Owning a house comes with many responsibilities. One of the most important is maintaining major systems, such as your home’s plumbing.
Your home’s plumbing system brings in clean water and removes wastewater. Proper plumbing services ensure this system brings water in and out of your house without leaks, clogs, or sanitation issues.
While some plumbing maintenance and repair issues may be DIY-friendly, many are handled by trained professionals. This is why it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with what services a plumbing professional can offer should you need to call them.
Let’s examine the different plumbing services your local plumber can provide to help you determine when you might need to start looking for the right plumbing contractor.
Basic Plumbing Services
Routine Maintenance and Inspections
Regular maintenance and inspections ensure your plumbing system stays in good condition. Professional plumbing services offer routine maintenance checks, inspect your plumbing for potential issues, and provide your home with preventative maintenance.
Drain Cleaning
Drain system cleaning is a typical request homeowners make when hiring professional plumbing services. Over time, drains can collect considerable debris throughout its lifespan.
If not adequately maintained, the debris a drain collects will create a significant clog. With their expertise and experience, plumbers can easily clean a clogged drain.
Leak Detection and Repair
A hidden leak in your home’s plumbing can cause water damage, mold growth, and raised utility bills. An experienced plumber will use advanced tools and techniques to locate and repair leaks without causing unnecessary property damage.
Specialized Plumbing Services
Sewer Line Repair and Replacement
Sewer line backups can spread harmful bacteria and disease throughout your home. Your sewer system moves water, grease, and other liquids from your home.
The sewer line can become clogged over time, so it is vital to conduct regular inspections to be aware of the situation. Depending on the damage, plumbers can use video camera inspections to identify any issues within the sewer line and recommend the proper repair or replacement.
Water Heater Installation and Repair
You may notice your home has an insufficient hot water supply or hear unusual noises from the water heater unit, all of which indicate your water heater needs service or a replacement. A plumber can provide services for your water heater, including installation, routine maintenance, and repairs, which are essential for a reliable hot water supply.
Pipe Relining and Replacement
If your pipes constantly clog, leak, or have other issues, a plumber may recommend relining or replacing them.
A pipe relining involves fixing a damaged pipe from within by inserting a material liner to create a new, stronger inner pipe that bonds to the existing pipe. If the problem is too severe, the plumber can dig up the area where the damage occurred and replace the section.
Emergency Plumbing Services
What Constitutes a Plumbing Emergency?
While plumbers operate during regular business hours, plumbing emergencies don’t always happen at a good time. Calling an emergency plumber can cost more, so knowing when to call one is essential.
Some of the plumbing issues that require emergency service include:
- Excessive Leaks: Not all leaks require emergency attention, but when you see extensive leakage, it’s time to call an emergency plumber.
- Ruptured Pipes: A burst pipe releases gallons of water that can compromise your home’s structural integrity, causing ceilings to collapse and walls to weaken.
- Toilet Overflow: An overflown toilet can constitute an emergency because it can result from clogged pipes or a damaged float mechanism, which requires an emergency plumber.
- Gas Leaks: If you smell a rotten egg-like odor from an appliance, you must call the gas company and an emergency plumber to repair the gas line.
How to React in a Plumbing Emergency
How you react during a plumbing emergency can save money and prevent further water and property damage. When facing a plumbing emergency, follow these steps:
- Turn Off the Water: The first thing to do is shut off the problem at its source, either by turning off the faucet or toilet valves or shutting off the water to the entire house.
- Shut Down the Water Heater: After turning off the main water valve, the next step is to turn off the water heater to minimize damage.
- Call for Local Expert Help: If you live in an area such as Overland Park, Kansas, it makes sense to do an online search for plumbers in Overland Park, KS, and find an expert local plumber who can help you get to the root of the problem.
- Drain the Water: Turning off your home’s water heater and main valve is crucial, but you’ll need to drain the water already in your pipes.
- Contain the Water Damage: Grabbing a towel or mop and cleaning up pooling water will prevent further damage and issues such as mold, mildew, or structural problems.
Conclusion
Proactive maintenance, thoughtful upgrades, and timely repairs are essential functions that help preserve the integrity of your house’s plumbing system. Understanding the number of plumbing services available can give you peace of mind, knowing your plumbing system is in good hands.