In so many cases, we can easily solve plumbing problems alone. However, this does not mean that you can do this with everything that happens.
The truth is, with most plumbing problems, you HAVE to contact a plumber. This is because when you try to fix what you find alone you might make the situation worse. A small trickle can lead to a huge leak.
Why Is DIY A Bad Idea?
Plumbing is not one of those things that we can simply guess and solve. People have to be trained when they perform plumbing fixes. They need to know coding standards and need hands-on experience. If you do not have these, you just guess what you have to do.
It is highly possible that things are made worse and you are looking at a safety risk. Various safety concerns have to be remembered when you do plumbing work. Basically, the best choice is to contact the local plumber whenever you have any doubt.
With all this in mind, here are some clear signs that you have to contact a plumber as soon as possible.
The Sink Drains Slowly
Does it feel more like you are taking a bathroom when you take a shower? Is the water in the kitchen sink filling up when you wash dishes? In both cases, and many others, we are talking about drainage issues.
There are many reasons why the drain is slow. But usually the problem is a clog. Anything from food waste to rodents and toys can be stuck inside pipes. You can only realize what the clog is by investigating.
The plumber will use an auger in order to dislodge most troublesome clogs. This flexible, long instrument, commonly known as drain snake, is ten times more effective than the common wire goat hanger most people try to use. If the auger fails, other tools and methods can be used by the plumber.
Very Low Water Pressure
When your shower is way too long simply because you cannot rinse your hair, it is most likely because of bad water pressure. When this is the case, you waste so much time and your water bill is surely higher than it should be.
Usually, the reason for the low water pressure is a small clog that appeared in the aerator of the faucet. Water cannot fully flow, even if the handle is at full capacity. The good news is you can usually use something sharp and small in order to poke the holes of the aerator. Eventually, blockages come loose.
The problem is that if you do not really know what you are doing, you can cause extra damage inside the faucet. A leak can even appear. It is just a lot better to contact the plumber since he can fix the problem efficiently and quickly.
A Serious Back-Flow Issue
Whenever disgusting back-flow water starts springing from the sink and right onto bathroom tiles, you are faced with a very common smelly plumbing issue. It can lead to flooring being damaged and the smell is never pleasant.
Because the water inside the plumbing system smells pretty nasty, you do not want the liquid to come back up your drain. This is especially the case with sewer water.
In most cases, the cause of back-flow is simple. As water pressure goes down, water reverses natural downward flow. The plumber is definitely the person you want to contact whenever this issue appears.
Gurgling Water
When the toilet starts to gurgle even if you just take a shower, something is clearly wrong. But it will be pretty difficult to identify the cause. If the drain is clogged and there is water trapped inside the faucet, a professional plumber needs to be contacted.
This gurgling usually means the drain system looks for air. Water can easily end up spilling into the home as this happens. When you hear this gurgling sound, turn off the water supply and contact a plumber or you can be sure the issue will get much worse.
You Do Not Have Water
When you know that you have water but you turn on the faucet and nothing comes out, it is quite obvious you have to contact a plumber as soon as possible.
A lack of water can be caused by many different things. It is possible there is a blockage somewhere or a very serious leak. Because of the fact that most plumbing is concealed under the home and behind walls, you simply cannot guess where the problem is. The plumber can do this fast with the use of special diagnostic tools.
Water Does Not Get Hot
What can be worse than getting ready for a hot shower after a long day at work, only to turn on the water and it never getting hot? This is especially bothersome if the weather is cold. It can even make something as simple as washing dishes a huge problem.
In most cases, the cause is a failure in the water heater. Just a little bit of maintenance or a complete replacement may be needed. Regardless of what the problem is, the plumber has to be contacted. In fact, one with HVAC certification is mandatory. This is because water heaters have gas and electrical components. You are actually not allowed to make modifications or repairs without certification.
Burst Pipes
Pipes can burst, especially during winter months because water inside them freeze. It might be very difficult to find the affected pipes, but local plumbers can do this with ease. They can even check pipes behind walls, inside yards, and under your foundation. Plumbers can even stop leaks before they happen when bulging pipes are noticed and pressure is abnormal.
Remember that when you look for a leak source yourself, you lose a lot of time. This can only make the issue more serious, even if water is turned off with the main valve.
New Appliances Are Being Installed
Do you remodel your bathroom or your kitchen? Maybe you build something entirely new, like a new room or a tiny house. In any such case, when a major appliance is installed, like a washing machine, a dishwasher, or a new sink, you should never use the DIY option. Some homeowners try to save money but the best thing you could do is to hire a professional plumber. This is because such an installation is complex and complicated.
Soggy Basement
Last but not least, when you notice that your basement gets soggy every time it rains, you have to contact a professional as soon as you can. This is because you are faced with a very serious problem. Weatherproofing problems or faulty insulations might be present, or even some leaking pipes.
Regardless of the problem, water might damage your foundation, which can lead to serious structural issues. Never try to fix the problem alone or postpone contacting a plumber.
