10 Signs You Need a Plumber in Lake Stevens, WA
Most plumbing failures give warning before they become emergencies. These ten signs — from burst pipes to slow drains to a climbing water bill — tell you what is happening, what to do right now, and whether to call immediately or book a visit. When in doubt, call Eby Plumbing at (425) 555-0132 and describe what you see.
Last updated: October 2026
Plumbing problems rarely arrive unannounced — they whisper before they shout. Here are the ten warning signs Eby Plumbing sees most in Lake Stevens homes, what each one means, what to do about it, and an honest urgency rating: Emergency (call now), Soon (book this week), or Schedule (plan a visit).
1. Water where it should not be — burst pipe or major leak
What it means: A supply line has failed. In Lake Stevens this is most common during freeze-thaw cycles, when pipes that froze overnight split as they thaw.
What to do: Shut off the main water valve immediately, then shut off the water heater. Open a faucet to relieve pressure, move valuables out of the water's path, and call now.
Urgency: Emergency. Every minute of flowing water is damage. See our emergency plumber page.
2. Sewage backing up into tubs, showers, or floor drains
What it means: The main sewer line is blocked — roots, grease, a collapsed section, or a belly holding waste. Wastewater takes the lowest available exit, which is your lowest drain.
What to do: Stop running water immediately (no flushing, no laundry). Do not use chemical drain cleaners on a main-line backup. Call now — this is a health hazard, not a DIY project.
Urgency: Emergency. See our sewer line page.
3. The smell of gas near an appliance or line
What it means: A gas leak — from an appliance connection, a damaged line, or a failing valve.
What to do: Do not flip switches or light anything. Leave the house, and call Puget Sound Energy or 911 from outside. Once the immediate danger is cleared, a licensed plumber repairs the line. See our gas line page.
Urgency: Emergency.
4. No hot water, or hot water that runs out fast
What it means: The water heater is failing — a dead heating element or gas valve, heavy sediment buildup, or a unit past its lifespan (typically 8–12 years for tank models).
What to do: Check the breaker or pilot light first. If the unit is over 10 years old, leaking from the tank, or making rumbling noises, it is likely replacement time rather than repair time. See our when to replace your water heater guide.
Urgency: Soon. Not dangerous in most cases, but cold showers get old fast.
5. Water stains on ceilings or walls, or a musty smell
What it means: A slow leak inside a wall or ceiling — a supply line, a drain joint, or a shower pan failing. By the time you see the stain, the leak has been going a while.
What to do: Do not just paint over it. A leak detection visit pinpoints the source without opening half the wall. The longer it waits, the more rot and mold develop.
Urgency: Soon. Hidden leaks only get more expensive.
6. Drains slow throughout the house, or gurgling fixtures
What it means: One slow drain is a local clog. Every drain slow, or toilets gurgling when the washer drains, points to the main line — roots, grease buildup, or a developing blockage.
What to do: A plunger will not fix a main-line issue. Schedule drain cleaning — and if it keeps coming back, a camera inspection shows whether roots or pipe damage are the real cause.
Urgency: Soon. A partial blockage becomes a full backup.
7. A toilet that runs constantly
What it means: Usually a worn flapper or a misadjusted fill valve — the tank never seals, so water runs straight through. It can waste 200 or more gallons a day.
What to do: This is one of the cheapest fixes in plumbing. Jiggle the handle to confirm, then get the flapper or fill valve replaced. Your water bill will thank you.
Urgency: Schedule. Not an emergency, but do not pay for it for months.
8. Water pressure that dropped or fluctuates
What it means: A sudden drop can mean a major leak or a failing pressure regulator. A gradual decline often means mineral buildup or corroding galvanized pipes narrowing from the inside.
What to do: Check whether it is one fixture (likely the aerator or fixture) or the whole house (likely the regulator, main line, or aging pipes). Whole-house pressure problems deserve a professional look — see our pressure regulator page.
Urgency: Schedule — sooner if the drop was sudden.
9. Rusty or discolored water
What it means: If it is only the hot water, the water heater tank is corroding inside. If it is hot and cold, aging galvanized or iron supply pipes are rusting from the inside out.
What to do: Run the tap for a minute — if it clears, it is likely pipe corrosion; if it persists, get it checked. Corroding pipes do not heal, and they eventually leak or clog. A repipe is the long-term fix.
Urgency: Schedule. Plan it before a pipe fails.
10. A water bill that keeps climbing for no reason
What it means: You are paying for water you are not using — a running toilet, a hidden leak, or a dripping fixture.
What to do: Check the water meter with everything in the house off. If it is still moving, water is going somewhere it should not. A leak detection visit finds silent leaks before they find your foundation.
Urgency: Schedule. Every month of delay is money down the drain — literally.
If anything on this list matches what you are seeing, contact Eby Plumbing or call (425) 555-0132. Describe the symptom and we will tell you honestly whether it can wait.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a plumbing problem is an emergency?
It is an emergency if water is actively damaging your home (burst pipe, major leak), sewage is backing up into living spaces, or you smell gas. Shut off the water or gas, then call an emergency plumber. Slow drains, dripping faucets, and running toilets can wait for a scheduled visit.
What should I do first when a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve immediately — know where it is before you need it. Then shut off the water heater, open a faucet to relieve pressure, and call a plumber. Move valuables out of the water's path while you wait.
Is a constantly running toilet wasting a lot of water?
Yes. A running toilet can waste 200 or more gallons a day, which shows up fast on your water bill. It is usually a worn flapper or fill valve — a cheap fix. It is not an emergency, but do not ignore it for months.
Why does my water bill keep going up?
An unexplained bill increase usually means a hidden leak — a running toilet, a slab or wall leak, or a dripping fixture. Check your water meter with everything off: if it is still moving, water is going somewhere. A leak detection visit finds it.
When should I call a plumber versus trying to fix it myself?
DIY is fine for a simple clogged drain or a faucet cartridge you can reach. Call a plumber for anything involving gas, sewer lines, pipes inside walls, water heaters, or active leaks you cannot stop. If you are unsure, call and describe the problem — we will tell you honestly whether you need us.
Need a plumber in Lake Stevens, WA?
Call Eby Plumbing for same-day service across Lake Stevens and surrounding areas.
Call (425) 555-0132