Everyone has dealt with a plumbing problem at least once in their life. Some issues are minor, so you can fix them yourself, and other times you need a professional. And yes, hiring a professional implies paying for their services, but if you neglect the problem it can lead to greater damages.
How do you decide when it’s the right moment to call a plumber? It all depends on your experience and skills. So if you worked together with the contractor to build the house, and you know where each pipe is located, you probably know how to handle a plumbing emergency . However, you may want to think twice when dealing with a complex issue. Even if you don’t have the skills and experience you can still fix some problems. But it’s important to identify the cases when you need a professional.
This article will list some of the most common plumbing-related situations homeowners can experience, to help you determine when to call an expert.
Slow drainage
When it takes longer for water to drain in the sink, you should have no doubts that something isn’t working. If the usual flow of water doesn’t move, something may be clogged in the pipes. For a kitchen sink, the main factor is grease, but sometimes even insoluble leftover food can stop water from reaching the drainage system. Grease tends to harden in pipes and if you don’t clean it properly it can lead to slow drainage. In the bathroom, hair combined with gels can form balls that are difficult to remove and destroy. Most of the times in bathrooms, the build-up is located around the walls of the pipes.
If you are noticing that water is taking longer than usual to drain, you should contact an expert.
Stains or deposit build-up on faucets
Depending on where you live, water can include certain additives and minerals that can affect your faucets differently. Sometimes, a high concentration of minerals can cause white, brown or even green build-up. Depending on the materials of the faucets, it can get permanent stains. However, this is not the only cause that can lead to a change in water’s colour. Damaged pipes can change the flow and colour of the water. The best solution for the homeowners who are living in an area with poor water quality is to install filters or purification systems .
However, if you haven’t managed to do it until now and you are noticing stains and deposit build-ups on faucets and fixtures, you should hire a plumber to check the entire system.
You hear running water
As you can expect, when you are hearing running water but you cannot identify the source, it’s the moment to call an emergency plumber. If you are hearing running water when you don’t use the plumbing system, it’s the sign of a leak. Make sure the plumber comes ASAP because a leak can always cause a more serious problem.
You hear gurgling water
Gurgling water is the sign of a complex plumbing problem . Most of the times, it’s the result of water trapped in the dishwasher, pipes, laundry machine or in the faucet of the toilet. A clog can also lead to gurgling water so you should ask an experienced plumber to check the entire system.
As soon as you hear the noise, you should turn off the water because it could back up the house. Do not turn on the water until the plumber fixes the problem.
Water damage
Water damage is a serious problem for any homeowner and you definitely need the help of an expert. If you checked your house and the roof or one of the windows is not the cause of the water damage, then one of the pipes can be. Do not wait for the water to flood your house, discoloration on the walls and floor are also signs of water damage. Sometimes a damp carpet or a soft spot on the wall can point you out that there’s something wrong with the plumbing system.
Your house is not the only victim of water damage. Many times, your yard or house exterior can also get flooded. When you mow the lawn, be sure to check for mushy spots, as they indicate possible underground pipe leaks. Call an emergency plumber in Boca Raton to trace the leak and determine how they can repair it.
Low water pressure
You cannot miss this problem. Have you noticed low water pressure when you are washing dishes or taking a shower? You tried to turn the faucet handle multiple times but the water pressure doesn’t get better, and you cannot properly wash your hair. Well, there’s probably something in the faucet that is preventing water to travel the pipe. You may think that it’s simple to check the pipes and the faucet to see what’s holding some of the water back, but you can damage the entire system, so you should call an expert .
A plumber can easily identify the problem and fix it. Sometimes it’s a minor build-up in the aerator of the faucet, other times it can be a leak. A complex problem is more than you can handle, even if you are a handyman.
A bad odour
Sometimes there is no water damage inside or outside the house, the water pressure is great, and there are no strange noises, but you can feel a bad odour the moment you enter the house. Bad smells are always a sign of a dysfunctional valve, and the solution is to repair or replace it . Don’t try to do it yourself because it’s more complicated than it sounds. If you break the valve or the surrounding pipes, you can flood your house or cause extended damage. Call the plumber and they will ensure that your house no longer smells like rotten eggs.
This article analysed some of the most common issues a homeowner can experience with the plumbing system. Do not try to fix them yourself, call an expert and they will help you save worry and money.