This is a
question a lot of our customers will ask when a plumbing project has become a
plumbing emergency. The truth is there are a lot of ways to keep your plumbing
in good shape with regular maintenance and inspections, however a simple
plumbing fix can result in a geyser that will wreak havoc on your home or
business.
There is one
simple rule when it comes to plumbing repair: If you have any doubt in your
ability, lack of tools, or ability to diagnose the problem, it is time to call
a professional.
There are steps
to make help you catch problems in your plumbing before it becomes an
emergency. This blog will go over how you can perform routine inspections, what
the basic plumbing problems look like, tips for do it yourself, and finally
what situations require a professional plumber.
Routine
Preventive Plumbing Inspections
Inspections are
the first step in any plumbing maintenance, and often, the most over looked
step in trying to fix a plumbing issue. Your sink, toilet, and the rest of your
plumbing system is used daily and will over time begin to degrade. Catching
potential leaks and stressed or clogged plumbing can help save you money in the
long run.
Here are some
things to keep in mind when performing an inspection:
•Find
all exposed pipes in the house and check for moisture, especially on a cold
day.
•Check
for corrosion on copper or brass connections on the pipe, as this maybe the
start of a leak.
•Gauge
the water pressure on the faucets and shower heads in the house, and know that
there will be some variability in water pressure based on the faucet or spout.
•Take
note of the time it takes for the water to drain out of the sink, or tub, after
completely filling it with a plug.
•Check
for water around the base of the toilet after flushing, as this may be a sign
of a bad wax seal.
•Check
for warping in the floorboards around known plumbing, such as the sinks,
humidifier, and radiators.
Do-It-Yourself
Tips
If
you decided to take on a plumbing job on your own, here are some tips to help
you make sure your project go as smoothly as possible.
•No
matter how careful you are plan on getting wet. Dress appropriately and be
careful not to wear loose fitting clothing.
•Before
any plumbing repair, you must find and shut off the water main.
•Take
the pieces you are working on with you to the hardware store, where applicable,
to guarantee you are buying the right item. Take a picture if the piece cannot
be removed.
•Prepare
for the worst and have a tarp down, a bucket handy, and finally a reliable
plumber’s number nearby.
If you are
in the Pensacola, FL keep Barberi Plumbing’s number, (850) 477-8782,
in your phone in case of a plumbing emergency.
Plumbing
Emergencies & Installations
There
are some plumbing jobs that require a professional to ensure a quality and
reliable job is done. Besides peace of mind, when you hire a professional
plumber you will minimize the damages from a plumbing emergency.
- Consider hiring a professional plumber when you are
planning on doing the following to your home:
- Issues with or the Installation of a tank less water heater.
- Installing gas to generators.
- Septic tank leaks or Sewer breaks.
- Any new additions that require a permit.
