Neighborhood Plumber: Who to Call When Your Pipes Are Leaking

The plumbing system in your home is made of a very complex intertwining maze of fixtures, pipes, and fittings. When something goes wrong with this system, you will need to call a plumber. While there are several things that a homeowner can do on his or her own, such as installing a kitchen faucet or unclogging a toilet, most leaks or repairs will require the work of a professional. An improperly repaired pipe could lead to leaking raw sewage, lead contamination, or in extreme cases, even explosions.

A project such as installing a simple bathroom or kitchen fixture can often be done by a competent do-it-yourselfer. Other quick fixes such as unclogging a toilet or drain can typically be done by anyone in the home with the use of a plunger. More complicated tasks, however, almost always require the services of a specially trained, licensed plumber. You should call a specialist when you are unsure of how to connect fixtures, or if you have an unusually tough clog that cannot be remedied through the use of the plunger or a store-bought drain cleaner. Other times to make the call include when you see that you have fixtures or pipe's that are leaking, have lost use of your hot water, or any time that you think you may have raw sewage appearing in your yard, home, or basement.

A plumber is a specialist in his trade. He has had specific training in identifying problems such as leaks, clogs, and water pressure issues. He has also undergone an extensive training program or apprenticeship which has taught him the proper way to complete installations, repair problems, and administer proper testing to specific pipe and pressure systems. As a professional, he will also be up to date on specific building codes within his state as well as any safety issues.

Calling a plumber is a good idea anytime that you have problems with your water or septic system. In the case of tough clogs, professionals have specific formulations that can unclog even the most difficult drain. Always be sure that the contractor you contact is fully insured with the liability policy from a trusted insurance company. Additionally, check your state licensing board to be sure the contractor has an up-to-date license (this can often be done online). Checking with the Better Business Bureau is also a good idea; this will tell you if the contractor has ever had any reports against him with the BBB.