4 Plumbing Problems That Require Professional Attention

Posted on: 30 September 2019

As a homeowner, it can be difficult to know whether a plumbing problem is something you can tackle yourself or whether you need to call out an emergency plumber. Here are four situations in which it is always best to call in the professionals.

1. Leaking Pipes

There are many products on the market that claim to be able to seal up leaking pipes, but these repairs often fail relatively quickly. In many cases, the leak that results when the repair fails is much worse than the original leak, and the rush of water can cause significant damage to your home.

Whenever you find a leak in your plumbing, shut off the water and contact a plumber right away. A qualified professional can carry out a proper repair to ensure that the pipe does not leak again.

2. Frozen Pipes

If you return from a trip away to find that your pipes have frozen, your first instinct might be to turn on the heat to melt the ice and get the water flowing again. However, this course of action can be very dangerous.

Water expands as it freezes, which means it is likely that the ice inside your pipes has caused them to burst. When the ice melts, a flood will occur.

Instead of trying to thaw out frozen pipes yourself, contact an emergency plumber. A professional plumber can find the frozen section of pipe, assess whether it has burst, and replace it without causing water to flood into your home.

3. Stubborn Drain Clogs

A slow-draining shower tray, sink or bathtub can often be fixed simply by pouring drain cleaner into the drain to dissolve the organic material that makes up the clog. However, if drain cleaner does not solve the problem, you should contact a plumber, as it is likely that there is a more serious blockage that drain cleaner cannot resolve. You must get the clog removed quickly or you risk the drain becoming completely blocked.

4. Toilet Keeps Backing Up

Most toilet blockages can be solved using a plunger. However, if your toilet frequently backs up, you should contact a plumber. Toilets that back up can cause sewage to overflow onto the bathroom floor, which is a major health hazard. It is very important to get the problem with your toilet fixed so that it works reliably, allowing you to maintain a clean and hygienic home.

Share