When there is a residential plumbing problem, we usually try to find a solution on our own. While this is a good practice because being an expert yourself is a fun and exciting task, there are some problems that you cannot do on your own especially if you lack the knowledge about plumbing. There is a greater chance that you will spend more to accomplish the task than to hire a professional plumber. Plumbing is a very important part of modern life. We may take it for granted now because we don't usually see it and it just quietly makes our life convenient and comfortable. Can you imagine living in ancient times when plumbing was an unheard amenity even in the richest households? In the past, people had to use an outhouse which sounds horrible if you try to delve into the construction and functional details of it.
Plumbers Near Me
Plumbing is not easy, and it is not a job anyone can do. It covers various areas including appliance repair, air conditioning, garages doors, faucet repair, installation, commercial plumbing, the repair and installation of various faucets, pipes, washers, valves and many other things. It is very important to hire professional installers because they have skills and training. Under benefits of hiring a plumber, your house will be safe. Sometimes the problems seem to be simple. However, they can be very serious and can be more complicated if you try to fix them yourself. When hiring a plumbing contractor, you will gain valuable advice on your plumbing system. This is especially useful if the main water line in your home is quite old. Professional installers can also give you some useful opinions regarding your home.
Table of Contents
- Water Lines
- Bathroom Plumbing
- Potential Plumbing Emergencies
- Sewer Lines
- Handling Emergency Plumbing Repairs
- Plumbing Leaks
- Drain Cleaning
- Fixtures and Faucets
Water Lines
Most people can handle small plumbing issues in their homes. If you have a tap with a leaky faucet, you could probably figure out how to tighten it or replace a washer and then tighten it so it no longer leaks. However, if you were to have a water main break or find that there was some kind of leak from a pipe inside of a wall, you would not know what to do unless you are a licensed plumber. As with most things, small issues can turn out to be big challenges if they are left unattended. It may even be a good idea to have regular inspections of your pipes, fittings, and everything else that is part of the plumbing system in your home.
Contractors who work with plumbing should be licensed, highly trained and professional. They need to have enough experience to know what must be done in almost every situation. This is the type of plumber you want to have a relationship with so that all your plumbing needs will be taken care of. A professional company has all the necessary tools and safety equipment to do the job. Most homeowners don't have all these things and may cause more significant problems if they try to do it themselves.
Bathroom Plumbing
The most common bathroom problems are clogged sinks, toilets, and other drains. When merely plunging them no longer does any good, it may be time to call a professional who handles problems with plumbing. The tools and time needed will depend on the reason for the clog. Your plumber may need to bring in a snake to clear out the drain. Hopefully, he will be able to help you determine the cause of the clog so that he can also give you some expert advice on prevention.
It's true that we pay no mind to our plumbing until something happens. Problems such as dripping faucet, clogged toilet or even sewage issues can make your head spin. All of a sudden, your pipes become a significant thing. Any issue with plumbing will feel like an emergency. Fortunately, some of these problems can be fixed easily by yourself, but bigger issues must be left in the care of professional plumbers.
Potential Plumbing Emergencies
Try to take a look around your house. For sure, you will see where plumbing problems can potentially happen. For instance, there's bathroom toilet repair, the dishwasher, garbage disposal, water heater repair, sump pumps, shower, and bathtubs. These things are the foundation of our convenience in the home. All these things need running water to function correctly.
Sewer Lines
You may not be aware of it, but some pipes carry sewage and different pipes that carry running water throughout the house. These may be in your walls, floor or even ceilings. The width of the pipes and the water supply can determine the pressure of the running water in your home. The problem in the pipes can cause poor water pressure at the very least. It can even be as problematic as sewage leaking through the pipes. Your plumber can determine the problem and fix it for you.
It would also help if you somewhat orient yourself with the plumbing system. Just the basics will do. This can help you understand what the professional plumber is talking about regarding the solution to your plumbing problem. Being able to discuss with your plumbing specialist can help in getting the issue fixed as efficiently and as quickly as possible.
Handling Emergency Plumbing Repairs
It is not uncommon for emergency plumbing situations to happen at home in rather inappropriate times. But before you freak out and hastily call the plumbing service, why not work on the problem yourself? A lot of the common household plumbing problems are relatively easy to work on your own.
Leaking pipes are the most common problem that you encounter at home. The tricky part when dealing with a leaky pipe is locating where it is. An indication of a leaky pipe would be a pool of water forming on the floor underneath it. You must use caution in the fact that if you cannot locate the leak, you may be causing more damage than if had you just called in a professional with the proper technology and equipment, to immediately detect the leak. Your repair cost becomes greater when more damage is present.
Plumbing Leaks
Most leaks are visible so you can quickly fix them by looking for the leak source. Once the leak is located, turn off the mains. The easiest way to repair a leak is by filling it with sealant. Remember that you must let the sealant cure for a whole day for it to work much better. However, this method only works for small holes. For larger holes and cracks, your best solution is to replace the whole pipe. This is not something we would suggest an everyday homeowner do. Contacting an expert plumber will ensure that the job is done right. If you attempt this on your own, it could end up costing you a great deal of money, as you will need to purchase or rent the proper equipment. Also, you will make mistakes than an expert would not, which could lead to consequential damages around the home, as well.
Drain Cleaning
Another common household plumbing problem would be clogged drains. Like toilets, drains and pipes can become clogged with dust and debris over time and will require cleaning. While commercial drain cleaners or a plunger can take care of a short-term problem, knowing how to turn off the water and disassemble the drain for proper cleaning is a maintenance step that will save money and time in the long-term. If you are not capable of doing it yourself, call an expert plumber to provide maintenance for your home plumbing system.
As a home owner, your most useful tool for a clog would be the plunger. Pour hot water into the drain to loosen the clog and use the plunger to release it. Be careful when using chemicals as the can break down your plumbing system. Some clogs can be repaired on your own, but complicated ones should be left to the experts. When the blockage is deep within the pipes, without proper tools, you will not be able to access them. If a blockage occurs outside the home and you cannot reach it, call a professional. An expert plumbing contractor has the proper equipment and knowledge to clear your drain and make sure that it will not happen again in the future.
If you are dealing with a stubborn clog, don’t waste your time on chemical drain cleaners that can damage your pipes. It is also wise not to try DIY solutions that can possibly cause more damage than good to your plumbing system. Call an experienced plumber to assist you and unclog this stubborn clog with a plumber’s snake within a few minutes.
Fixtures and Faucets
Faucets are another major headache in to deal with at home. And since they are the most used, they are also the most common one to break down quickly. When fixing faucets, it would be a good idea to know beforehand the type of faucet that you are using all around the house, so that you are sure that everything matches.
If you are having problems with plumbing fixtures such as your kitchen sink, the first thing that should be checked is the area in which the water leaves the spigot. It is often possible to unscrew this part of the tap and check the attached screen for particles. In cases where particles are observed, this is likely to be a clear indication that the tap is suffering from blockage. You may want to try running the water without the screen in place to see if this can help solve problems. Start off with disassembling the faucet head. Inspect each part to see which are still okay and which ones will need replacing. In some cases, you only have to replace a washer or two, which will save you a lot. However, if you must replace the whole faucet, make sure that you are getting the same model so that you don't have to worry about compatibility and familiarizing yourself with how to use it so that there are no additional charge emergent plumbing repairs.
Plumbing concerns can easily give anyone a headache. It's fortunate that you can call a professional plumber to discuss the issue. For sure the plumbing problem will be resolved right away. Make sure to screen the plumbers you hire to get the most out of the deal.