Do I Really Need a Plumber?
Plumbing issues can wreak havoc on your home. Even a minor leak can cause major water damage if it’s not taken care of quickly. While there are some plumbing problems a homeowner can take care of on their own, many plumbing issues require the attention of a licensed plumber. When you need plumbing repair in St. Paul, MN and the surrounding areas, you can rely on the professional plumbers at Metro Heating & Cooling.
You like to take care of things yourself, and you’ve become quite good at home repairs and maintenance. But, you also know that sometimes it’s best to hire an expert. Unsure whether your plumbing issue is something you can handle on your own, or if you need to call a professional for plumbing repair in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN? Here are a few tips that will help you decide whether to go it alone or not:
No Water Coming In the House
When you reach for the faucet, turn it, and no water comes out, it’s an indication there’s a serious problem somewhere within the system. It’s possible that there’s a break in the water line that feeds your home. It could also mean there’s a leak inside your home that’s diverting the water away from the faucets. At any rate, it’s a serious issue that requires a licensed plumber’s expertise and attention.
A Burst Water Line & Major Flooding
If a water line suddenly bursts and water starts pouring into your home, it’s an emergency and you need to act fast. The first thing to do is get everyone clear of the flooded area and to get the main water valve shut off so the water quits flowing. The next thing to do is call a professional plumber to fix the water line so you can get your house back in order.
Rapid Drainage Line Leaks
One of the most annoying, and common, plumbing problems homeowners encounter is a rapid drainage line leak. If the leak is visible, such as right under your kitchen sink, it may be possible for you to quickly fix the issue by tightening the connections using basic tools. If the leaking drain is hidden behind a wall, however, you’ll want to call a plumber to take care of the problem before it worsens.
Small Leaks and Standing Water
A leaking pipe under the sink, a puddle of water forming around the base of the toilet, water seeping from under the shower wall, these are all signs of a serious problem. While it may be possible to find the source of the water leak yourself, repairing the leak without causing more problems takes an expert hand and should be left to a licensed plumber who understands bathroom plumbing issues.
Running Water Sounds in Pipes
Not all water leaks in your home are visible, in fact, a leak can occur in a completely hidden pipe or connection. A hidden leak can lead to extensive water damage to your home and encourage mold and mildew growth. Since you can’t see the leak, you’ll need to be a good listener. If you hear the sound of water rushing through your pipes and you’re not using the water, it’s a sign you need a plumber to inspect your pipes.
Low Water Pressure Issues
When you turn on a faucet, or the shower, you expect a certain volume of water pressure. If the pressure seems low, it could be caused by several issues including, clogs, leaks, or pipes that are the wrong size. Finding the source of the problem can be difficult for a homeowner. However, a plumber can quickly find and remedy the problem.
Slow or Clogged Drains
Drains that don’t allow the water to flow properly are, by definition, clogged and need to be cleared. Although there are many products on the market that promise fast unclogging of drains, be careful. These products may not be effective and many contain chemicals that can cause corrosion in your pipes. A better option is to call a professional plumber to safely clear the drain.
Dripping Faucets
That drip, drip, drip sound coming from your leaking kitchen faucet is more than just annoying, it’s also incredibly wasteful. Just a single drip per second wastes as much as 3,000 gallons of water over the course of a year. You can fix the drip yourself by replacing the o-ring, washers, or the entire faucet. If you’re not confident in your ability, call in a pro with kitchen plumbing experience.
Sewer Line Clogs
If you notice a large, mucky, smelly, wet area in your yard, accompanied by overflowing toilets, or sewage backing up into your home, it’s likely a sewer line clog. A broken or clogged sewer line is a serious issue that needs immediate attention. Yes, you could dig up the sewer pipe and replace it yourself, but it’s a backbreaking task that’s better left to an experienced plumber.
Odd Smells and Water Color
The water that flows from your pipes should be clear and odor free. If your water has a brown tinge, it could be caused by excess iron in the water. Water that has a blue or green tint to it could be caused by corrosion of copper pipes within your home. A foul odor could mean that there’s a leak that’s allowing contaminated water to create issues with your water quality. In any of these cases, it’s best to consult with a professional plumber for advice.
Professional Plumbing Repair in St. Paul, MN
Plumbing problems like a clogged drain or leaking faucet are fairly common, but you should never ignore a plumbing issue, no matter how insignificant you think it is. Remember that even the smallest plumbing issue can turn into a major problem if you don’t take care of them right away.
If you notice any of the plumbing issues mentioned here, don’t hesitate to contact us at Metro Heating & Cooling to schedule an appointment. If you’re experiencing a serious plumbing emergency, call (651) 294-7798, and we’ll rush right over.
