Some leaks are only annoying like a faucet that occasionally drips. Maybe you have a sweating pipe under your kitchen cabinet. You wrap a towel around the pipe and shove a bucket underneath, just to be safe. You can usually ignore these plumbing issues, at least for a little while.
However, other plumbing issues aren’t as easy to ignore. So, how do you know when you need a Colorado Springs plumber and when you can ignore the problem?
Weird Noises in the Pipes
Hearing noises in your pipes, sort of like a whooshing sound, it’s that uncommon. When you turn a faucet on, water rushes through the pipes and it can make a little noise; this is usually normal and no reason to panic. However, if you start hearing knocking sounds it’s probably time to call a professional plumber.
When you hear knocking noises it can mean you have loose valves or the support straps aren’t tight enough to hold the pipes in place. Not having the pipes inspected can lead to a break. The pipes can shift and break, leaving you with a wet mess. Repairing a broken pipe is also noticeably more expensive than tightening valves and support straps.
Slow Drains
Drains will become clogged whether it’s in the sink, tub, or shower. Over time, more than water and soap suds get into your drains. Your first instinct may be to grab a bottle of drain cleaner but this isn’t always the best option.
The cleaner can take care of grease clogs and maybe even cut through a wad of hair, which can be an inexpensive fix but it can also cause additional problems. Drain cleaners contain caustic chemicals that can erode your pipes over time.
Don’t worry, occasionally dumping some cleaner down the drain isn’t going to do a lot of damage but you don’t want to make it a habit. The chemicals found in drain cleaners are also hazardous to humans. If you do use drain cleaner, always wear gloves and it’s not a bad idea to block any fumes with a face mask.
If your slow drain is a persistent problem it can indicate a more serious issue. You may have a broken pipe or the clog could’ve worked its way down to your main drain. You will need to rely on a professional plumber to fix this problem.
Water Isn’t Coming Out Of Your Faucets
When you turn a faucet on, you expect water to come out. When this doesn’t happen, it’s an obvious sign you have a plumbing problem. Before you start panicking, check to see if the main water line is working; this may mean asking your neighbors if they have running water. If they answer yes, the problem is on your end.
Hopefully, the issue is only affecting one or two faucets. If the problem occurs in the winter, it may mean you’re dealing with frozen pipes. Thawing frozen pipes takes time. You don’t want to go too fast, it can cause the pipes to burst.
Grab your hair dryer and put it on a low setting. Hold the hair dryer over the pipe until the water starts to thaw. You should also plan on calling a plumber to ensure there isn’t any additional damage. If every faucet in your home is affected, you may be dealing with broken pipes, and this requires professional repairs.
No Hot Water
Cold showers aren’t enjoyable even in the summer. If you aren’t getting hot water out of the faucets, the problem is usually an issue with your water heater.
Before scheduling an emergency plumbing repair, wait around 30 minutes and turn the hot water faucet on. Hopefully, your water heater’s tank simply ran out of hot water. If the problem persists, it’s time to repair or replace your water heater.
Water heaters typically last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, but this also depends on the type and if you’re keeping up with regular maintenance. Your water heater’s tank may also have sediment built up and this can affect its performance. Sometimes, all you need is to flush the tank to get hot water flowing from your faucets.
Leave Your Plumbing Repairs to the Professionals
When it comes to your plumbing, most of the time it’s best to leave the repairs to the professionals. Sometimes, turning it into a DIY project can make the issue worse. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, a slow drain, or a lack of hot water, trust a professional plumber to take care of your plumbing issue.
Professional plumbers have the experience and tools necessary to diagnose and fix problems efficiently, preventing further damage. Relying on their expertise ensures that your plumbing system remains in good working order, saving you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
