While minor plumbing issues can be done yourself, bigger problems require a professional. Hiring a licensed plumber is essential in preventing bigger and more expensive issues later. Here are five signs that you should be on the lookout for to determine it’s time to call a professional.
1. Dripping Faucets
If you have a dripping water faucet, you will want to get that checked out as soon as possible. The longer your faucet drips, the higher your water bill. Hundreds of gallons of water each year can be wasted by a dripping faucet. When water is coming through your home it's under pressure to move through your pipes. Over time, your washer, whether it's silicone or rubber based, will become stiff. Washers can be replaced by yourself, however, if you do not have the correct tools you could make the problem worse. If the leak has gone on for a long period of time, corrosion most likely has occurred. If this is the case, you would need to hire a professional plumber.
2. Low Water Pressure
If you notice when turning on the water it doesn't gush out, then you may have low water pressure. Build-up of deposits or a rare break in a main line can cause this to happen. If you do not have a filtering system, then minerals will collect in your shower heads and aerators clogging them up. Cleaning aerators can be done yourself but shower heads and faucets may be hard to remove. You need to contact a professional if after cleaning you still are experiencing low water pressure. You could have a leak that could end up damaging your home's foundation.
3. A Running Toilet
This usually happens when the flapper valve no longer fits properly or the fill tube has come loose. These issues can be easy to fix with a repair kit from the store. However, toilets can run due to more complex reasons. If you notice a high water bill you may have a silent leak.
4. Leaky Pipes
If you notice a puddle of water under a pipe, you have leaky pipes. Leaks can become costly and should always be handled by a licensed plumber. If you need to repair your pipes permanently, a portion of your pipes or fittings will need to be replaced. A licensed plumber will also clean up the mess due to this messy repair.
5. Slow or Clogged Drains
Occasional clogs can be handled with your standard plunger. If you are experiencing frequent clogs, you should hire a licensed plumber. Even small clogs can slow your drainage down drastically. You may need to have drain screens installed to prevent debris clogging up your drains.
You should always contact a professional not only for the integrity of your home but safety as well. Especially if you need to install new sinks or tubs, if you have water heater problems, a leaking septic tank or a broken sewer line. Our team at Mr. Rooter of Southeast Wisconsin is here and available when you need us most to get your home working like normal.
Call us today to request your service.