While there’s a growing number of people riding the do-it-yourself (DIY) bandwagon to save a few bucks on home repairs, there would always come a time when hiring a professional is the best course of action.
If you’re just working on small and simple repairs, then busting out the tools yourself might not be such a bad idea.
But if it’s an emergency that needs immediate attention, then calling a qualified professional is the way to go. It might be a bit more costly, but at least you’re sure that whatever needs to be fixed will be repaired properly.
This can be especially true for plumbing emergencies. Running water is an essential part of the home or any building so it’s imperative that any and all plumbing issues are addressed.
If you don’t have any experience fixing pipes, drains, toilets, and the like, don’t attempt to fix the issues yourself. Instead, call a qualified plumbing professional, preferably one that’s licensed according to PHCEid.
If you’re not sure when you need to call a plumber, here are seven common reasons to guide you:
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1. Low Water Pressure
The issue of having low water pressure can be very frustrating since it takes you a lot longer to do important tasks such as washing the dishes or taking a shower. If you’re experiencing this problem, a possible reason could be a blocked aerator.
While you might be tempted to unscrew the aerator and clean it yourself, poke around to remove the clog, or do some light scrubbing, you risk causing more damage as there are many moving parts involved.
In this case, you need to call a plumber who’s better equipped to identify the exact reason why the water pressure is low.
With their experience and expertise, a plumber will quickly and correctly determine what’s causing the issue and address it properly.
2. Blocked Drains or Sinks
The most common causes of clogged sinks or drains are grease, hair, food, even toys and tree roots. If left unattended, such a simple issue can escalate quickly.
While most homeowners would typically use drain-cleaning materials to resolve the problem, this is just a band-aid solution that works only for a short time and doesn’t resolve the root cause of the clogging.
In contrast, a certified plumber will be able to adequately resolve the matter since they have the right tools and equipment needed for the job.
One such tool is the auger, which is very efficient in ensuring that all clogs are removed.
Another useful tool these experts use is the drain snake, which is more effective compared to the old wire coat hanger, which is the go-to choice for many DIY enthusiasts.
3. Leaking Pipes
If you can see water spots on the ceiling, cupboard, or floor, this is enough proof that there’s a leaking pipe somewhere. The more that pipes continue to leak, the greater damage it may cause to your home.
Don’t attempt to personally locate a leaky pipe as this can be extremely time-consuming, not to mention dangerous as a wrong move could result in pipes bursting behind the walls.
This can lead to your home being flooded, increasing the total cost of repairs even more.
You can avoid this scenario by hiring a qualified plumber.
With their experience, professional plumbers can easily pinpoint the exact location of a leaking pipe, whether it’s below the property’s foundation, in the yard, or behind the wall.
Plumbers can also quickly detect a bulging pipe, which may prevent a leak from happening in the first place.
4. There’s No Hot Water
Most people dread the prospect of a cold shower, especially during the colder months.
Aside from bathing, the lack of hot water can also affect how you do the laundry and cook, making it more than necessary for this issue to be speedily resolved.
A common reason for the complete loss of hot water is that either the system needs maintenance or it’s completely ruined.
In such cases, you should resist the temptation of doing the repairs yourself since a hot water system often incorporates gas and electrical components.
Because you don’t have the proper expertise and experience, you risk injuring yourself and causing damage to your home. The best solution is to hire a licensed plumber who’ll diagnose the problem and rectify it effectively.
5. To Address A Mold Problem
The growth of mold is more prevalent in areas of your home that are continuously exposed to water, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
In most cases, this growth is caused by a defective exhaust fan in the bathroom or a leaky pipe, allowing the accumulation of moisture, which is the perfect breeding ground for mold.
Because mold is dangerous to your well-being and that of your loved ones, you need to make sure it’s completely removed.
Therefore, you should hire a plumber since this expert knows exactly how to make sure all the mold is rid of entirely from your home.
A plumber can also address the issue that has led to the growth, ensuring this doesn’t happen again in the future.
6. Continuously Dripping Faucets
The issue of a dripping faucet is one that many homeowners tend to overlook. However, this continuous dripping of water, regardless of how slow it may be happening, increases your water bill.
If you want to save your hard-earned money, hire a plumber immediately.
This professional will be able to quickly fix this issue by either installing a new bracket or gently tightening faucet connections.
Once this problem has been handled, less water gets wasted, and your water bill won’t skyrocket anymore.
7. Water In The Toilet Is Gurgling Up
Water gurgling up in your toilet is a clear sign there’s a serious problem. This can be caused by your drainage system trying to search for water.
The more your drainage system struggles over time, the greater the likelihood that water will spill out into your home.
As a result, your belongings such as rugs, carpets, and even prized furniture are at risk of being destroyed.
Call a plumber as soon as you hear your toilet making gurgling sounds to prevent any extensive damage to your home and your valuables.
Takeaway
Most homeowners don’t always see the need to hire a professional plumber because they don’t want to spend extra on an issue they think they can fix themselves.
However, if you really want to save money and avoid costly yet preventable mistakes, hiring a plumber as soon as you encounter any of the seven reasons above will be the best solution.
