How Do I Know When I Need a Plumber?

As a homeowner, it’s always useful to know a bit about how to take care of your home, including plumbing. Learning a few plumbing skills can come in handy when your kitchen or bathrooms need some quick fixing.

However, there are some repair jobs that are best left to the professionals, like fixing a broken sewer line or replacing a water heater. These more complex repair jobs require specialized skills and knowledge, as well as the right tools for the job.

When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and call a professional plumber. Here are a few signs that it’s time to give your local plumbing company a call:

Zero Water Flow

If there’s no water coming out of your faucets or showers, it’s time to give your local plumber a call. A complete lack of water pressure could be due to any number of issues, including a broken water line, mainline water leak, or a problem with the parish’s water supply.

Another possible cause could be a blockage somewhere along the pipes. If you have an older home and are experiencing low water pressure, it’s a good idea to have your plumbing inspected for blockages.

While it’s tempting to try to solve the issue yourself, you have to remember that plumbing is a complex system. Most of it is hidden behind your walls or beneath your home. Without the proper training, you could do more harm than good. So, when in doubt, always call a professional.

Poor Water Pressure

Just like having zero water flow, poor water pressure is also one of the first things you’ll notice when there’s a problem with your plumbing. If all of a sudden, your shower takes longer to get going or your faucets are sputtering, that’s a sign that there could be an issue with the water pressure in your home. While this could be caused by a number of things — a water main break, a closed valve, or simply an obstruction in your pipes — it’s always best to call in a professional to take a look.

Professional plumbers are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to inspect your home’s plumbing and quickly identify the source of the problem. In some cases, the issue can be serious. They can help you determine the best course of action to take to avoid any further damage.

Water Heater Problems

Your water heater is a critical part of your plumbing system. If you notice that you’re not getting any hot water or the machine makes strange noises, you should have a professional take a look at your equipment.

Water heater issues go beyond plumbing. These appliances have electrical and gas components, so if something goes wrong, it could result in an explosion or fire. See more on Water Heater Repairs or Replacement.

Clogged Drains

Aside from problems with faucets, showers, and water heaters, you should also check for clogged drains. This issue is one of the most common problems that homeowners face. Clogged drains can lead to sewage backups and flooding in your home. If you notice that your drains are starting to clog, it’s important to call a professional plumber right away.

The problem may not be as straightforward to solve since the clog could be in the main sewer line. This is a job for a professional plumber who has the tools and experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Be careful when using over-the-counter drain cleaners.

Dripping and Flooding

Dripping can be a minor problem if your faucet or shower just needs a little tightening. However, it can also be an indication of a bigger problem, like a leak in your pipes.  Even a little drip can significantly increase your water bill. If the dripping is bad enough, it can actually cause flooding in your home. This is obviously a much more serious issue that requires the expertise of a professional plumber.

Steady dripping can be annoying, but it’s usually not an emergency. If your faucet is dripping, you may be able to fix it yourself by replacing the washer or O-ring. However, if the dripping is coming from a pipe, it’s probably best to call a plumber. Don’t wait until it becomes full-blown flooding to enlist the help of experts.

DIY Plumbing or Call a Plumber

Knowing some do-it-yourself plumbing techniques is useful when you have a small problem like a clogged sink or a running toilet. However, if the problem is more serious, then you need to know when it’s time to call in the professionals. You don’t want to risk damaging your home further by making the problem worse. Al Bourgeois Plumbing are experts in troubleshooting and repair plumbing problems.  Established in 1966, this locally owned plumbing company in the New Orleans area has a team of experienced plumbers ready to assist.