Quick Tips for Avoiding Unnecessary Calls to a Plumber
Posted on: 1 July 2015
Plumbing emergencies and maintenance calls are going to be needed in any home at one time or another, as pipes and connectors eventually corrode or need upgrading. While these calls can be needed no matter the age or condition of your home, it's good for homeowners to realize what they can do, and avoid doing, so that they don't need to call a plumber unnecessarily.
Unfortunately too many calls to plumbers are avoidable or have been caused by an oversight on the part of the homeowner:
1. Don't handle your own major upgrades
If you want to change your home's showerheads or a kitchen sink, you may be able to do that by following the instructions included with the new pieces. However, upgrading the pipes behind the walls, changing a toilet, or installing a new dishwasher are all jobs best left to a professional.
When replacing pipes, you need to ensure you get the right type that fits with the existing plumbing and know how to connect them securely. The same is true for pieces like a new toilet or dishwasher; if these are not installed securely, you can face water leaks that in turn cause severe damage to your home and which can mean the buildup of mold. Call a plumber for anything that is outside your scope of expertise when it comes to plumbing.
2. Don't ignore persistent problems with plumbing
A leaky faucet that won't stop dripping no matter how much you tighten the washers can mean that your home's water pressure is too high. Having consistent clogs in your bathtub drain can mean that outside pipes are cracked and allowing in dirt and other debris that is clogging the pipe. Consistently low water pressure can mean that your home's plumbing has a leak behind the walls.
No matter the plumbing issue in your home, don't ignore it. This can lead to more damage being done to your home and a call to an emergency plumber after a pipe bursts or a leak causes the building materials of the home to collapse.
3. Treat plumbing with respect
To treat your home's plumbing with respect means not putting anything down the toilet that shouldn't be flushed, or you will cause clogs and pressure against the pipes. Don't try to force faucets to shut off if they're leaking, but have them repaired. Don't over-tighten connectors when replacing plumbing pieces, as this can strip their threads and cause leaks. By using plumbing as it's meant to be used, you'll have fewer problems that require the need for a professional plumber.
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