Plumbing is more than just what gets our hot and cold water to us for dishes, showers, drinking, and other day to to day tasks. It also deals with the water waste systems that removes the waste from our homes. If you’re experiencing leaks, sewer problems, low water pressure, or drains that aren’t doing their jobs, it’s probably time to call a plumber in to see what he or she can do to alleviate the problem. Knowing a good plumbing service is incredibly useful — you hope you won’t need to call on them, but it’s good to know they’re there when you need them. And, if you need an emergency plumber, already having that name and phone number on hand can make a stressful situation a little easier. So when should you call a a plumber? What is a plumber primarily responsible for? What are ways you can keep your plumbing system in good shape? Read on for the answers!
A Plumber’s Responsibilities
Most people use a plumber to assist with repairing or installing pipes, fixtures, or other systems that are used in distributing water to the building and taking waste out. However, they also do far more than that. They can assist with maintaining plumbing systems, and need to know how to read blueprints, sketches, and specifications for different systems, waste and drainage systems, and how the water supply network will function. In some cases, they may even create the sewer lines, drain lines, or water lines, and help direct workers.
When installing new systems — or updating old ones — on a construction site, plumbers need to work with the other trades to make sure the house meets code and is functional for the people moving in. Their job is far more varied than we might guess at and are responsible for literally keeping things flowing.
When You Need to Call a Plumber
A good number of people will try to DIY their own plumbing, but there are a good handful of incidents when you just need to call up some plumbing companies and get professional help.
Leaks are one good reason to call a plumber. These drips and drabs from faucets can waste a significant amount of water over time and drive up water bills. Some homes can waste as much as 90 gallons of water (or more!) daily and fixing these leaks — which are often very correctable — can save owners 10% on their water bills. If your pipes are leaking, you’ll definitely need a plumber in ASAP to replace pipe or fittings. Calling a professional in will save you the hassle of having to clean up afterwards — it’s not a neat job.
Any issues with your water heater or septic tank also necessitate the assistance of a plumber, as do septic tank leaks or sewer line breaks. These issues you should not attempt to fix yourself.
What Are Ways to Keep Your Plumbing System in Good Working Order?
Be mindful of what you put down the drains or into your plumbing system, to avoid clogs, slow drainage, or toilets backing up. Big food scraps and grease shouldn’t be going down your kitchen drains and you should try as much as possible to keep hair out of your shower drains. Don’t flush feminine products, paper towels, Q-tips, etc., down toilets.
It’s worth getting a plumber to come by periodically and snake your drains and sewer lines or septic tank to keep them clear of debris. A septic tank should be pumped out once every three to five years.
If you live in a cold climate, add pipe insulation to keep pipes from freezing or bursting, and leave the heat on enough when you leave the house to keep the pipes at a reasonable temperature.
Don’t be afraid to reach out and call a plumber for assistance — they’ll get the job done faster and more efficiently than if you tried it yourself. Plus, you know that the job has been done right the first time and you can check it off your home maintenance list!