There are moments as a homeowner when you can handle a minor repair by yourself. But there come many moments when a professional is required.
When there’s No Water
Rarely will water be cut off to the entire home. It’s more likely that it’s localized to just one area when you have no flow.
To confirm that it’s just one area, check both the hot and cold supplies at each water outlet. If you’re getting cold water but no hot, it’s likely that you have a problem with the hot water heater.
But if you happen to not be getting hot or cold water anywhere in the house, you’re looking at a much more serious issue. It could be a burst water pipe from beyond your water meter, or it could even be an issue with your meter.
When there’s Low Water Pressure
Just like when no water reaches an area of your home, low water pressure also means that there may be an issue with an outside source. But a more common reason for it is a build-up of deposits.
As water flows through your pipes, it drops dissolved minerals that adhere to metal surfaces over time. With filtration systems, they get stuck in the filters, and with systems that have no filtration, they build up on surfaces like showerheads or faucets. This buildup causes the flow of water to decrease.
Soaking your showerhead or faucet overnight in vinegar will often break up the deposits, but if you still notice low flow, there may be a more serious issue – an issue like a leak. And that’s a cause to call a plumber who can pinpoint the issue and find a fix quickly.
When there’s a Bad Supply Line Leak
This is not a common issue, but it does happen. And when it happens, it’s never pleasant. When there’s a rapid supply line leak, it can cause extensive flooding damage, so you have to act quickly.
If you come home and your basement is filling with water, follow these steps immediately:
- Look for a cutoff valve near the leak to stop the intermediary supply.
- Find the main water shut-off valve, and turn it off as well.
- Call a plumber, and ask them to come out directly.
When You Have a Drainage Line Leak
A drainage line leak is a whole separate monster from a leak in a sink trap. If you have a leak in the drainpipe below your sink, that’s generally no problem. Most homeowners can take care of that themselves by shutting off the water and replacing the trap. But a drainage line issue is quite different.
Because drainage lines stretch so much farther than the area beneath your sink, they’re not easily accessible. They’re sealed up behind walls, and when they’re leaking, they can cause massive damage to drywall, paint, subfloor, and more. Your best course of action is to call a plumber as soon as you notice the leak.
When there’s a Gas Leak from Your Water Heater
If you have a gas-powered water heater, your pilot light heats the thermocouple which tells the system to keep supplying the gas. When the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple, in turn, shuts off the gas flow.
Smelling gas near your heater is a sign that you should immediately call a plumber. The smell of gas means either the thermocouple malfunctioned and the gas hasn’t shut off as it should, or there could be a leak in the pipes which lead to the heater.
When You Notice a Gaseous Odor or a Sewer Line Leak
This is an issue that you should absolutely not try to fix on your own.
Your sewer line plays a pivotal role as it transfers all the wastewater away from your home. But over time, you may experience pools of murky water accumulating in the yard or toilets filling up when you run water to a sink. These signs often are the effects of a broken or clogged sewer pipe.
And because your home cannot properly operate without this line, you need to call a plumber the moment you notice anything amiss. A company like Killeen Plumbing can do an inspection, identify the issue, and find a solution quickly so your home can function as it should once more.
When You Want to Prevent Costly Repairs
Routine maintenance performed by a professional is an easy way to make sure you don’t have to worry about expensive, surprise repairs later on. Tiny leaks can eventually become a big problem. Having a trained professional look over your system may cost a little out of pocket now, but it’ll save you a lot later on.
When You have an Installation on Your Hands
Pipework, new bathtubs or showers, and new sinks should always be handled by a professional. Part of why you shouldn’t handle it yourself is due to strict codes and guidelines professionals are trained to understand and follow, but it’s also for your own safety.
If you notice any of these issues happening in your Cleveland area home currently, contact us right away.
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