Homeowners need to know problems with their plumbing will look like. Learn the top five signs that you need to call the plumber.
Homeowners often wonder what is normal and what indicates they have a problem with their plumbing and should seek professional help. Understanding the pipes and faucets in your home will help you call when you need professional help,
and save money when you don’t.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can indicate a problem somewhere in your pipes. Before you call, make sure it is a consistent problem, not a temporary one caused by having more than one faucet running. If you do have a consistent problem, it could be because of buildup in your pipes that blocks the flow of water. Another problem that can cause low water pressure is having pipes that are too small for the water flow. This is common in older homes, but a professional can usually make the necessary adjustments.
Slow Flowing Pipes
Slow flowing pipes almost always indicate something is blocking the water’s flow. You can often fix this plumbing problem on your own with a snake or commercial drain cleaner. However, if these methods do not work, you need to call in a professional to remove the clog. You can safely use your system while the drains are running slow, but you need to be prepared for an eventual compete backup and the mess it will cause. You will be better off getting help before this happens.
Attacking the Plunger
If you regularly have to use the plunger on your toilet, something is wrong. If you have a septic tank, it may be time to empty it. If not, something is blocking the flow of water away from your toilet. This could be a clog somewhere along the line, or it could be a tree root or other item in nature that has obstructed the pipe outside of your home. Again, if you don’t see the problem obviously on your end, call a plumber before you end up with an emergency situation on your hands.
Leaking Water
Leaking water is always a sign of a plumbing problem. If you find water leaking from pipes, faucets, or another part of your home, see if you can find the source. If you find the source and can fix it properly, then take care of this job yourself. If not, you need to call a professional. Leaks can grow, and they will affect other parts of the system.
Septic or Sewer Line Damage
Septic tank or sewer line damage creates very messy situations that require an expert touch to fix. If you notice either of these problems, call the plumber right away, before your plumbing is completely broken and you end up with raw sewage somewhere on your property.
Remember, the best person to fix serious plumbing issues is a trained plumber. While some jobs can easily be tackled by the average Do-It-Yourselfer, most tasks require a skilled hand. The last thing you want is a flooded basement or sewage in your yard, so be cautions when tackling these problems on your own.
