When You Should Call A Plumber?
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.
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.