When Do I Need to Call a Plumber?

Plumbing problems can bring your life to a screeching halt, whether your hot water isn’t hot or you have a leak slowly filling your basement. Many homeowners try to solve plumbing problems without the right knowledge or tools, often causing more damage in the process. Knowing when to call your Alexandria plumber can help you control the damage and water waste associated with many of the most common plumbing problems to reduce their associated cost. Whenever you are faced with a plumbing situation you aren’t sure how to handle, calling in a professional is the best way to ensure the issue will be resolved quickly and completely so you won’t have to worry about it again.

Tub and Toilet Clogs

Bathtub and toilet drains are relatively small, but handle a large volume of water each day. Clogs in these important pipes will only worsen with time, causing backups that can damage the surrounding area and leave your bathroom completely unusable until repairs are made. As soon as you notice a tub or toilet clog, try using a plunger to clear it. If the plunger isn’t effective, it’s time to call your plumber for professional assistance.

Dripping Faucets and Running Toilets

Dripping faucets and running toilets may seem like simple annoyances, but they can waste gallons of water each day, leading to excessive water usage and high utility bills. Although the problem causing the drip or leak is often minor, these systems can be difficult for homeowners to repair properly. It’s always best to let your plumber handle these issues so you can enjoy a quiet, eco-friendly home once more.

Frozen or Burst Pipes

During the winter, freezing temperatures often cause pipes to freeze or burst. A frozen or burst pipe is a serious plumbing emergency that cannot be handled on your own. If you suspect you may have a problem with a frozen or leaking pipe, turn off the water to your home and call in your plumber immediately to assess the situation and repair the leak to prevent water waste and damage to your home or yard. Even if the pipe is only frozen, this situation is best left to your plumber, rather than trying to thaw it out yourself.

Water Pressure Problems

If you notice a drop or change in the way water is flowing from one or more fixtures in your home, it’s often a sign of a problem in your plumbing pipes. Because these pipes are hidden behind walls, floors, and ceilings, it can be extremely difficult for a layman to diagnose the issue or even find the problematic area at all. You should always call in your plumber, who has the tools and experience to quickly find and repair areas of deterioration or determine whether the problem is widespread enough to warrant a full plumbing system replacement. Never ignore a water pressure problem, as it could cause ongoing damage to your plumbing system over time and set you up for a serious leak in the future.

Contacting a professional plumber at the first sign of trouble is the best way to keep life in your Alexandria home stress-free. If you need to reach a plumber or have questions about your home’s plumbing system and appliances, take a look through our website for all the information you need about professional plumbing in northern Virginia. We also encourage you to learn more about plumbing maintenance and the most common problems and repairs you’re likely to encounter by reading through the articles on our blog.