Knowing there’s a plumbing issue at your home can mess with your decisions. On the one hand, the DIY approach helps you save money. Plus, you’ll feel the satisfaction of a job well done. It can also be detrimental to your home’s needs. If you mess the repair, it can turn into a plumbing disaster and instead of saving money, you’ll end up spending more.
That is why knowing when it’s time to hire a plumber is important.
There are certain issues you need to be on the lookout for. When these arise, it’s best to call a licensed professional to fix it for you. Here are some of these plumbing problems:
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Low Water Pressure
Note that the water pressure in your home should be relatively the same all year round. If your home is connected to a main water system, you’ll likely experience small fluctuations. But these are rare and last quickly.
If you notice there’s been extremely low water pressure around your home for days, it’s time to hire a pro. They can analyze the problem, determine what’s causing it, and come up with a good approach to fixing it.
Some factors can cause low water pressure. However, the most common is an obstruction in the pipes.
Rust-colored Water
You know there’s a terrible plumbing problem if the water that comes out is rust-colored. That means either the faucet, the water lines, or the water system is rusting. There will likely be a need to change them, and it’s not a job just anyone can do.
This is usually considered as a plumbing emergency, given that you won’t be able to use the water even for cleaning. Professional plumbers have the extensive knowledge and experience, so you’ll want to call them right away. With the right tools, they can easily change the part within the day.
Extensive Water System Damage
This is a no-brainer. You’ll need a professional plumber immediately if you want water running around your house. While you can fix a leaky faucet and maybe even a faulty valve, extensive damage to the system is complex. It’s way beyond the knowledge of a common household owner, whether you’re talented with a wrench and hammer.
Most of the time, professionals will take a look at your system and analyze the problem. They’ll take note of what’s good, what can be fixed, and what needs to be replaced.
Depending on the extent of the problem, they can fix the problem within the day or a few.
Water Leak and Burst Pipes
Some leaks are fairly easy to remedy. You’ll need to pinpoint the problem and fix it with a waterproof seal. However, most leaks aren’t detected until it’s too late. By this time, a DIY approach may prolong the problem. This should be the time to hire a plumber.
One of the tell-tale signs of a water leak is hearing running water even when you aren’t running it.
Burst pipes, on the other hand, are a little tricky. Instead of trying to figure out how to repair it, you’ll want the pro to bring in their tools and work for you. If not fixed quickly or at all, burst pipes could empty your water tank in no time, or you’ll see a great increase on next month’s water bill.
If you see water where it shouldn’t be or water spots on the ceiling, floor, or walls, call the nearest plumber.
Now that you know when to call a handyman, now’s the time to know who you should call. Here are things you should always consider when hiring a plumber.
- Licensure – Plumbers in most states in the US should have a license. In case your state does not check out whether the company has ever had a complaint. You’ll want to work with people with a clean track record.
- Experience – Their years in the industry can tell you a lot about their work. The best plumbers took years before they gained their skills and knowledge.
- Insurance – If you have a homeowner’s insurance, you’ll have an extra layer of protection. But your plumber should also have a worker’s insurance to help them in case of an accident while working at your home.
- Warranty – It’s much better if your plumber offers a warranty for their services and the parts.
- Reference and reviews – You’ll know better about the plumber and his work through the people they have worked with before. You can ask the plumber for references and then call them. Reviews are also likely available on the internet for these pros.
Being thrifty is not a sin. However, sometimes spending more on a service could help us save in the long run. Water damage can cost you thousands of dollars. When comparing that with a hundred bucks or so, hiring a plumber is the best choice.
