As a Charlotte, North Carolina homeowner there’s nothing wrong with a little DIY. It’s a great way to feel accomplished and also to save money. However, when it comes to utility work, it’s almost always better to bring in a professional than to try and fix the problem yourself. This is because if you fail to correct the problem the situation may end up becoming worse, which in turn will cost you more money. It will also further damage your property. Plumbing problems not only cost you money on your monthly utility bill and can damage your home, but water issues often develop mold, which becomes a health hazard. So, if you are experiencing any of these seven issues it is important to take each as signs you need a plumber and when to call a plumber.
Check out these 7 Signs When to Call a Plumber
Dripping Faucet
There are a number of potential issues behind a dripping faucet. It might be as simple as a damaged gasket. However, it can also be something far more substantial, such as leaking pipes behind the walls of your kitchen or bathroom. Instead of attempting to replace the faucet on your own and hoping this will fix the problem you’ll be better off contacting a plumber.
Running Toilet
A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water every day. It literally is flushing water down the drain. If you hear your toilet running you need to take it as one of the signs you need a plumber. A running toilet may simply need a few replacement parts inside the tank, or you may need to replace the entire toilet. The plumber will point out the problem and offer suggestions on what needs to be done.
Low Water Pressure
You may wonder when to call a plumber regarding low water pressure. If you moved into your home and it already had low water pressure, as long as the house passed inspection it likely means you simply have low pressure and there isn’t much you can do (although there are a few small appliances that can be installed to help boost the pressure somewhat). However, if you have noticed the water pressure dropping it may mean there is a leak somewhere, either inside the house or around the foundation. Either way, these issues need to be addressed right away.
Slow Drainage or Clogged Drains
Of all the signs you need a plumber, slow drainage or clogged drains are issues we’ve all faced at some point in time. Some minor clogs can be corrected with drain cleaner or mechanical snakes from the local home improvement store, but you don’t want to rely on the liquid pipe cleaner (especially if you have an older home with old pipes). The chemicals can eat away at metal plumbing, which weakens the structural integrity of the pipes. Instead, it typically is better to bring in a professional to have the plumbing issue addressed.
Burst Pipe
If you have a burst pipe you don’t need to wonder when to call a plumber, because you likely already have a phone in your hand. A burst pipe is a serious issue and needs to be addressed right away. Now, you should try to shut off the water immediately. This at least reduces the amount of water leaking into your home (or around the foundation of the house). If there are two of you have one person call the plumber while you turn off the water. If it’s only you go turn off the water to the house first, then contact the plumber.
If you don’t know how to turn the home’s water off now is the time to learn. Everyone in the house should know how to turn off the home’s water in the event of an emergency such as this.
You Smell Sewage
Do you smell sewage? If so, there are a few potential problems going on here, each of which is a sign you need to contact a professional. First, the line running out of your home to the city’s sewer system may be clogged, causing sewage to back up into the house. The second issue is if you have a septic tank the tank may be starting to overflow. If the smell of sewage comes from inside the house it’s likely an issue with a clogged line, and if the smell of sewage comes from outside in your yard it’s likely a problem with a septic tank. Either way, don’t go another minute without contacting a plumber, because a burst sewage line or an overflowing septic tank are issues you don’t want to deal with.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes often lead to burst pipes. This often happens when you go on vacation and turn the heat down (or off) inside your house. Water in the pipes stops moving, which makes it easier to freeze. When water freezes it expands in size. The expanding ice may then cause the pipe to burst.
If you have a frozen pipe you need to bring in a pro to help thaw the pipe without it bursting. If the pipe is damaged the plumber can replace the damaged section prior to flooding.
There are a few ways to avoid frozen pipes in the winter when you’re out on vacation. First, keep the house set at around 50 degrees. This way, the temperature doesn’t drop low enough for the pipes to freeze. You may also want to leave one faucet dripping. This keeps water moving and prevents ice from developing. If you are experiencing any of these current problems you need to take each as signs you need a plumber. Don’t put off contacting a plumber as failure to bring in a professional may cause the problem to spread and cost you more to repair the longer you wait. So, instead of wondering when to call a plumber, if you are experiencing any of these issues now is the time to pick up your phone and give a professional a call.
