Some Plumbing Problems Can Only Be Solved by a Licensed Plumber
Like many aspects of life, if the problem isn’t super annoying or worrisome, it’s easier to ignore it than spend money fixing it. Plumbing is one such area that this happens a lot. If you can bear the sound of a constantly running toilet or dripping faucet, don’t care that you’re standing in water when you shower, or you think you can save money by making the repair yourself, calling a plumber may not seem worth the cost. These are understandable feelings. However, plumbing problems can be small one moment and big the next. Waiting to call for real help will leave you with a much bigger bill than if you had just called sooner.
Sometimes it can even be hard to distinguish when a problem truly warrants a call to a plumber (is the problem serious, or are you overthinking it). We want to help you figure that out. Below you will find some common situations in which a plumber is a smart move if you want to restore convenience to life and avoid more significant problems down the road. If you’re looking for a plumber in Lake County, Illinois, you can trust Water Tight for friendly, reputable services.
8 Signs It’s Time to Call a Plumber
Backflow Problem
Backflow is a serious problem that needs to be addressed by a qualified plumber as soon as possible. Typically, your plumbing system carries the water down your drains through your pipes and out to the sewer. Backflow is when the flow reverses, and water from the sewer travels back up through your drains.
With backflow, there is a risk of water damage depending on how large the water problem becomes. If backflow is not solved in a timely manner, it can create additional problems throughout your plumbing system, like pipe corrosion and leaks. The most concerning issue, however, is the potential for contamination. The water backing up through your drains has traveled in the opposite direction that water usually flows through your pipes, which means it may contain chemicals or human waste from the sewer.
Slow Drains
If you’re standing in water every time you shower, you’ve got a drain problem. If your sink fills up when you’re brushing your teeth or washing dishes, you’ve got a drain problem. While many homeowners try to clear clogs themselves with store products or DIY remedies, it’s often best to just call a plumber. They know where clogs are most likely to occur in your drainage system. They have the equipment to efficiently locate and identify the cause of your clog and the knowledge to determine the best way to clear the blockage without causing damage to your pipes. While you will pay a fee for service, you get guaranteed results. When you attempt to clear drains yourself, it is often only a temporary fix. You’re just pushing the clog further down your sewer lines. That will ultimately lead to a clog you can’t clean and potentially worse consequences, like sewage backing up your drains.
Frozen, Burst, or Leaky Pipes
When it comes to your pipes, problems need to be addressed promptly and by a licensed professional. Your plumbing is a complex system of pipes that run behind the floors, walls, and ceilings of your house as well as underground. Finding faulty pipes is not a simple job if you do not have the equipment and know-how to do the task efficiently. The longer it takes to find a cracked or burst pipe, the large the problem can become. Properly thawing frozen pipes so that they do no burst, or do so in a controlled environment, takes specialized equipment and experience. You will save money and time by hiring a plumber when you have pipe problems.
Toilet Won’t Stop Running
When you flush the toilet, the water goes down and new water fills the bowl. It always stops once filled. Sometimes, though, the water does not stop and you can hear it continuously cycling. If you don’t stick around to make sure the toilet stops running, this problem can go unnoticed for a while. A toilet that won’t stop running does not seem like a major problem, more like a nuisance. However, you’ll see the problem when you get the next water bill because that extra water will add up. The cause of this particular problem is likely a bad seal in your toilet. A plumber will quickly identify the problem and fix it.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is a seriously inconvenient and sometimes infuriating problem to have. It takes longer to fill the sink, showers are not nearly as enjoyable, and your dishwasher may even take longer to complete a cycle than usual. When only one fixture is affected, like the bathroom faucet, the fix may be as simple as replacing the faucet aerator, which is something a handy homeowner can do if they want. However, when you notice a water pressure problem throughout the entire house, the problem could be related to the water meter valve, main shutoff valve, pressure regulator, or corroded water pipes. To find the source of the problem and solve it quickly, you need a professional who knows exactly what to look for.
No Water
It can be a shock when you turn on the faucet and no water comes out, especially if you did not get a water shutoff notice. If this happens to you, call a plumber. There could be a blockage or leak in your water line that is the cause. Most often, the problem resides with the pipes behind your walls or underground. Plumbers have the diagnostic tools to quickly and correctly locate the problem and fix it.
No Hot Water
When your hot water goes out, the water heater is almost always the cause. If it’s a problem with the heating element or thermostat, it can likely be repaired. If your water heater is old and no longer working, it will need to be replaced. If you want to solve the problem fast, especially if new parts or an entire unit is needed, a plumber is the best option. Trying to repair a gas or electric water heater yourself can be dangerous as well. Play it safe and trust the pros when you need hot water help.
New Appliance Installs
Do yourself a favor. Hiring a licensed plumber if you’re installing a new appliance in your home that connects to the plumbing system (water line and drains). They will make sure all components are properly connected, and if pipe upgrades are necessary, they’ll be equipped to handle it.
Trusted Plumbing & Water Heater Repair
Don’t hesitate to contact us for an estimate on water heater installation, maintenance, or repair. As the most trustworthy plumbers near Lake Forest, we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Call 847-623-6810 for emergency services.