As adults, we will often attempt to fix problems around our house ourselves to save money and time. But, whether or not you consider yourself handy at do-it-yourself jobs or not, many times, issues arise that require professional experience to correct.
For instance, attempting to repair water and pipe issues by yourself may end up causing more damage that can be more costly to correct in the end. In general, if you can’t diagnose the source of the issue, it’s best not to attempt to fix it yourself. Here are some everyday situations where you should call a professional plumber.
Clogged Sink, Toilet, Or Bathtub
While a clogged sink, toilet, or bathtub may be tempting to fix yourself, most clogs will only worsen if not dealt with properly. Of course, you can try to use a plunger and over-the-counter drain cleaners or drain snakes to reach stubborn clogs, but you could do damage to your pipes in the process. Often, drain cleaners only clear part of the clog and solidify the remaining bits in your lines, and sticking objects down your drain can create scratches and other issues that degrade your pipes over time.
A Faucet That Drips
In most cases, a dripping faucet can easily be tightened to correct the problem, but not all faucet problems are simple fixes. While a small leak may seem harmless at first, it can quickly mount into an issue that wastes over 3,000 gallons of water annually if not corrected. A plumber can determine the best course of action for your leaky faucet, saving you money down the road.
Inconsistent Water Pressure
Poor water pressure from one faucet may not be a significant issue, but if your home is experiencing poor or inconsistent water pressure across the board, you’ll need to call a plumber. A plumber can determine if a simple cleaning can fix the problem out of a pipe or if more significant issues have been preset that need to be addressed.
Water Heater Problems
Water heaters can be problematic, especially if they are older. If your water heater isn’t heating the water consistently, you’ll likely need to call a plumber to assess the situation. Bacteria can begin to grow in water heaters that are not working properly, putting your family’s health at risk. Try to tinker with your water heater. You may create a dangerous situation where sudden bursts of scalding water are emitted uncontrollably, so it’s best to call a plumber to look into the problem.
The best rule of thumb is that when in doubt, call a plumber.