If you’re handy around the house, you can generally tackle a minor repair, such as changing out a worn washer or replacing a drain cover. However, bigger plumbing repair jobs need professional attention. Trying to repair some common issues such as slow drains or leaking toilets could later lead to more significant problems.
Before tackling a job yourself, remember that reputable plumbing services have insurance. Unclog. It has a 5 million dollar insurance policy, and to ensure transparency, they provide PDF reports with photos for all jobs we complete.
Here are five common plumbing problems:
Dripping Faucets
If you’ve ever tried to fall asleep with a dripping faucet in the next room or wrestled with a kitchen sink that didn’t know when to stop, you know how annoying this frequent problem can be. That dripping faucet not only wastes water but also wastes money on your water bill. Find out how much that drip is costing you by using a drip calculator like this one from the U.S. Geological Survey.
Leaky Pipes
While leaking pipes are a frequent problem during the chilly winter months, they are common year-round. Water damage to your home can be quite costly, so keep an eye out for wet spots on the ground or ceiling as leaky pipes are a necessity to fix right away.
Although replacing a leaky U-joint under your sink isn’t a complex repair, it is messy. You may want to have a professional handle it for you to save the clean-up time.
Running Toilets
Did you know that a running toilet can waste up to 750 litres of water a day? If you’re tired of jiggling the handle to make your bathroom behave after flushing, it might be time to replace its inner workings. Toilet repair kits work for most models and require little effort to install, but contact a professional if you’re not comfortable with repairing yourself.
Water Heater
You wake up in the morning and step into the shower to feel cold water on your body — trust us, we know it’s the worst feeling! The average life of a water heater can be anywhere from eight to 12 years, depending on yearly maintenance.
Slow or Clogged Drains
When the water that goes into your sink, tub or toilet won’t go out, you probably have a partial or complete clog. In many cases, your trusty plunger can fix the problem. Even if you don’t have a complete clog, debris in pipes can slow drainage to a trickle. Shine a flashlight into the drain and see if you can spot the problem. A pair of pliers or tweezers might be able to reach a clump of hair or fallen bottle cap that’s obstructing your pipes. Commercial drain cleaners and clog removers are safe for most drains for occasional use, but these caustic materials can damage some pipe materials if used too frequently. If you’re dealing with clogs regularly, it’s time to call a pro.
When it comes to finding a professional, visit Unclog if you’re in the Greater Vancouver area. Andrew Henderson founded Unclog, a distinguished plumbing experienced and business owner who has worked with home and business owners throughout British Columbia for many years. You can even order services online, anything from a drain cleaning, getting a free service quote, or emergency service.
