Table of Contents
Residential plumbing fixtures
If water is actively leaking or backing up, stop what you’re doing and shut off the water. If a toilet is overflowing, or if drains are backing up, shut off the water to your home. Before you go looking for the source of the problem, or trying to fix it, make sure the source of the water is cut off.
Shut Off the Water Before Investigating
If the leak is a localized one, like a toilet running or dripping from a sink, there may be a valve that cuts off water only to that fixture. These are often found behind or beside the bowl of the toilet, or in the cabinet underneath a sink. If you don’t find such a valve, or if the valve doesn’t seem to be working, find the shutoff for your entire home and turn it off. Never touch electrical appliances if there is any standing water.
Before anything happens, you should locate the main shut-off and make sure everyone in the family knows where it is. You should also have a bucket, a few towels, and a flashlight on hand, so you won’t have to panic if something goes wrong.
Once you’ve dealt with an emergency, you can then try to assess what’s going on with your plumbing. Some plumbing problems can be DIY fixes, but other situations are signs that you may need to hire a professional.
Recognize Problems That Need a Plumber
Call a plumber for the following problems:
- Leaking pipes that you can’t immediately fix and control
- Loss of water pressure in many or all locations
- Clogs in many or all locations; water coming up in drains that should not be affected, like showers, bathtubs, or floor drains
- Water stains on ceilings, floors, or walls that indicate a larger issue
- Smells of sewer gas indoors
- Recurring backups
- Water heater leaking or making rumbling noises, or giving off rust-colored water
Stop Tinkering When Multiple Fixtures Are Affected
While most people can deal with clogged drains – if you want the source, it’s https://www.cnet.com/home, there is sometimes a much deeper problem that may not be apparent, such as a blockage in the main drain. If clearing out stoppers and using a plunger doesn’t work, it’s best to call a plumber – more on find a Dayton plumber if you want that route.
If it seems like more than one fixture is affected, it’s more likely that there’s a problem in the drain, and less likely that the clog is easily accessible.
You also shouldn’t put chemicals down the drain, as these cleaners can cause your pipes to deteriorate, and if they seep out anywhere, they could damage floors or landscaping, and they might cause heat or other issues for a plumber who needs to open the system up. If your drain backs up elsewhere, stop tinkering and call a plumber.
Document the Problem Before the Visit
Residential plumbing system
Before the plumber arrives, do your best to document what has been going on with your plumbing. Many plumbers will ask a variety of questions about your home’s plumbing before they diagnose a problem. You can speed the process and give a more accurate diagnosis if you provide your plumber with a comprehensive description of your problem. Take pictures of damaged areas and write down what temporary repairs you’ve made.
The more information you provide, the better:
- Where is the problem located?
- What does the problem look like?
- When did it first happen?
- How often does it happen?
- Has it gotten worse?
- What have you tried?
- Have you used drain or clog-cleaners?
Finally, ask about service-call charges, how estimates are made, or if permits are required for the work. It’s important to discuss your expectations before the job begins to avoid surprises on the final invoice.
Ask to verify that the contractor is licensed and insured in your state. This is especially important for larger projects like replacing water heaters, gas lines, or large sections of piping.
For safety and efficiency reasons, please:
- Clear items out from under the sink(s) where repair work is needed.
- Create a work area around the water heater, if needed.
- Restrict pets from work areas.
- Make sure the main shutoff valve, the breaker box, any crawlspaces or basements are accessible.
Treat Intermittent Issues as Warning Signs
It’s not always clear whether a plumbing problem is a big deal, or a precursor to a bigger issue. It’s a good idea to call the plumber in the case of:
- A toilet that runs intermittently
- Clogged drains that only happen sometimes
- Water that is hot sometimes, but not always
It might seem like these things are minor or one-time problems, but it’s possible they are symptoms of impending disaster.
When a plumber is diagnosing the problem, ask questions about what is likely causing the plumbing issue, and what options are available to correct the problem. Ask for different repair options at various costs, as well as any implications for any damage that has already been done, as you might have to open the walls, floors, or landscaping for a thorough repair.