Scheduling a plumbing repair is important in ensuring that a small problem does not lead to a disaster. From professional experience, we know that hiring a licensed plumber is the best way to fix the problem quickly. In the meantime, there may be a few issues that homeowners can tackle on their own, at least temporarily, until we arrive.
1. Unclog the toilet
Very often, a toilet can be unclogged using a plunger. Buying one from a local home improvement store is a good idea as every home should have a plunger, just in case. If the clog does not come out with a plunger, it will be necessary to call a plumber to fix the problem. We may need to use the snake to remove the clog.
2. Clear the drain
If water is not going down the sink as quickly as it should, it may be possible to help clear the drain using a simple solution like Drano. Simply pour it down the drain per the instructions and see if water begins to flow more freely. If the drain is still clogged, it could be a sign of a more serious problem that requires help from a plumber.
3. Get the toilet to flush and stop running
Sometimes we get calls because the toilet will no longer flush or continues to run water. This problem can sometimes be fixed by simply lifting the lid on the tank and checking the guts of the toilet. It may be that the interior mechanism has simply moved out of the correct position. It only takes a second to put it back together and then the toilet can flush again. However, if this happens repeatedly, it is best to have a plumber replace the guts.
When you need a professional
These types of issues can sometimes be repaired by the homeowner. However, there is one type of plumbing repair that should always be handled by a professional – leaks. When something is leaking water, it is critical to have the leak stopped immediately. This is not something to take a chance with because water damage is incredibly serious. Even a small leak can spread throughout the home with water running along the framing of the house.
This means that a leak in an upstairs bathroom can cause damage to the dining room ceiling below it or even three rooms away in the living room. As water runs throughout the house, it can create mold, a softening of the floor, etc. These issues can be incredibly expensive to repair, especially if the water damage has spread to multiple rooms in the house.
In a worst-case scenario, leaks can make it necessary to:
- Replace the drywall
- Replace the flooring
- Tear out ceilings
- Replace light fixtures
- Replace two by fours
- Require professional mold removal
These are things that no homeowner wants to deal with and by scheduling a plumbing repair at the first sign of a leak, it is unlikely that they will ever have to.
Call us for help right away
If you need a plumbing repair, whether large or small, we are available to provide assistance. Give us a call and explain what the problem is and we will send someone as quickly as possible to help solve it.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Jay Young Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, request an appointment in our Wolfforth office here: https://jyplumbinghvac.com. Or call us at (806) 783-8318.