When Is the Best Time to Call a Plumber?

 If you’re a DIY-er, it can be a pain to call in a plumber for something you could have tackled yourself. But you can save yourself a lot of headaches and money in the long run by learning to call a plumber when you have a plumbing problem that requires more than a simple plunge.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are among the most common plumbing issues in homes. They can cause serious problems, such as corrosion, flooding, and sewage backup.

If you notice a drain clog, you can try several home remedies before calling a plumber from Langley Plumbing Company.  These include plunging a clogged drain, using a drain snake, and flushing hot water through the clogged drain.

A clogged drain can lead to serious health problems and costly repairs, so it is essential to know how to fix a clogged drain.

The first thing to do is determine what is causing the clog. For example, bathroom drains often clog with hair and soap scum, while kitchen sinks can be blocked with food particles or toothpaste.

Clogged Toilets

You can try some DIY solutions for clogged toilets, but the best way to get it fixed is to call a plumber. This is because a clogged toilet often indicates a problem elsewhere in your plumbing system, such as a blockage in your main sewer line.

To fix a clogged toilet, remove the lid on your tank and lift the flapper valve a little to allow a cup of water into the bowl. Once the water drains, it should clear up, and you can flush again.

If plunging fails, you can use a toilet auger to break up the clog and move it down the drain. However, a partial clog may continue to build up, so this approach is usually only practical for small clogs.

Clogged Sinks or Bathtubs

A clogged sink or bathtub can be a major frustration. However, it can also be a serious safety risk as it can lead to flooding if the drain gets overflowing and goes onto the floor.

Fortunately, there are ways to fix a clogged sink or bathtub without calling a plumber. These DIY remedies are simple and inexpensive.

Hair is the most common cause of a clogged bathtub, but soap scum can also accumulate over time. In addition, soap scum dries and clumps together, making it difficult to get rid of.

Combining baking soda, vinegar, and salt can effectively remove a clog. Add the mixture to your clogged drain, let it sit for about ten minutes, then flush it with boiling water.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is a common problem affecting many appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines, and even showerheads. If your home’s water pressure is noticeably lower than it used to be, there’s probably a lot going on that you’ll need to fix before you can get the water flowing again.

For homes connected to a municipal supply system, the first thing to check is your meter valve and main shut-off valves. If these were previously closed for any reason, you might notice a reduction in water pressure.

Aside from these two valves, the main cause of low water pressure is aging or congested pipes. It’s not uncommon for these issues to happen in a household that uses well water, though they can also affect those connected to the municipal water supply.

Leaking Pipes

Leaking pipes can cause extensive water damage to your home. They can also lead to mould growth that isn’t just unsightly but can be hazardous to your health.

It is best to fix leaking pipes before they become a plumbing emergency and cause more damage to your home. In many cases, homeowners can repair leaky pipes themselves.

However, some leaking pipes are too small for DIY repairs and require a professional plumber. In those cases, our guide to fixing a leaky pipe will help you minimize the damage until a professional can arrive.