6 Plumbing Nightmares Every Homeowner Fears
Plumbing problems, like many things, are just part of daily life. And while many such problems can be eradicated with simple draining solutions or other maintenance, requiring the services of a plumber is a given once in a while; sometimes it’s unavoidable. That said, here are six situations where you need a plumber, as it’s just not worth the risk of things getting worse.
1. Up All Night with a Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet is the stereotypical plumber-related problem, probably because it is so common. People notice it especially at night, as it can be an irritating sound over time. More than that, it adds up to be a waste of water and can raise your water bill. That’s why it’s important to get a loose faucet fixed by a plumber immediately. It may cost more upfront, but will save you money in the long run if you continue to let water drip.
2. Something is in the Pipes
Clogged bathtubs and sinks are prone to happen once in a while, and often all that is needed is a pipe cleaning solution such as Drano or CLR. However, if blockage in the pipe gets too solidified, no amount of cleaner can fix it, and repeated usage will only cost you more money. In this event, make sure to call a plumber to unclog it so that you can continue using your bathtub or sink again – without worry of flooding the house.
3. Water Pressure is Down to a Slow Trickle
Whenever you have low, or erratic, water pressure coming through the taps or shower head, and it’s not resolving itself over time, it’s important to call a plumber, as something in the pipes has been clogged or damaged. That said, if you live in an apartment building, talk to your landlord first to make sure there weren’t any scheduled disruptions to the water supply.
4. You Don’t Want a Clogged Toilet
The last thing you want on your hands is a clogged toilet. Like with the sink or bathtub, you should first use a pipe cleaning solution – but only one that is specifically designated for the toilet pipelines. You could also use a plumbing snake. The solution may take a few tries before it clears the pipes, but if it continues to be a problem, it is very important to call a plumber immediately. It may not be visible, but clogged drains may cause leakage below the floorboards which can cause water damage and rot to your floor.
5. Don’t Let Your Pipes Get Cold
During icy temperatures, the pipes in your house or apartment building have the potential to freeze, which can not only cease the water flow but lead to a burst pipe if it gets cold enough. Therefore, you can either warm the pipes up with a hot water bottle, or you can leave your taps on lightly throughout the day, as constantly moving water is less likely to freeze. An open flame or any other quick temperature adjustment is also a sure-fire way to cause the pipes to burst.
6. The Pipe Burst, Now What!?
When a pipe bursts, the first thing you must do it shut off the water supply valve immediately. (If you’re fortunate enough to read this before a pipe bursts, it’s recommended that you know where it is, just in case, as time is critical in that situation to avoid extensive water damage). Following this, run the cold water in order to drain the pipes, and call a plumber immediately so that they can fix the burst pipe and locate what happened.