Plumbing - Top 5 Problems and When It's Time To Call the Plumber

Calling the plumber before little problems get bigger is a great way to save money in the long run. Here are a few things to watch out for. 

Septic Tank Maintenance

Ever wonder where the stuff you flush down the toilet goes? No? Well, fair enough... flush it and say goodbye! Unfortunately, many of us do have to think about it. Nearly half of all Americans live in a house with a septic tank. We won't go into details, but this is the place where all your "wastewater" (okay, it's sewage) goes. We all flush and forget, but your septic tank needs ordinary maintenance.

Your septic tank has to be emptied sometimes, and there's no easy answer to when it should be done. It depends on the size of the tank and the (sorry to mention it) consistency of the stuff going into it. Basically, if the septic tank isn't pumped out regularly, it will cause you thousands of dollars worth of problems. Ask your local plumber for advice on your septic tank maintenance.

Low Water Pressure

What happens when you turn on the faucet and, instead of a torrent of water to wash your dishes with, you've got a tiny trickle dribbling out? Probably, you've got a water pressure problem. You can check the water pressure gauge on your water pump. This is an easy problem that you can fix yourself. 

However, if your water pressure is okay, you've got a bigger problem. Probably, it's a clogged drain. This is easy for a plumbing service to tackle. They'll bring along a giant, heavy apparatus called a "snake" and it'll suck out any blockages in your pipes. In some houses that have refinished basements, clogged drains are a recurring problem because the pipes used are too small. If this is the case, get an estimate from the plumber on how much this will cost. It's well worth fixing.

Leaks, Drips, Funny Noises And Shaking Pipes

No matter how old or new your house is, or what condition it's in, always keep an eye on your pipes. Look out for leaks, listen for funny noises and watch for standing water. If you've got a drippy faucet or leak, you can tighten the pipes yourself. Sometimes, even in new homes, the sealant wears thin and you'll need to wrap the pipe with plumbers tape. Overflowing toilets are common and easy to fix yourself, but if a particular toilet keeps doing it, you might want to make the call.

Any plumbing problem that involves working with main water lines or gas lines needs to be done by a professional. It takes special gear to turn off city water, and messing with gas lines can be extremely dangerous. Anything else that's a little tricky to do yourself, call a professional plumbing services. You'll have to pay now, but it'll save money - and potentially major repairs for your house - later on.