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If you try a drain snake and various DIY methods for unclogging drains to no avail, bring in a professional plumber to assess the situation. Also, if multiple drains in your home are backing up or you smell sewage, a visit from a plumber is best. You can expect your drain cleaning costs to fall around $250, and this can include an assessment of what’s caught in your plumbing and if there’s a larger, underlying problem. You should also consider calling a pro if you need to snake a toilet, as DIYing this could lead to a cracked fixture.

Besides opting for a professional inspection, there are some other telltale signs that a pipe in your home is ready to go. Keep an eye out for signs of leaks and spot-check exposed areas of piping. Musty smells, spots on your walls, and dripping sounds are signs an unseen pipe has a leak, for example. You can also check the tubing for stains, flaking, and discoloration, all of which are signs of corrosion.

Certain cities with high levels of seismic activity require earthquake shut-off valves as part of the building code. This is especially common for new buildings, but even if it’s not a requirement or you have an older home, you still may want to get one. A seismic shut-off valve will automatically cut off the flow of gas, which could prevent fires and explosions in the event of an earthquake.

If your shower is leaking when it’s off, it may not be an immediate cause for concern. After a shower, some water is left in the showerhead and will drip out after you turn the shower off. Other reasons include potential pressure or condensation in the pipes or thermal contraction when the pipes cool down after a hot shower. However, if the showerhead leaks continuously, call a pro to take a look.