When Is It Time to Call the Plumber?

Installing Appliances

If you’re looking to get a new water heater, kitchen disposal, washing machine, or dishwasher, it’s often best to have a professional plumber install these appliances for you. Water heaters in particular require careful installation; if gas lines must be connected, this task should always be left to a professional. Many washing machines come with rubber hose attachments, but these are a common source of home leaks. Ask your plumber if he can install your washer with a metal pipe instead to prevent this from ever becoming a problem.

Frozen or Burst Pipes

When temperatures drop, especially in areas that don’t often experience cold weather, it can pose a threat to outdoor and minimally-insulated plumbing.
Above-ground and attic pipes are at the highest risk of freezing or bursting. Although wrapping outdoor plumbing before the temperature goes down can help to prevent frozen pipes, if you can’t get water in your home following a cold snap, call a plumber. Turn off your home’s main water supply and drain any remaining water through your home’s faucets while you wait. A plumber will check your pipes and handle any frozen water before it becomes a bigger issue. If you discover that a pipe has burst due to cold, you should also call a plumber immediately, as this can damage to your home.

Leaks and Clogs

While in some cases leaks and clogs can be easily fixed, if you can’t find the source of the problem or aren’t sure how to fix it, call in a professional plumber. Common issues that most homeowners aren’t well-equipped to handle are a leaking seal around the base of a toilet, a leaking water heater tank, damaged or burst plumbing pipes, and severely backed-up toilets or drains. Calling a plumber to handle these issues promptly will save you money in the long run and prevent costly damage to your home.

Mainline, Septic, and Sewer Problems

Problems with your home’s main water line, septic system, or sewer drainage should always be handled by a professional. Effluent backup must be cleaned professionally to eliminate the health hazards associated with raw sewage. Issues with the mainline water supply to your home are usually outside the realm of most homeowners’ plumbing knowledge, and can cause major damage to your home if not handled properly. Call a plumber immediately to handle these types of problems, and avoid using water or your bathrooms until he arrives.

Knowing when to call a plumber ensures that issues are handled promptly and properly. Visit the Mr. Rooter of Knoxville website to find more plumbing tips and information about issues you can handle yourself.