When to Call a Professional Plumber
One of life’s most valuable lessons is learning how and when to ask for help. This rule translates to all areas of life, but especially when it comes to plumbing issues at home or a property you own/manage with residents.
Differentiating between quick weekend projects and complex repairs can save you thousands of dollars in potential property damage. Plumbing isn’t a skill that can easily be learned, it’s a valuable trade and craft.
When examining complex systems like a home’s plumbing system, there are a few ways to identify situations requiring the help of a professional plumber. Don’t get caught between a rock and a flooded place.
Learn the signs of a true plumbing problem and know when it is time to call a professional plumber.
It's Time to Call a Professional Plumber When:
Your Water Runs Dry
The most obvious plumbing problem is a lack of running water in the home and is typically the manifestation of a more severe issue. Sometimes the dry spell is isolated to one room of the home or unit, like the bathroom or a kitchen, and sometimes it effects the entire home. Your pipes don’t have to be completely barren to be troublesome. The faucet may “spit” minuscule amounts of water when turned on. Lack of water flow is indicative of a host of plumbing problems such as water heater malfunction, burst pipelines, and leaks.
It’s recommended that you check the water outlets on your property to confirm some or none are receiving water from the hot and cold-water supplies; to help with the problem’s diagnosis. This step will be helpful in explaining your issue to your plumbing expert – but you’ll still need to ask for help. For multi-family units, property managers should do an assessment of all units to determine if the water stoppage is being experienced by all residents before requesting help.
Your Water Heater is Giving You the Cold Shoulder
A lot of things can go wrong with a water heater, all of which should be addressed by a plumbing professional. Water heater problems can escalate quickly and cause major headaches in the form of rampant leaks, icy showers and unhappy homeowners or residents.
One symptom of a water heater problem is super obvious… the constant absence of hot water. A temporary hot water shortage is expected after your kids take hour-long showers or when you decide to the use the bathroom as a sauna, but it shouldn’t take your water heater hours to warm up with standard use. The plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and get your water heater back to doing its job.
Another common problem with water heaters involves condensation and “sweating.” This usually happens to aging water heater units that have accumulated rust, corrosion, and structural damage over the years. If your water heater is damp to the touch, or if you notice a small moat of water around the unit – it’s time to send in a plumber.
You’ve Got Leaky Faucets
Leaking or dripping faucets are more than just an annoyance, they’re expensive and indicative of a larger problem. Faucets and showerheads that drip, drip, drip, slowly drain your wallet when the monthly water bill comes through. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that fixing a standard water leak can save homeowners 10% on their water bills. The cause of a leaky faucet can usually be attributed to the erosion of the rubber or silicone washers, or ceramic taps that form a seal to hold back the flow of water moving through the pipes. Without routine maintenance, these seals can degrade or weaken, allowing the pressurized water to leak.
Washers and discs can be changed or swapped out, but it’s easy for the project to go awry without special plumbing tools to help get the job done. If the leak has gone untouched for a while, you might find that the problem will require more repairs in addition to the part replacements. In this case, it’s best to request a professional plumber to stop the leak in its tracks.
You Smell Some Malodorous Gases
Don’t be embarrassed about this one – it’s natural! Broken and blocked sewer lines have been known to announce their presence with murky puddles, pungent water, and generally unpleasant aromas that can manifest inside your home as well in your yard. Sewer line stoppage is a messy fix, and one that’s best left to a professional plumber.
Overstuffed toilets, old pipes, and tree roots are the usual suspects when it comes to sewer line problems, and plumbers are equipped to handle all of these situations. Don’t bother going out and renting an invasive sewer rodding machine – you’ll risk furthering your pipe’s damage. Get the help of a licensed and insured plumber to ensure the problem is fixed correctly and securely.
You Need General Maintenance
Plumbers are great for fixing plumbing disasters and emergencies, but that’s not all they’re good for. Experienced plumbers are qualified to inspect and assess all aspects of a property’s plumbing system – making them integral to the upkeep of any home. Whether you’re turning a property over for rental, preparing to sell your home, or looking to keep your household working optimally, a plumber can help. If you’re in need of general or specialized maintenance, plumbers can:
- Identify and fix leaking faucets, toilets, and showerheads
- Unclog slow drains
- Assess all pipes and drains for problems
- Check and fix water pressure
- Inspect your water heater, including the burner chamber
- Check hoses for breakage and leaks
- Inspect septic tank
Just because you can perform some of these maintenance tasks by yourself, doesn’t mean you should. One wrong turn of a screw could lead to flooding, sewage backup, or busted pipes.
Don't Call a Professional Plumber. Request One with HOMEE.
If you’re tired of taking cold showers and overpaying your water bill, request a licensed and insured plumber to fix all of your plumbing problems. Stop a leaky faucet, banish bad odors from a backed-up sewer line, and keep your home in tip-top shape with HOMEE On Demand. We have a network of plumbers ready to save you from drowning in plumbing problems.
Need help with a plumbing issue now? Download the HOMEE On Demand app and get a licensed plumbing professional to your service in 30 minutes or less.
