As a homeowner, your home is one of your most valuable assets. To keep it in tip-top condition, regular home maintenance is a necessity. This includes the plumbing of your home. Many things can go wrong with the plumbing from leaking toilets to blocked drains. Or sometimes all you need is to install a new washing machine or appliance.
A plumber is best equipped to solve or help you with all your domestic plumbing. When looking for a plumber Melbourne has plenty available. Here’s when to call one in to assist.
Signs of Water Damage to the Home
While some signs of water damage are obvious, there are others you may not be aware of until it’s too late. Here are some signs you should look out for in your own home:
- Water heaters: As these are normally kept out of sight, you tend to forget about them. It’s a good idea to do regular inspections so you’re immediately aware if there is a problem. Small leaks can lead to major damage, and even flooding in extreme cases.
- Bathtubs, showers and sinks: Cracks in tiles and deteriorating sealant can cause unwanted water going where it shouldn’t go. If this goes on for too long, your bathtub, shower or sink could be damaged behind the tile. If you notice grouting or sealant cracking in these areas, inspect for water damage.
- Ceilings: Over time, a slow leak through your roof will create large puddles of water accumulating above your ceiling. Eventually, your ceiling will rot and if not caught in time, collapse. Flooding of your house will lead to expensive—and completely avoidable—repairs.
- Appliances: Dishwashers and washing machines can cause major damage to your kitchen if not checked regularly. The pipes don’t last forever and leaks can start or a blocked pipe could cause the dishwasher to overflow. Correct installation and repairs of appliances is important to prevent water damage.
- Pipes: Monitoring your water usage will alert you to any possible leaks in your pipes. A plumber will do a water leak detection to find the leak if you’re not able to find the source of the problem.
- Dripping toilet: A lot of water is wasted when your toilet is not flushing properly. If there is a constant drip of water into your toilet bowl, this is the time to call a plumber.
- Faulty taps: Taps are another area where extensive water damage to the home can take place if they are not repaired properly. It’s a good idea to have your taps cleaned and serviced on a regular basis keeping them in perfect working order.
Is a Plumber Necessary?
While some plumbing jobs can be a DIY, it’s best recommended you call a plumber to get the job done properly the first-time round. In many countries, plumbing repairs and installation are closely regulated to keep water and gas services safe.
A plumber’s job doesn’t consist of only repairing a broken tap or appliance. They plan, install, maintain and repair everything in your home that is water and gas linked. The piping that goes on behind an air conditioner, water heater or toilet is complicated and includes valves & other fittings.
The plumbing system of your home has been designed to ensure safety, efficiency and ease of use. If you fiddle with this system, you could end up with a plumbing disaster bigger than the original problem!
Emergency Call or Not?
Some plumbing jobs need to be sorted out immediately or you could face major damage to your home. So, when do you need to place an emergency call to your plumber?
- Any leaks or malfunctioning of your water heater constitutes for an emergency. Before your plumber arrives, cut off the water supply to the water heater.
- An unpleasant smell from your sewage back-up is a hazardous job and requires your emergency plumber to fix it.
- Clogged drains can persist for a long time until one day your water can’t drain away. It can also be the reason for a sewage back-up problem. To prevent the problem from turning into a disaster, call your plumber immediately.
- An overflowing toilet is not only unpleasant but will lead to flooding of your bathroom and even the room next door. Shut off the water supply to the toilet and call your plumber to resolve the problem.
- Pipes leaking or bursting all require the attention of a plumber immediately before any further damage is done to your home. Frozen pipes are another concern and thawing them should not be attempted by yourself because they could burst.
For many people, plumbing is dirty work. So why do it yourself?
A plumber is trained to do the job efficiently, effectively and professionally. From maintenance to repairs, experienced plumbers are equipped to solve all your plumbing hassles or needs in the home. In the end, you will be saving time and money & protecting your valuable asset by calling in a plumber when your home plumbing goes awry. And you don’t have to get your hands dirty at all!