As much as you might believe it’s an emergency when your sink starts leaking, believe it or not, not every plumbing issue requires a professional. A slowly leaking pipe or a clogged drain is annoying, sure—but with a little bit of know-how and a few YouTube tutorials, most homeowners can handle it themselves.
However, there are those other plumbing problems that might seem manageable at first but, over time, can turn into a full-blown household nightmare. That’s when a professional plumber is called for. Even though plumbing may seem simple on the surface, as you dig deeper, you find that it’s quite complicated and can cause serious damage to your home if not handled with the right tools and skills.
Because calling a plumber, unlike doing it yourself, isn’t free, it may be tempting to try and fix it on your own. However, it’s important to know the difference between the occasions that call for a pro and the ones you can handle yourself. Here are three plumbing problems that should most definitely be handled by a professional plumber.
Low Water Pressure
A little bit of low pressure in your shower might seem like a minor inconvenience initially, but it could be a serious red flag for something much more serious. A sudden drop in water pressure can be caused by all sorts of serious issues, from a hidden leak to a major blockage.
Diagnosing the cause properly should be done by a professional before it leads to further damage or costly repairs. If your entire house is experiencing low pressure and it’s not an issue caused by the city’s supply, then it’s time to call in the professionals to help you out.
No Hot Water
If your water heater suddenly stops working, it’s time to call a professional plumber immediately. No hot water can be a sign of a potential leak, corrosion, or worse—gas or electrical problems. Water heaters are extremely dangerous to tinker with if you’re unfamiliar, so it’s definitely a job for someone who has been professionally trained and licensed to do work like that.
Persistent Clogs
Drains can get clogged from time to time—especially if you have multiple members in your family and hair starts to build up. However, sometimes vinegar and baking soda don’t do the trick anymore. If you’re constantly reaching for the plunger, then something deeper might be at play.
A plumber can help you determine whether these clogs are due to something more serious like grease or debris buildup too deep to reach with traditional cleaning supplies—or if there’s a collapsed or broken pipe. Professional plumbers have specialized equipment that can help identify the root issue and fix it before a backup flood occurs.
