plumbing leaks

October 21 2021

Red Flags That Indicate It’s Time To Hire A Plumber

pech704 General Plumbing clogged drains, hire a plumber, plumbing leaks

Of all of the different types of issues that occur in a home, plumbing issues tend to be the worst. After all, any plumbing problems can result in significant damage that can be very costly to repair. Along with this, they can end up increasing the price of home utility bills at the same time. By correcting a water leak, a homeowner can save as much as 10 percent on their utility bills. The single best way to minimize the chances of having to deal with expensive plumbing repairs is to be proactive about things.

plumber checking for leaks under the sink

Here are some of the major red flags that you should be looking for that should give you the sign to hire a professional plumber.

1. Unusual Noises

While it is entirely normal to hear water flowing when someone is using the shower or sink, it’s not normal if no one is touching anything. You can walk through your entire home and see whether or not you can spot any signs of potential leaks. You can typically notice leaks by looking for stains on the walls, floors, or even the ceiling. If you can spot where the leak is stemming from, you can feel the water temperature. This will give you the ability to proactively tell an experienced plumber about it ahead of time. That way, you don’t have to speak too much time locating it.

If you aren’t necessarily sure whether or not the sounds you are hearing are normal, you could always look at your home’s water meter to spot signs of increased use. If you aren’t using the water more than usual and the meter indicates you are, you are likely dealing with a leak. Likewise, if it’s spinning when no one is using the water, there is a definitive leak that needs to be addressed.

2. Slow Draining

If you have a drain that has been clogged with various debris, you will likely find that it takes a lot longer to drain. A lot of times, you can solve this problem temporarily with a drain cleaning product. However, if you have a clog that doesn’t get better with the use of traditional drain cleaning methods, you will want to pivot to hiring a professional. When you try too hard to unclog a drain, you could end up causing more problems that you have to deal with and that can add to the repair bill.

3. Dealing With Low Water Pressure

Another sign that you should be on the lookout for would have to be low water pressure. This could be a major indicator that you are dealing with a plumbing issue. A lot of times you can restore your water pressure by cleaning out the faucet’s aerator. However, if you are dealing with a persisting problem, you likely have a much larger issue at hand. You could be potentially dealing with a cracked pipe, a damaged water line, or an undiagnosed water leak. If so, you will want to hire a professional plumber as soon as possible.

Call a Charlotte Plumber Now

By being as proactive as possible with your plumbing system you can avoid a lot of the issues you might otherwise be faced with. You need to be aware of when it’s necessary to call on a professional plumber. If you are in a situation where you need to call one, contact Plumbing Emergency Charlotte right now. We are available 24/7 and can handle almost all of your plumbing needs, including, broken pipe repair, water heater repair and installations, fixing clogged toilets and drains, and more.

October 7 2021

When You Should Call A Plumber?

pech704 General Plumbing 24 hour plumbing, after hours plumbing, plumbing leaks, residential plumbing

DIY repair is often fine for simple residential plumbing repairs – at least to a certain extent. However, there are times when the plumbing problem you’re dealing with is not going to be solved easily and may require professional assistance to get the job done quickly, properly, and without causing any further damage to your home or business.

woman with leak under her sink

Read through the following common plumbing issues to learn when DIY plumbing solutions are the right choice…and when they are not.

Running Toilet

If your toilet is running nonstop as much as 200 gallons of water per day can be wasted. A faulty flapper valve is the most common cause which controls how much water passes into the bowl from the tank. Take the flapper valve off and take it to the hardware store to get an exact replacement for it. This is a simple process. You just need to turn the water off, drain the water out of the tank, remove the faulty flapper valve, and install a new one. After you have tested the new flapper with a couple of flushes to ensure it is working properly, turn the water on.

Backed-up Clear Drains

Don’t let your day be ruined by a blocked drain. Clear it out by pouring boiling water down the sink, and then pour in 1/2 cup of baking soda. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes. Next, pour 1 cup of vinegar down and then 1 cup of really hot water. Use a drain plug to cover it up (to contain the bubbling reaction inside the drain) and then allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Pour boiling water to flush it out one more time and this should fix the problem. If this doesn’t work, go to a local hardware store and buy a drain snake or call a professional drain cleaner.

Clogged Toilet

Use a plunger to try to unplug the toilet. Use steady up and down movement to loosen the blockage. Stubborn blocks might take several minutes of vigorous plunging to work. If the plunger doesn’t fix the problem, you might need to buy an auger or snake at the hardware store so that you can clear the clog through your pipes.

Contact a Professional Plumber For The Following Common Problems

Plumbing Leaks

If you notice any leak – whether it is small or large – call a professional and have them check it out. On the surface, a leak can appear to be small but can cause serious damage and big problems without you even knowing. The best thing to do is to get the opinion of an expert so you don’ run the risk of more expensive repairs.

A Broken Water Heater

Although some homeowners would like to try a DIY replacement, water heaters have too many pars and connections for that to be a good idea. Contact a professional to get the right replacement recommendation and proper installation to make sure your family doesn’t end up having to go without any hot water for even longer.

Any Major Fixture or Appliance Installation

Call a professional to have any major fixture or appliance installed. A licensed plumber will know how to disconnect and reconnect pipes safely and troubleshoot any issues that can arise during this process. Even a slight mistake can result in a burst pipe or water damage which can lead to thousands of dollars worth of damage. We provide free estimates. Working with someone you can trust is easy and safe.

When in Doubt, Call a Plumber Near You In Charlotte

If you are debating whether you should try a DIY plumbing repair or not, call Plumbing Emergency Charlotte and speak to one of our licensed plumbers. We will provide you with an honest opinion and fully explain the extent of the work that needs to be done. If a professional is required, we will give you a fair estimate for getting the job done quickly.