Sometimes you can fix a plumbing problem all on your own, and sometimes you’ll need professional help. Read ahead to find out when you should skip the DIY and hire a plumber.
When the Clogs Won’t Stop
The toilet in your basement keeps clogging. You’ve tried using plungers, drain snakes, rinses and chemical cleaners, and nothing has yielded lasting results. This is a sign that you have a serious problem with your sewer line.
The sewer line is the pipe that connects your home plumbing system with the municipal sewer system. The sewer line can develop small fissures over time. Nearby tree roots can reach inside these cracks and grow there.
Drain cleaners, augurs and plungers are no match for tree root clogs. A plumber will have to dig up part of your front yard to access the line, remove the obstruction and replace the broken piping to prevent future root intrusion.
What are some other signs that your sewer line is clogged with tree roots?
- Sewer-back up coming from low-level drains
- Multiple drains clog at once
- Gurgling sounds from plumbing
- Foul sewage odor
- Puddles or wet patches beside the costco hvac
When the Water Heater Is Leaking
Is there a small pool of water beneath your water heater? You need to call a plumber to address that problem right away. A leaky water heater could end in disaster. It could end up flooding your basement floor and eliminating your access to hot water all at once. The plumber can repair the water heater or help you install a brand-new one.
When It’s an Emergency
Is water spilling out of a broken pipe? Is your basement flooding? Are you panicking? This is no time to pull out your toolbox and try to fix the problem all on your own. You need to swallow your pride and call up a reliable plumbing service immediately. Choose a company that offers 24/7 emergency services—they will respond to your problem, even if it happens in the middle of the night.
A seasoned plumber can also offer you guidance over the phone before they arrive. For instance, they could help you find a water shutoff valve to minimize water damage.
The Financial Appeal of DIY
DIY is appealing because it can save you money. Sadly, sometimes you can’t choose DIY to pocket some savings.
Plumber’s fees can be steep! A single visit could strain your monthly budget. You can prepare for this expense by setting up an emergency fund. With a substantial emergency fund, you’ll be able to withdraw the necessary savings for plumbing fees right away.
What if you don’t have enough in your emergency fund? Or worse, what if you don’t have an emergency fund at all? If you don’t have the savings to cover the plumbing fees immediately, there are alternative payment options available. You could use your credit card to cover the urgent expense, or you could try to apply for a short-term loan. There’s no need to go to the bank to apply for a short-term loan — you can look into short term loans online from the comfort of your living room. It’s that simple.
You should only use loans for plumbing emergencies. If you’re just doing routine maintenance or installing a new fixture, the payments should come out of your savings.
These are some clear examples of when you shouldn’t try to DIY your plumbing repairs. Call the experts!
