DIY? Maybe it’s better to call a plumber
Having a reliable plumbing system is something that many take for granted. Plumbing allows clean water to flow into your home and dirty wastewater to flow out.
When that service is interrupted, and it’s not just a minor problem, you need it fixed, and fast.
How do you know whether to grab your tools and head to the bathroom, or grab the phone and call a plumber instead?
When the situation threatens your health and safety, your comfort and sense of security, and your home’s value, you want to be sure it gets fixed correctly. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips:
Safety and health
First and foremost, the health and safety of your household takes priority. Can you safely and effectively resolve the problem, or does this fix need to be handled by a professional? Here are some examples of plumbing situations that could potentially cause safety risks:
• Sewer backups or standing water — sewer blockages can be caused by something flushed in the toilet, or by tree roots growing into your pipes. You’ll notice a terrible smell, and sewage or dirty water may start coming up into your drains, causing a health hazard.
• Burst pipes — cold weather often results in frozen pipes, and older pipes can rust. Water rushing into your house can cause structural problems, like a collapsed ceiling or damaged floors, that compromise your safety.
• Mold — if a leaky pipe has caused mold to grow, you could have a health issue. Get a plumber to fix the pipe and a mold remediation company to help you get rid of the unhealthy mold.
• Comfort and security. A plumbing issue can also impact you, your comfort and sense of security. If a plunger won’t fix the problem, maybe it’s time to call an expert.
• Overflowing toilets — if you’ve tried plunging and the water won’t stop flowing, shut off the valve at the bottom where the water comes in and give the plumber a call. Nobody wants to be without a bathroom when nature calls.
• Clogged drains — if you’ve tried to unclog your sink or tub but there is no water getting through, you may have a blockage that requires a plumber’s assistance. Your teenager isn’t going to like being told that she can’t take a shower, so it’s best to get that fixed quickly.
• Water heater failure — lack of hot water can impact more than just a hot shower. You could end up with damaged floors if your tank leaks. A lack of heated water could also lead to burst pipes in cold weather.
• Sump pump problems — if you live in a low-lying area and have a sump pump, you could have serious water damage if the pump fails. If you notice loud noises or odd behavior, call in a pro.
• No water/water pressure — If you don’t have any water or your water pressure is very low, but you don’t know why, tearing down your own walls or digging up your yard to find the problem yourself probably isn’t the best solution.
• Home value. Other plumbing issues may impact the value of your home when it comes time to sell or relocate. Consider hiring a plumber if you have these issues and can’t fix them on your own: Outdated pipes and plumbing fixtures, a septic system that needs to be maintained or pumped, an outside faucet that leaks water into your foundation, upgrading to a new appliance (like a dishwasher or washer) that requires plumbing work.
Although it may seem tempting and less expensive to try to resolve plumbing issues yourself, realize that sometimes it ends up being more costly if your DIY project doesn’t work or isn’t up to code. Hiring a licensed, insured plumber will give you peace of mind.
Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713-8689500. Leah Napoliello is BBB VP of operations. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org with address and phone number.