We all hope that, as home buyers, we never have to outlay too much money on repairing faults or making expensive changes to our properties. However, the reality is that issues do often occur over time, and updates are required, especially as homes age.
It's better to address any problems that crop up as soon as possible, so they don't turn into much bigger, costlier ones. This is certainly the case when it comes to a house's plumbing. Here are some ways for you to tell when it's time to ring a plumber to come and take a look at concerns in or around your property.
Water Not Forthcoming
You'll no doubt be on the phone to a plumber ASAP if you have an issue where there's no water at all coming through at a tap. If you're not getting any liquid through and haven't turned off your water at the main outlet, the problem could be a blocked main pipe. Alternatively, there might be a massive leak somewhere or some other issue that needs immediate attention. It's unlikely you'll be able to solve this yourself, so you'll need to research "experienced plumbers near me" for suggestions of people to call if you don't have someone you usually deal with.
A related plumbing difficulty that some people face is a situation where they have water available, but it never gets hot. If you turn your taps on as far as they can go to the 'hot' side and still only get cold or lukewarm water coming out, the problem may be with your electric or gas water heater.
In many cases, a build-up of sediment in the water tank (it grows over the years) is the culprit and is not allowing enough room for hot water in the tank. Happily, this situation can be attended to, as plumbers can get rid of the excess minerals and tune-up the water heater, so it starts doing its job again.
Water Heater Has Run Its Course
Of course, if the above problems arise for you, it may simply be time to replace your water heater altogether. Like any machine, these hard-working devices degrade over time and have a limited life. If your heater has run its course, you'll need to replace it with a new product.
However, some people also decide to start from scratch when it comes to water heaters because the machine they have at their property isn't suitable for their household's needs. If you have a large family, for instance, and keep running out of hot water each day, it's probably because the water heater tank is too small to cope with the demand. Other signs you need to replace your unit include when it seems to "sweat" or if there's a pilot light failure.
Get a plumbing professional to help you decide the best path forward and replace your water heater if that's what you choose. These products must be correctly installed to be safe, work effectively, and not void the manufacturer's warranty. Plus, it's handy to have the plumber you hire take away the old unit and dispose of it for you.
Leaks or Damage
Have you noticed that your water usage has gone up unexpectedly, with no apparent reason why? If so, there may be a hidden water leak at your home that you need a plumber to identify and fix. Phone up these professionals if you have an obvious leak, too, whether it's simply a slowly dripping faucet or a gushing flood of water. Some leaks are minor and can be sorted out by tightening plumbing connections, changing washers, or putting in new piping parts.
Furthermore, watch out for signs of water damage in your home that you can't attribute to a known leak. Unfortunately, many homeowners discover a hidden leak behind walls, under floors, or other spots due to burst pipes or ineffective bathroom waterproofing, misplaced roof tiles, etc. A plumber can investigate these matters and address the problem once they locate the source.
Lack of Water Pressure
If you're having trouble enjoying showers because it feels like the water is dribbling out rather than giving you the massage you'd prefer, you may need to hire a plumber. Reasons why you may lose proper water pressure include mineral deposits or hard water clogging up your showerhead so water can't get through properly, or clogged, leaking, or broken pipes. You might also have a dirty sink aerator or a broken water regulator at play.
These are some of the top situations when it's time to ring a plumber. A few others to keep in mind include overflowing toilets, frozen pipes, rusty-looking water, and weird sounds or foul odors coming from drains, pipes, or taps. Don't put off getting assistance when the signs of a problem arise.
