Our plumbing system is something we use every day, multiple times, without even thinking about it. When we wash dishes or clothes, bathe, cook, clean, and use the toilet, our plumbing comes into play. Because we rely so heavily on it, it is important to take care of it. If you notice any of the following issues, do not wait and try to DIY a solution, call Drain Wizard today.
- Frozen Pipes – If you think your pipes may be frozen, call a certified plumber immediately. If they are frozen, they may be about to burst. This means that, not only will the broken pipes need to be repaired or replaced, you will also have to deal with cleaning up any liquid that may leak out. Burst pipes can cause a lot of problems through water damage. Do not try to thaw the pipes yourself, call a professional right away. Your pipes may be frozen if water doesn’t come out when you turn on the faucet, if you hear odd clanking sounds, if you smell sewage from the sink, and if you notice frost or moisture on exposed pipes (you can usually see these running along your basement or crawl space ceiling). Some tips to prevent pipes from freezing include:
- Leave cabinets under the sink open so that your home’s heating system can help heat the sink pipes more easily.
- Leave faucets dripping cold water. If your pipes do freeze, the open faucets give the ice space to expand. A closed faucet can lead to pipes bursting more easily.
- Strange Smells – If you notice any weird smells, it could be an indication of a broken pipe or sewer line or a gas leak. Smelling sulfur (which smells like rotten eggs) or natural gas are both bad signs that you should pay attention to. A sewer leak could cause big environmental problems and create issues with your foundation. Call your plumber immediately. A gas leak is potentially much more dangerous and is something that should be handled right away. If you smell natural gas, call your utility company, do not call your plumber. The utility company will send someone out right away. A gas leak can lead to a deadly explosion. While you wait for the utility company, open the windows in your home to air out the space and DO NOT use any appliances or turn anything on. After opening the windows, everyone should exit the home and wait a safe distance away until the “all-clear” is given by the utility company.
- Strange Sounds – if you hear gurgling or water running in your pipes, this could be a sign that a bigger problem is happening within your plumbing system. Obviously, you will hear water running in the pipes when it is being used (shower, sink, garden hose, toilet, dishwasher, clothes washer, etc.) If you hear water running when nothing is on, it could indicate a leak. If you see brown spots on your walls, floors, or ceilings, feel it to see if it is warm. If so, this could mean the leak is coming from the hot water heater. Call your plumber right away and tell them it is warm. This can help them to isolate the issue more quickly. You can also look to see if your water meter is spinning if you think you hear water running when it shouldn’t be. A moving meter means water is running. If you hear gurgling when nothing is being used, that could mean that there is a clog somewhere in the plumbing. A clog isn’t just something that happens with toilets. It could also be coming from the shower, dishwasher, or clothes washer. If you notice gurgling, turn off the appliance immediately and call the plumber. If you continue to run things, a backup into your home may happen, and cleaning that up is not pleasant.
- Slow Drainage – If you notice problems with your toilet, sink, or shower, it may be time to call in a professional. Try to clear the clog yourself with a plunger or a drain cleaning product like Drano. If those don’t remedy this situation, do not continue to DIY. Call in a professional. Trying to clear a blockage on your own can lead to much bigger problems. You can accidentally damage the pipes, and that will be a much longer and more expensive fix.
- Changes in Water Pressure – If you notice low water pressure when you turn on your sink, tub, or shower, it might be time to call in a professional. First try to clean up the faucet aerator or the shower head on your own. Unscrew the end of the sink head or the shower head, clean it off (mineral build up can reduce water flow). An easy way to clean it is to simply soak it in vinegar for an hour or so. Wipe it, rinse it, and screw it back on. If the water pressure is still low, this could indicate a bigger issue like a leaky pipe or a break in the water line. Problems like these require a plumber to come in, identify where the problem is, and go in to fix it.
Plumbing is a really great modern convenience that we use all day. Knowing when you should call a plumber is key to keeping your system in great shape. When you notice a problem, don’t wait. Call Drain Wizard right away!
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