Although it may seem simple to fix little things around your house, the fact of the matter is that there are a few professionals who really do work hard to make your life better. For instance, while you may be likely to paint your place on your own, even doing something as simple as switching out a toilet can be really challenging. I started thinking about how valuable professionals like plumbers were for my business, and I wanted to start a new blog that centered around how much a plumber can help to make your life better. Check out this website for tips on finding a talented plumber.
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Plumbing mishaps are an inevitably of home ownership. From slow drains to leaky sink traps to burst pipes, your home's plumbing has a nearly endless number of options for creating headaches for you to deal with. Often, plumbing problems can seem minor, and it can be tempting to go in for the cheaper, do-it-yourself option. This can sometimes be cost-effective, but there are times when calling in a professional is vital to get the job done safely, correctly, and reliably. While no single article can provide a comprehensive list of everything that can go wrong with your plumbing system, this guide will outline a few times when calling in a plumber is likely to be your best bet.
Sewage Is Involved
Nobody likes to think about what happens after the toilet is flushed, but sewage backups can force the issue. A toilet that is backing up or, even worse, sewage that is apparently backing up from other drains can be a serious issue. If simple attempts to clear the clog (such as plunging) are not effective, then it is likely time to contact an expert. This is important not only because sewer backups can potentially indicate serious problems with the septic system or sewer lateral, but also because they represent an environmental hazard. This type of water is known as "black water," and you should never attempt to deal with it yourself.
You've Got a Widespread Drain Problem
A single drain that's running slowly is likely just a minor clog. If the drain in question is a sink, then you're likely dealing with an issue in the trap itself. These small clogs can often be do-it-yourself jobs, and you might be able to save yourself a few bucks by making use of a plunger, snake, or liquid drain cleaner. If none of these solutions work, or if multiple drains are running slowly, then you likely have a much bigger problem on your hands. This might indicate a serious clog further down in the line, or it could be indicative of more serious sewer or septic problems.
Low Water Pressure Throughout the House
Noticing a trend? In general, problems that affect multiple locations around your house will not be simple do-it-yourself jobs. Low water pressure can be caused by many problems, but the most serious are usually hidden leaks. These can be located in crawl spaces, in walls, or in other places where they have gone unnoticed for a significant period of time. A professional will know what to look for to track down the leak and also know how to reach it in the least destructive manner possible. Since water damage can be a serious (and expensive!) problem, never ignore low water pressure issues.
Drains That Smell Terrible
You probably aren't sticking your nose up to your drains all that often, but if you catch of whiff of something bad, then it's probably time to worry. As a general rule, nothing should be remaining close enough to drains to cause a noticeable odor, and your plumbing system is specifically designed to allow gases to escape through other means. If you're noticing a bad smell, then it almost certainly means that there is a septic or sewer issue somewhere. This isn't a problem that's likely to go away on its own, and it will almost certainly become worse over time, so addressing it early is undoubtedly your best bet.
There's nothing wrong with tackling small plumbing problems on your own. This can save you money, and your plumber might even appreciate being able to use his or her time for larger jobs. When things get serious, however, always be sure to call in a professional. Contact local plumbing services to learn more.
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