AuthorSome plumbing tasks can be handled with basic home improvement skills while saving a few dollars in the process. Tightening faucets to prevent leakages, or unclogging the sink drainage with a plunger isn’t rocket science.
As satisfying as it may be to solve domestic plumbing problems without a professional’s help, some plumbing emergencies require the attention of an expert. If unresolved, they could escalate to costly catastrophes.
The following problems are beyond untrained hands and may signify the need to call a professional plumber.
Discolored Water
Discolored water is a serious health hazard especially if the water has a foul smell and taste. It can be caused by either of the following:
- Water getting mixed up with soil and other impurities due to broken water lines
- Sediment build up in the water distribution lines
- Iron accumulation in the water heater
A professional responding to such plumbing emergencies will trace the root cause of the problem and fix it. Depending on the expert’s diagnosis, installing a new filtration system could solve the problem.
Frequently Recurring Drainage Clogging
Drainage clogging is quite common in typical American households. This is caused by the accumulation of waste in the drainage pipes resulting in slow-draining sinks or bathwater. The waste can either be hair, non-flushable items, or grease and fat.
Tree roots can sometimes cause clogging. They can infiltrate drainage pipes through the smallest of cracks in search of nutrients.
This problem should be addressed by professional plumbers as it could involve some digging up and extensive tracing of the root cause.
Unusually Low Water Pressure
Water pressure should be constant throughout the year, and a sudden decline in pressure or complete water loss could signify a major plumbing issue.
A sustained and substantial drop in pressure could be caused by clogging or leakage in the plumbing pipes or a complete pipe burst. If unattended, this could lead to dry faucets.
Inexplicable Puddles
This is by far the most alarming of all problems. Some sightings could include soggy basements, puddles in corners, and damp walls. This could signify a pipe burst either beneath the home’s foundation or in the wall piping.
If this problem is not addressed quickly, it could interfere with the structural integrity of the house and even lead to collapsing of some sections.
No Hot Water
If the shower water isn’t getting hot enough or not heating at all, there could be a problem with the water heater. At the end of their lifespans, all water heaters begin exhibiting such problems and need to be replaced.
A good plumber should be able to recommend an efficient and durable water heater that is also easy to install and maintain.
Sometimes, a do-it-yourself approach to fixing plumbing problems isn’t feasible and could lead to escalation and even costlier. Hesitation could also lead to the same results.
Plumbing issues that are too complicated should interfere with normal household running. There are experienced and licensed plumbers ready to respond to any plumbing emergencies while charging affordable fees.