If there’s one thing most homeowners enjoy, it’s doing a little DIY. But while there are plenty of fixes and improvements you can do on your own, there are those that require expert help. This is especially true when it comes to plumbing issues because they can easily escalate and cause bigger problems if not fixed properly. In that vein, here are six home issues that you will need to call a plumber for.
1. Broken Boiler
A broken boiler is one of the most common issues that homeowners face and it can be a real nightmare. Not only is a water heater expensive to replace, but it can also cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. As this plumber up in Northampton explains, it's important to find a reliable professional that has years of experience in repairing and replacing boilers. While sometimes a boiler can't really be salvaged and you'll still have to buy a new one, you have much higher chances of getting the old one fixed when you have a professional working on it. Some common signs of an issue with your boiler include strange noises coming from it, leaks, or the pilot light going out even though the thermostat is set to a high temperature. In a similar sense - it's also important to have an expert plumber you can trust doing the regular maintenance on your boiler, in order to avoid any major issues down the road. In other words - if you’re experiencing any problems with your boiler, it’s best to call in a professional right away.
2. Burst Pipes
Burst pipes are another common plumbing issue that can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. As you can imagine, the water damage a burst pipe can cause can get pretty serious pretty fast. Of course, your first step should be to turn off the water supply and then call a plumber. They’ll be able to identify the source of the leak and fix it as quickly as possible. Burst pipes can happen for a number of reasons, but most often it’s because the water pressure is too high or there’s a blockage in the pipe. On the other hand, it could also be that your pipes are just old and need to be replaced. The thing is, even though it can sometimes seem like a simple fix, this isn't something you want to take a chance on. Not only can water damage your walls and floors, but it can also compromise your electrical installations. So, if you have a burst pipe, the best thing to do is turn off the water and call a plumber right away.
3. Blocked Drains And Clogged Sinks
A blocked drain can be a real mess and it often requires the help of a professional to fix. This is because the most common cause of a blocked drain is a build-up of grease, hair, and soap scum. While there are some DIY solutions you can try, they often don’t work as well as you’d hope and can even make the problem worse. The reason for this is that you more than likely don't have the proper tools to fix the issue without damaging the pipe. Sometimes, things like pouring boiling water with detergent down the drain can fix the problem. You could also pry the drain cover off and try to remove the blockage with a wire hanger if the buildup is close to the surface. However, this could sometimes be counterproductive since you could just end up pushing the blockage further down the drain. If neither of these things works, or if they only seem to work for a short while, it's best to call a plumber.
4. Leaky Faucets
A leaky faucet may not seem like a big deal, but over time it can really add up. Not only will you be wasting water (and money), but you could also be damaging your fixtures and even the structure of your home. The most common way to fix a leaky faucet is to tighten or replace the faucet. That said, if you find yourself constantly having to deal with a leaky faucet no matter what you try, it could be that the problem isn't with the faucet itself, but with the pipe. While there are several things that could be causing the issue, some of the more common causes are a corroded pipe, a cracked pipe, or a loose joint. If you have tried taking care of it yourself, but none of your attempts are giving you the wanted results, it's time to call a plumber and see if there's a larger issue at hand.
5. Toilet Issues
There are a number of different toilet issues that can pop up from time to time. While some of them may seem minor, they can actually be a symptom of a serious problem. The most common toilet issues include a constantly running toilet, a clogged toilet, and a loose handle. Most of these can be attributed to a build-up of sediment in the tank, a clog in the drainage system, or a faulty valve. The first one can be fixed relatively easily by flushing the tank and cleaning out the sediment. The second one can be fixed either by using a plunger or a snake. However, much like with blocked drains, doing this with unsuitable tools can risk damaging the pipe. The third one is usually an issue with the handle itself and can be fixed by tightening the screws or replacing the handle altogether. However, if that doesn't work, it's time to call a professional.
6. Sewer Backup
The last issue on this list is definitely not one to be taken lightly. Sewer backups can cause some serious damage and can be a real hassle to clean up. Not only can they contaminate your home, but they can also contaminate the water supply. The best way to avoid this is by having your sewer line cleaned and inspected on a regular basis. However, if you do experience a sewer backup, the best thing to do is to call a professional. They will be able to clean up the mess and help you get your life back to normal as quickly as possible. This obviously isn't something you want to do yourself - not only is it dangerous, but it's also likely to be a lot more expensive in the end than if you were to call a professional.
So, there you have it - 6 home issues that you will need to call a plumber for. While some of them may seem minor, they can actually be indicative of a larger problem. If you are experiencing any of these issues, the best thing to do is to call a professional and have them take a look. Not only will this save you time and money in the long run, but it will also provide you with peace of mind knowing that the problem is being taken care of by someone who knows what they're doing.
