You don’t think about the pipes in your house until they burst. People tend to take modern plumbing conveniences for granted. It’s easy to miss the warning signs that something needs to be fixed. That’s why so many homeowners end up forking over huge sums for plumbing repairs.
Learning about your home’s plumbing system can save you a lot of hassle and expense. You can notice problems before they become unmanageable. You’ll probably still have to hire outside help for the repairs but they won’t be as extensive if you spot them early.
Keep reading to learn when you should call the plumber.
- Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be caused by a lot of different things. Sometimes, all you need to do is to clear off the slime coating the faucet’s aerator. If that doesn’t work, you have to think about other causes. There might be debris obstructing the pipe or it may be cracked or broken.
Attempting to fix a major problem like a cracked pipe by yourself could lead to disastrous results. A professional plumber will be able to handle the problem without damaging the structure of your home.
- No Hot Water
A lack of hot water is a sign that there’s something seriously wrong with your water heater. Unfortunately, it probably won’t be an easy fix. Unless you have a lot of plumbing know-how, it’ll be hard to know exactly what to do. There’s a good chance that you won’t be able to pinpoint the problem on your own
That’s why you should call the plumber.
- Leaky Faucets
The drip-drip-drip of a leaky faucet can be extremely annoying. Not only you do you have to listen to the repetitive sound, you have to pay for the privilege. The wasted water is reflected on your water bill.
You might be able to take care of the problem with a little tightening, but you also may need to perform extensive pipe repairs.
- Blocked Pipes and Drains
According to https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-frankston/, plumbers deal with “lots of blocked drains due to tree root intrusion and also burst water lines on older houses where their copper lines are starting to age. Newer units and houses are being built… that do not have pressure regulators fitted and therefore it does not take long for water leaks and dripping taps to occur, even in new houses.”
A blocked sewer line can be a serious problem. You need to call a professional plumber if you want to deal with the problem safely and efficiently. Messing around with the sewer line yourself can lead to your property being exposed to raw sewage.
- Burst Pipes
Burst pipes are a common problem in colder climates. Water expands when it freezes, putting pressure on your home’s pipes during the winter months. Once the pipe bursts, the resulting damage can be immense. Entire sections of your house might flood.
Unless you know what you’re looking for, it can be hard to find the troublesome pipe. A plumber will be able to spot the problem and begin fixing it immediately.
- Unusual Smells
If you notice a strange smell emanating from your sink, you need to call the plumber. A rotten egg smell could be a sign that there’s a broken sewer pipe in your home’s foundation. The problem won’t take care of itself. Left untreated, a cracked sewer pipe or vent can cause significant structural damage.
- Drains That Won’t Drain
A clog in the drain might be the one plumbing problem that you feel as though you can fix. A bottle of drain cleaner and a plunger go a long way. However, sometimes the simple efforts aren’t enough. If the plunger doesn’t work, it’s time to call a plumber.
You should also call a professional if you’re constantly having problems with the same drain. Plumbers have specialized tools that can snake into your pipes and take pictures of the slime and debris.
Hire a Plumber
The DIY method isn’t the best strategy for plumbing repairs. The problems are often too complex to be easily fixed by someone who isn’t an expert.
However, a little bit of plumbing knowledge can help you avoid having to pay for massive repairs, even if you still end up calling a plumber. You want to be able to spot potential problems before they become too unruly.
If you’re a homeowner, you’re probably going to have to call the plumber at some point.
