Problems That Require Professional Plumbing in Houston

Being a homeowner or a property owner requires you to know how to perform some basic maintenance tasks yourself. There’s no need to a call a handyman to hang a picture, or to install weather-stripping around your doors and windows. You may even be able to quickly unclog a toilet with a plunger or tighten your showerhead when it’s leaking. Some Houston plumbing problems require expert attention because an amateur do-it-yourself attempt will do more harm than good. Call an expert plumber in Houston if you have any of the following issues:

Persistent Slow Draining

The rate at which a sink or tub drains should be roughly equal to the maximum rate at which the fixture delivers water.
That is, water should not begin to pool inside your sink or tub even when the faucet is fully open. If you can fill a basin faster than water can drain out, it is likely that you have a blockage somewhere in the plumbing of your Houston area home. A number of substances, including grease, food waste, hair clippings, and other materials can clog your home’s drains, and it’s best to have a professional plumber in Houston root them rather than use toxic chemical cleaners.

Poor Water Pressure

Even if your showerhead is low-flow, you shouldn't have to live with low water pressure. Modern low-flow fixtures are designed to provide good pressure while limiting water use, so if your shower trickles rather than sprays, the problem likely lies elsewhere, in your plumbing or your water heater. Sediment buildup or dip tube deterioration inside your water heater tank often affect shower pressure, as can small leaks in the main water line coming from the municipal water supply or in the pipes inside your walls.

Pinhole Pipe Leaks

You can sometimes catch pinhole leaks by monitoring water pressure, but some can go unnoticed for many months, all the while causing silent, invisible water damage and mold growth inside your walls or in your basement. These leaks occur as corrosion eats through aging pipes, forming tiny holes where water can escape. Keep track of your monthly water bill, and if you notice a spike in your payments, have a professional check your meter and then locate the leak in your Houston plumbing system.

Sewage Backups

Sewage backups are perhaps the most serious plumbing problem a Houston homeowner can face, since this waste-water contains harmful bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause a variety of diseases and infections. A sewage backup can also damage your drywall and your home’s foundation, and if left unchecked it may require expensive remediation or reconstruction. Sewer lines can fail with age, and they are also susceptible to attacks from thirsty tree roots. As soon as you notice a sewage backup, shut off the main water supply to your home and call a plumber in Houston immediately.

For more information on common plumbing problems that can arise in commercial or residential properties, visit our Ask the Expert page or explore our homepage.