Do it yourselves are an enterprising lot. They tend to believe every problem that arises in the home can be handled in-house. But that’s not always the case. In some instances it is crucial for everyone’s safety and health that a professional is called in to help. Electrical wiring, for instance, should always be done by a licensed electrician and most plumbing repairs should be handled by a licensed plumber. There’s just too much at stake to do it yourself. Below are 7 cases when you should call the plumber.
- Clogged bathroom drains – Whether the clog is in the bathtub, shower, sink or toilet it will only get worse if it is not addressed in a timely fashion. By all means use the plunger to try and clear the drain first. But if that doesn’t work don’t stuff the drain with over-the-counter chemicals that could damage the pipes or try to dismantle the pipes yourself to find the clog. Call the plumber.
- A leaky tap – If water is leaking from the faucet itself it is likely nothing more than a worn out washer. In which case any reasonably experienced do-it-yourselfer can fix it in about an hour. If however, the water is leaking from the body of the faucet and/or there are puddles of water under the sink it’s likely a problem with the pipes and it’s time to call the plumber.
- Poor water pressure – Water pressure issues are sometimes a matter of a clogged pipe. In other cases however, it could be something more serious. If old pipes that have corroded to the point that they’re beginning to leak this can and does drag down the pressure. If you are beset by water pressure issues call the plumber.
- Remodelling projects – Licensed plumbers are always required for remodeling projects that involve water pipes. For instance, if you are building an outdoor kitchen with a sink, remodeling the kitchen and moving the sink or installing a new bathroom in the house you’ll need to call in a plumber to do the work.
- Subsidence in the yard – If you have noticed that an area around the perimeter of the house has suddenly begun to subside there could be water leaking from underground pipes in that area. If the problem is not addressed quickly it could undermine the foundation of the house and jeopardize its structural integrity. If you notice subsidence next to the house or in the yard call the plumber, quickly.
- Problems with the water heater – If you are suddenly having problems with your water temperature it’s time to call the plumber. If the water heater doesn’t get hot enough it could turn into a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. Or, if it’s too hot it could scald you in the shower. If the water heater has gone haywire call the plumber.
