The DIY craze is all the rage today, and, naturally, you may want to fix some things yourself. Sometimes though, you need to recognize when you’re in over your head and call for help, especially when it comes to plumbing. Many people have attempted to fix what seemed like a minor leak and ended up flooding the kitchen.
But since we acknowledge your desire to fix your own home, here are five problems that should make you crawl under the kitchen sink.
1. Persistent Clogs
Clogs are the most common problem in plumbing and also usually the easiest to fix yourself. They can be caused by any solid object getting stuck in the drainage pipes, and most of the time, the water pressure itself pushes it away. However, if you start noticing persistent clogs not only in the kitchen but in other areas too, you may have a bigger problem.
The last thing you should do is risk is using chemicals to wash away the clogging materials. This will probably damage your pipes and lead to other problems. In this case, time to call a plumber because they can use an auger (drain snake) to find and dislodge the object safely and effectively.
2. Not Getting Any Water in the House
Assuming your neighbors have running water and you haven’t forgotten to pay your water bill, you could have a severe problem. A complete lack of water may be caused by a major leak, a problem with the main water supply, or frozen pipes.
Not only are such problems potentially dangerous, but they are also difficult to identify yourself. For instance, frozen water can cause the pipes to burst, leading to electrical issues such as short circuits. In this situation, ransacking around the house with your wrench can only intensify the problem.
That’s when you need an expert to identify the exact problem and fix it before it does any further damage.
3. Low Water Pressure
It’s very annoying when the water pressure in your home is so low you have to spend a lot of time taking a shower. It also means your water bill will be higher than usual because you’re using more water for the same tasks.
Did you know the problem can be even worse? Low water pressure can lead to backflow such that water flows back from the drain. You don’t want that, especially not sewage water stinking up your house.
In addition, you also don’t want to try plunging the water vigorously away because the air will result in gurgling and worsen the problem. We advise you instead to close the main water valve and call a professional plumber. They will be able to identify the cause of the lower water pressure and fix it without causing further damage.
4. Dampness and Puddles Around the House
Whether you notice your walls getting damp all of a sudden or find water puddles where they shouldn’t be, you may have a leak somewhere. This can be detrimental to the integrity of your home, including the walls and foundations, so it’s crucial to find the source of the leak and fix it.
Since most of the plumbing is located behind the walls, you won’t find the leak yourself most of the time, but a plumber can. Pick up the phone as soon as you can and set up an appointment before the problem grows worse.
5. No Hot Water
If your water is running, but you aren’t enjoying hot water, this could be caused by a leak or a problem with the gas water heater. You should start by calling an AC repair service to check in on the integrity of your water heater.
Once this is fixed, but you still don’t have hot water, that’s when you may also need an expert plumber to check for leaks or any other problems.
During a plumbing emergency, numerous thoughts run through your mind. Whether you think you have a leakage or any other sewer problem, you will eventually need a plumbing contractor to identify the issue and handle all the necessary repairs for you. Don’t hesitate to contact one.
