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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Leaking pipes in your home can be a big problem, and if the leak is not easily accessible, dealing with it can be an extensive job. Calling a plumber to come out and repair the leak is critical, but you may also need to hire a contractor or handyman if there is damage from the water or from gaining access to the leaking pipe.
Stopping the Leak
Often leaks behind wall panels or in the ceiling are not discovered right away because you can't see the pipe. It is not until there is damage to the wall or ceiling that you know there is a problem, and by that time, you could have significant damage.
When you discover a leak like this, the first thing you need to do is shut off the water to your home. Most houses have a water shut-off in the basement or outside if you only have a foundation. If you can't find the shut-off, call an emergency plumber right away so they can come and shut it off for you before the damage gets worse.
Finding the Leak
If you have not already, call a plumber and show them where you saw water or heard it when they arrive. Sometimes it is a good idea to mark the spot where you first noticed it to show the plumber exactly where the problem is.
The plumber will most likely need to cut a hole in the wall and inspect the area behind it for the leak. If the leak is not evident with the water off, they may have you turn it back on for a few minutes while they locate the problem. If there are things near the area where you discovered the leak that you do not want to be damaged, it is a good idea to move them so they do not get wet.
In order to look inside the wall without damaging it or opening it up, some plumbers will cut a small hole and use a fiberoptic camera to look inside and pinpoint the leak. These services can save money in the long run, but if the leak has already caused water damage to the sheetrock or wallboard, it may be necessary.
Making the Repairs
The plumber you call will fix the leak in the pipe, but they may not fix the wallboard. Getting a general contractor or a handyman to patch the wall for you is the simplest solution, and unless the water damage is extensive, it typically is not expensive. However, if you are comfortable with sheetrock, you could patch the wall yourself and save a significant amount of money on the repair.
Contact a plumber for more information.
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