There are some plumbing issues in your home you can take care of yourself. A little too much toilet paper in the stool that causes a minor clog, a dripping faucet, or a jammed garbage disposal are all relatively easy fixes for a DIYer. However, there are times when you shouldn’t attempt to fix issues yourself and should instead call in a pro. Here are some plumbing problems that require professional assistance.
You Don’t Have Any Hot Water
Running out of hot water is a common issue and often means you don’t have a large enough hot water heater (or you need to take shorter showers). However, if you don’t have any hot water at all or if it takes an inordinately long amount of time for your water to warm up, you need to have a pro come and take a look at your hot water heater. You may have a small problem, or your hot water heater could need replaced with a newer or larger model.
You Don’t Have Any Water Pressure
A lack of water pressure can be annoying, especially if it means not being able to take a proper shower. Poor water pressure isn’t normal and could mean you have a clog in the aerator. Though you might be tempted to try to unclog it yourself, you could do more harm than good and make the problem worse. Call in a pro who can check out the source and properly fix it so your pressure (and showers) can get back to normal.
You Don’t Have ANY Type of Water
If you turn on the faucet and nothing comes out, you’ve got a real problem. Losing water can be the product of major leaks, backups, frozen pipes, or a problem with the water main. If a leak is significant enough, it could lead to foundation damage as well as enormous water bills. Even small leaks can increase your utility bills and lead to bigger issues. If you lose water, it’s time to call in a pro.
Your Toilet is Regularly Overflowing
Isolated overflows are usually not a cause for concern and are usually the result of too much toilet paper or some other material being flushed. However, if your toilet seems to be constantly overflowing, you could have a larger problem that requires the assistance of a plumber. If the toilet overflows right after flushing it, there is likely a blockage in the toilet. If overflows happen without flushing, you’re more than likely experiencing a clog in the actual drainpipe. If you’re experiencing overflows that don’t respond to plunging, shut off the water to the toilet and call a plumber immediately.
Your Pipes Burst
Burst pipes are usually the result of frozen water pipes during the cold winter months. There are ways to prevent frozen pipes, but they can still happen. If pipes burst, you can have significant water damage issues if the problem isn’t resolved quickly. Burst pipes are not for DIYers. A plumber can identify which pipes are affected and prevent costly flooding.
There are some plumbing issues that should not be taken likely and that you shouldn’t attempt to fix on your own. By calling in a professional, you can usually save time and money and prevent even larger problems down the road. If you need a plumber, contact the experts at ASAP today!