A plumber is a tradesperson who installs and repairs systems that deliver potable water, hot water, sewage, and drainage. While it may seem tempting to ignore a slow drain or constant leaking, calling a plumber can save you both time and money in the long run, says Blue Door Realty.
Professional plumbers can also make your home more water-efficient, saving you money each month. Here are nine reasons it’s time to call a plumber.
Leaky Pipes
If you think you have a leaky pipe, it is important to call in a plumber right away. The longer you wait, the more damage it could cause to your floors, walls and ceilings. A plumber will be able to find the location of the leak and offer you temporary solutions to stop the flow of water until they can come out and perform a permanent repair.
There are many things that can go wrong with your plumbing system, and some of them may seem like minor issues that you can deal with on your own. However, some problems can quickly turn into major headaches and expensive repairs if not addressed quickly enough. Here are some signs that it is time to call in a plumber:
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can cause major water damage to your home and increase your energy bills by causing the water that is normally flowing through your pipes to escape into your walls and floor. If you have a frozen pipe, you need to call a plumber right away to thaw the pipe and save your house from extensive damage.
When water freezes, it expands and can crack or break even the strongest of plumbing pipes. The ice can also create small holes in your plumbing that go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Look for signs that you have frozen pipes, like damp drywall or ceiling rings; whistling or banging noises; or bad sewage smells from your drains. Once you know where a frozen section of your plumbing is, shut off the water supply to that area and apply heat to the affected area. You can use a hair dryer, space heater or towels soaked in hot water to help thaw your pipe.
Drain Clogs
Clogged drains can cause nasty odors and lead to serious water damage if left unaddressed. While DIY remedies can be effective for minor clogs (using hot water, baking soda and vinegar), it is usually better to call a professional. If the clog is extensive, or if it’s located in an area that is hard to reach (such as behind the wall or under the floor), it requires the attention of a plumber with situation-specific tools to avoid causing more damage. Blocked drain(s) in Melbourne should be handled with care and by a qualified plumber.
Also, if you have one clogged drain and it is a fixture that needs to be used soon (like your guest bathroom sink for great-aunt Bessie’s visit) then calling a plumber is
probably the best option to ensure you get it resolved in time. It’s important to remember that your piping system is connected to all other drains and fixtures in your home, so one clogged drain can affect the entire house. That’s why it’s crucial to take preventive measures like running hot water regularly, avoiding flushing paper products and using a food strainer for all of your kitchen drains.
Sewage Backup
Sewage backups are a huge pain and can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to floors, walls, furniture and more. They are also a health hazard and can create mold that will require professional removal and cleaning. Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of their sewer lateral – the pipeline between the city sanitary sewer main and their home – and can take steps to prevent this problem.
A clogged sewer line can be caused by many things from large objects like toys that are flushed down toilets to small items like hair, grease and soap scum. If your sewer line is old it may be prone to cracking or breaking down and should be replaced.
If you see sewage backing up into your drains or toilets, call a plumber immediately. This is a serious health hazard and plumbing emergency and should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Sewage is dangerous to touch and can make you very sick if it comes into contact with your skin, eyes or nose.
