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When Should I Call a Plumbing Professional?

Plumbing

Unfortunately, the plumbing system in your home isn’t invincible and problems can arise at any time. If there is an issue with your plumbing system, life in your home can be very inconvenient.

Some homeowners will attempt a DIY plumbing repair to save money, but this isn’t the best idea. According to Forbes Advisor, the most common DIY plumbing mistake is thinking you can handle a plumbing repair; therefore, it is best to call a water pipelining professional. If your plumbing system experiences any of the following issues, it is best to hire a plumber.

#1 Clogged Drain

According to Den Garden, slow draining sinks and tubs are one of the most common plumbing issues. When food, grease, hair, and soap scum build up in the drain, the water will drain slowly.

You may be tempted to use a liquid drain cleaner to save money, but this isn’t the best idea. Even if the drain cleaner allows the water to flow freely down the drain, the entire clog may not have been removed, causing the water to drain slowly again soon. Also, these products contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes.

A plumbing professional can remove the entire clog, preventing issues in the future.

#2 Clogged Toilet

A clogged toilet is an inconvenient problem, particularly if you only have one bathroom. According to The Spruce, flushing wipes, paper towels, or other non-flushable items are common causes of drain clogs. The same is true if you try to flush too much toilet paper and waste.

In most cases, plunging the toilet will break up the clog enough that it can be flushed. If the plunger doesn’t help, the clog could be too large, too solid, or located too far down the drainpipe for the plunger to have an effect.

A plumber can remove any size clog quickly, regardless of where it is located. When they finish the job, you can start using the toilet again.

#3 Dripping Faucet

A dripping faucet is more serious than you think because it can waste a significant amount of water. According to the EPA, a faucet that drips one drop per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water, causing your water bill to increase significantly.

A few issues can cause your faucet to drip, such as a worn-out washer or gasket, a loose O ring, corrosion in the valve seat, or the faucet may have reached the end of its lifespan. A plumber can inspect the faucet to figure out why the faucet is dripping, so the necessary repair can be made.

#4 Running Toilet

If you think a dripping faucet wastes a lot of water, you will be shocked by the amount of water wasted by a running toilet. According to The Water Scrooge, a medium leak can waste around 250 gallons per day, increasing your water bill by around $100 per month.

A few issues can cause a toilet to run, including:

  • The flapper is cracked or won’t close properly
  • The refill tube is too long
  • The float height needs to be adjusted
  • The toilet has reached the end of its lifespan.

A plumbing professional can figure out why the toilet continues running, so the necessary repairs can be made.

The issues listed above are the most common plumbing problems; however, there are plenty of other plumbing issues to worry about, such as leaks, water heater issues, a lack of water, and poor water pressure. Ignoring a plumbing problem can cause it to escalate; therefore, you should call a plumber as soon as you detect a problem.