It’s quite empowering to roll up your sleeves and tackle some DIY tasks around your home. Plumbing, however, can be a whole different ball game. Occasionally it’s fine to unclog a toilet or tighten a leaky tap, but there are times when professional help is irrefutably required. Australia’s plumbing is intricate and any mistake can lead to dire consequences. To help you discern when you should really pick up the phone and book one of our certified plumbers, we’ve collated a comprehensive list of 20 key signs to be aware of. In this article, we’re going to delve into half of these signs, making sure we keep things informative and engaging. Let’s dive in.
Contents
- 1. Continuous Water Dripping
- 2. Low Water Pressure
- 3. Drastic Water Color Change
- 4. Strange Gurgling Sounds
- 5. Flooded Basement Issues
- 6. Persistent Sewer System Backup
- 7. Recurring Drain Clogs
- 8. Modification on Gas Lines
- 9. Water Heater Malfunctions
- 10. Frozen Pipes Problem
- 11. Installation of New Appliances
- 12. Rapid Temperature Fluctuations
- 13. Need for Water Treatment
- 14. Toilet Overflowing Continuously
- 15. Walls and Floor Dampness
- 16. Water isn’t Heating
- 17. Constant Need for Drain-O
- 18. Sewer Gas Smell
- 19. Rapid Spike in Water Bill
- 20. Burst Pipe Repair
- Conclusion: The Clear Choice
1. Continuous Water Dripping
The unsettling pitter-patter of a continuously dripping tap can be more than just an annoyance; it can indicate deeper plumbing issues that might require the expertise of a licensed Journeyman plumber. Persistent dripping could be due to a damaged valve, worn-out parts, or even high water pressure – concerns that can escalate if not addressed appropriately.
2. Low Water Pressure
Ever stepped into the shower only to get a weak spray? That’s low water pressure for you. Often caused by blockages in your plumbing system or a concealed leak, such problems are usually beyond the capabilities of DIY fixes and require professional intervention.
3. Drastic Water Color Change
If the water from your taps suddenly changes colour, it’s likely something has gone seriously wrong with your pipes. This change in hue can be an indication of rust, sediment build-up or even the presence of algae! A licensed plumber should be called immediately to thoroughly examine the system.
4. Strange Gurgling Sounds
Your plumbing should work almost silently. Should you start hearing strange gurgling sounds from your drains, toilets or pipes, it may be a sign of a blockage or issue deeper within your plumbing system. Such problems are at a level of complexity where only vocational education and hands-on apprenticeship prepare one to handle them safely.
5. Flooded Basement Issues
A flooded basement is indeed a homeowner’s nightmare. It could point towards inadequacies in your fire sprinkler system or sewage problems – requiring immediate attention. In such situations, calling a licensed plumber instead of attempting a DIY solution could save your property from additional damage.
6. Persistent Sewer System Backup
Sewer system backups are not only an unpleasant experience but could also pose significant health risks. Uncommon noises, multiple drain blockages or water backing up in odd places are all signs of sewer backup necessitating instant professional intervention.
7. Recurring Drain Clogs
A clogged drain is not unheard of; many homeowners face this issue frequently. However, if your drains keep clogging despite your best DIY endeavors, it’s time to reach out to a trained professional.
8. Modification on Gas Lines
Any changes or adjustments needed on your gas lines should always be left to the pros. This isn’t just about preventing leaks or explosions; there are specific codes for such modifications that only licensed plumbers know and follow.
9. Water Heater Malfunctions
Your water heater might be one of the most utilized appliances in your home, especially during the winter months. If it starts malfunctioning or not performing efficiently, call in a plumber ASAP. Simple as it may sound, water heater repairs do need technical knowledge and skills beyond simple tool usage.
10. Frozen Pipes Problem
A common issue in colder regions, frozen pipes can cause a ton of problems such as bursting and flooding. Attempting DIY fixes could worsen the scenario or even cause bodily harm. Instead, employing a licensed professional with the correct toolkit may save your property from urgent water damage.
11. Installation of New Appliances
The plumbing involved in the installation of new appliances often requires a certain level of expertise that a DIY project may not cater for. Whether it’s a dishwasher, a washing machine or maybe even a fire sprinkler system, you need a journeyman on your side. With their vigorous training from vocational education and apprenticeship programs, they ensure all the fittings are right, preventing any potential leakage or malfunctions that could be hazardous.
12. Rapid Temperature Fluctuations
Experiencing drastic and unpredictable changes in your water temperature? These fluctuations can be frustrating and might require intervention from a licensed plumber. These professionals have an in-depth understanding of water heating systems, helping rectify problems caused by faulty thermostats or heating elements for a seamless shower experience.
13. Need for Water Treatment
In areas where water quality is compromised, you would often need a water treatment system installed at your home. A trained plumber with relevant experience can advise you on the best treatment solution for your household. They can correctly install the system to ensure secure and efficient operation for cleaner, safer water.
14. Toilet Overflowing Continuously
Having an overflowing toilet is one of those household disasters we all dread. It’s messy, unsanitary and absolutely requires professional assistance. A licensed plumber can investigate the cause, which could range from simple blockages to sewer line problems. So leave the gloves off; this is not a DIY scenario.
15. Walls and Floor Dampness
If dampness is consistent on your walls or floors accompanied by a musty smell, there might be hidden leaks that are hard to locate without professional tools. DIY attempts can lead to unnecessary damages. Always call a licensed plumber when dealing with such issues to avoid escalating the problem.
16. Water isn’t Heating
There are few things worse than expecting a warm shower only to be met with icy cold water. If your water isn’t heating at all, there’s a good chance your water heater is malfunctioning. A seasoned plumber understands the intricate details of these systems and can diagnose and repair them effectively.
17. Constant Need for Drain-O
If you’re regularly reaching for the Drain-O to unclog your pipes, that’s a sign of a larger underlying problem. Persistent clogs are often signs of scale buildup or even root intrusion in your pipes, which simply clearing out the blockage will not solve. Licensed plumbers have adequate tools and techniques to identify and rectify these issues permanently.
18. Sewer Gas Smell
A potent smell of sewer gas in your home isn’t just unpleasant; it can also be harmful to your health. This is usually indicative of a breach in your sewer system or vents, necessitating immediate professional attention. Trustworthy plumbers can diagnose the root cause and address it promptly, restoring peace in your home.
19. Rapid Spike in Water Bill
A sudden increase in your water bill often signals a hidden leak within your plumbing system. Though they may be hard for an untrained eye to spot, licensed plumbers employ advanced techniques such as thermal imaging and noise correlation to detect unseen leaks, potentially saving you serious money down the line.
20. Burst Pipe Repair
Last but not least, repairing burst pipes are definitely not slice-of-life DIY projects. Burst pipes can cause significant water damage if not handled quickly and correctly. A licensed plumber has the knowledge to repair or replace these pipes efficiently, minimizing potential damage to your home.
Conclusion: The Clear Choice
While DIY can be exhilarating and cost-saving in some circumstances, plumbing isn’t usually one of them. From installing appliances to dealing with sewer gas smells or even something as drastic as a burst pipe, professional plumbers bring a level of expertise that is irreplaceable. Their vocational education and rigorous training make them ideal for tackling such issues, freeing you from additional headaches. When DIY doesn’t cut it, depend on licensed plumbers for an effective solution.
Dan’s Plumbing is a leading name in emergency plumbing across Australia. We ensure prompt and effective plumbing solutions for residents across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast.
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