Time to Call a Plumber: When DIY Isn’t Enough

Your plumbing is one of the most important and relied on systems in your home, and seemingly minor problems can quickly become serious issues that bring your home life to a grinding halt. While you can probably handle minor repairs and maintenance tasks on your own, you should keep an eye out for any signs that you are going to need a professional plumber. Trying to handle every plumbing problem that comes your way could result in not only making the problem worse but costing you extra.

Clogged Sewage Line

For a single clogged or slow drain in your home, you might be able to clear the line with some basic tools and over-the-counter products. If multiple drains are slow or clogged, then you will most likely need to work with a plumbing company, ones like Bud’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric. Multiple slow or blocked drains are usually caused by a clogged sewage line, and dealing with that type of plumbing issue requires special tools and training.

Replacing a Damaged Water Heater

Even though modern water heaters have multiple safety features, they are still dangerous devices to mess with on your own. In addition to being under a tremendous amount of pressure, they also have a live flame or electric heating element going. Some of the most common signs of a damaged water heater include leaks, fluctuating water temperatures, a large amount of sediment in the water, and loud noises whenever the appliance is being used. These sorts of problems require someone with a little more training than a simple Google search or Youtube video can provide.

Wall Leaks

Taking care of a faucet that has a slow leak isn’t a difficult task so long as you own a wrench, but wall leaks are a very different problem. If you notice discolored patches along your walls that are wet, or that there is a musty smell in the room no matter what you do, the walls are most likely leaking. When there is a leak inside the wall, it will increase your risk of pest infestations, mold outbreaks, and structural damage to your home. To take care of a wall leak, your plumber will either need to find an access point or carefully cut into the wall to patch or replace the damaged line. Getting this wrong on the first try could lead to further damage to the leaking wall and the house overall.

Complicated Toilet Repairs

This is another project that often requires professional assistance because you don’t want to make any mistakes when you are repairing or replacing a toilet. A toilet with a minor leak or crack could cause thousands of dollars worth of damage in a very short period of time, whether that be from wasted water or physical damage to your bathroom. At the very least, you should contact a contractor right away to determine what type of damage has occurred and how complicated the repairs are going to be. You may end up having to replace the tile or vinyl of your floor, especially if the wax seal at the bottom of the toilet has broken since water will have been able to leak into the floor.

When it comes to your home’s plumbing, you should always err on the side of caution. It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially if being sorry means you’re out a lot of money. If you notice any issues with your plumbing and aren’t completely sure that you are able to handle them on your own, then you should contact a licensed plumber right away for professional assistance or advice.