Some plumbing issues are easy to fix: a quick trip to the local hardware store, a couple of turns with a wrench, and the problem is resolved. Other times, the plumbing issue is not a DIY project, and you need real help from an experienced professional.
So, how do you know when it’s time to contact a plumber Loveland CO service provider? Here are some examples of when your particular plumbing project is best handled by a professional plumbing company.
Water’s Not Coming Out of the Faucets
Before you call a plumber, ensure you’ve paid the water bill on time, as some water companies in some municipalities automatically shut the water supply off when payments are a little late. You also want to check with your neighbors—do they have water?
If the answer is no, the water company may be working on the residential lines. A quick call to the water company will answer these questions and give you a rough idea of when water service may be restored. If your neighbors have water and you’ve paid your bill, the next step is to call a professional plumber, as you may have a blockage in the water line or another serious problem.
You Only Have Cold Water
Even in the summer, Loveland, CO, residents don’t typically want to take cold showers. For most, a cold shower at any time of the year is never a pleasant experience, and there are much better ways to wake up in the morning.
Even though it can take a little bit for water to heat up, it should never take more than a minute or two. A lack of hot water generally indicates an issue with your water heater, and this requires professional expertise.
Hopefully, the issue is minor—for example, maybe your pilot light is out. However, there can also be a more significant issue with your water heater. Remember, water heaters have lifespans typically around ten years, so if your water heater is older than that, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Your water heater tank may also be too small to keep up with demand. Your plumbing contractor can make recommendations that fit your needs and budget.
Low Water Pressure
Are you fully opening the taps and only getting a trickle of water? When this happens, chances are your water pressure is low. Sometimes, the issue may be a clogged aerator—if the water pressure problem is only occurring in one bathroom, the aerator is often the cause.
Thankfully, this is an easy fix, and you may even want to tackle this project yourself. However, you do need to know where to find the aerator, along with what the part looks like. A good soak in vinegar or some thorough cleaning will typically take care of this common plumbing issue.
If the aerator isn’t the issue or low water pressure is a problem with every spigot, it’s time to call a professional plumber. You may have cracked pipes, which can result in other problems. If the pipes are cracked or broken underground, it can eventually cause foundational issues.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are disgusting and problematic—no one wants to deal with filthy water backing up in the sink, tub, or shower. Not only is it unpleasant, but it can also become a health hazard over time if left unchecked. Sometimes, dumping some cleaner down the drain can resolve the issue, and you can also reach for a plunger, but when a drain cleaner and a plunger aren’t enough, you need a plumber with specialized tools.
Plumbers have access to tools that can go deep into the pipes, and they can locate and move clogs caused by hair and built-up grease. Sometimes, tree roots can grow into the water pipes and cause clogs. Don’t worry; a licensed plumber can remove the roots, often without tearing up your landscaping.
Remember not to overuse drain cleaner, as the caustic chemicals in the cleaning solution can erode pipe walls over time. Now, you’re dealing with leaky pipes that are expensive and time-consuming to replace.
Your Home Smells Like Sewage
After heavy rain, it’s not uncommon to notice odors like sewage, and the smell can be especially strong when your windows are open. However, the smell usually dissipates as the ground dries.
If the smell of sewage is persistent, even on sunny days, this can indicate a serious problem with your plumbing. Your drain pipes may be clogged or not adequately ventilated. Your sewage system and/or pumps may also be backed up or failing.
You can give your plumber a little help by walking around the perimeter of your property. Try to pinpoint the origin of the foul smell so the plumber has a good place to start hunting for the problem. This simple step can save you time and money on your plumbing repair bill.
Constantly Dripping Faucets
A dripping faucet may not seem like a big deal—after all, a few drops of water can’t do any harm, right? Unfortunately, a leaking faucet is often a sign of a more serious problem. If nothing else, the constant dripping will affect your water bill. A faucet dripping at the rate of one drop every second can add up to 3,000 gallons of water annually, and that’s a lot of wasted water!
Some leaks you can fix with just a little tightening of the faucet—but when this doesn’t work, call a plumber for an appointment. You’ll receive a bill for the service call, but it’s noticeably less than paying for 3,000 gallons of wasted water over time.
Overflowing Toilets
When your toilet overflows, it doesn’t necessarily mean an automatic call to a plumbing service for additional assistance. After all, toilets will overflow; it’s just a part of life.
Usually, you only need to turn off the water, look for the valve at the toilet’s base, and grab a plunger. If a plunger doesn’t work, call a plumber. The blockage is likely in the drain pipe, which requires professional tools to fix.
Save Time and Money By Calling a Plumber
Unfortunately, plumbing issues are an inevitable part of life that we’ll all have to deal with in some capacity at some point in our lives. Some plumbing issues aren’t hard to fix; however, this doesn’t apply to every problem.
When it comes to constant leaks, bad smells, and issues with the water heater, it’s always best to schedule an appointment with a professional plumber.
