Plumbing repairs are among the most common problems in the home. Many people think they can fix some of them on their own. Others know that hiring a professional plumber is the best course of action to eliminate a problem once and for all. When should you call a plumber and when should you try to fix the problem yourself. These are questions that many people ask. If you choose the wrong answer, it will cost you plenty. Here are some cases where those questions may come up.
Clogged Drains: Easy Fix, or Qualified Plumber?
A clogged drain is a plumbing repair that you may be able to do yourself. It would depend on the severity of the clog, the tools in you toolbox, and the condition of the fixtures. If your kitchen or bathroom sink is clogged, you may be able to fix the clog without calling a plumber. If you try plunging your sink and it doesn’t work, you should probably give us a call at A+ Plumbing and Heating. You don’t want to accidentally do damage to your main waste pipe or end up with a stripped or leaky trap. For showers and toilets you should probably call us if plunging doesn’t work. They are trickier and more expensive to repair if you accidentally damage them trying to do the repair yourself.
Sump Pumps: Probably a Plumber’s Job
Sump pumps are usually installed in basements to eliminate the risk of water flooding into the basement. Washing machines will occasionally drain into a sump pump. Without proper training in this kind of home improvement, you will undoubtedly need a qualified plumber to install a sump pump or make a sump pump repair. Sump pumps require a hole to be drilled into your basement floor and a drainage line to be put in. Sump pumps are a major project that is usually above the average homeowner’s ability to handle.
Gas Lines: Always Call a Plumber
Work on gas lines are a major job and can be very dangerous without proper training. If your gas line needs a plumbing repair, call a professional plumber immediately. A licensed plumber will fix the problem and will pressure-test the line to ensure that there are no invisible leaks.
Prevention: the Cheapest Plumber
Avoid plumbing repairs altogether by taking good care of your plumbing. Most plumbing emergencies are caused by backups. Avoid having items such as grease or hair go into your drains. Putting vinegar, followed by boiling hot water down the drain, can help cut through grease clogs. Use a mesh catch in all of your drains to catch hair. This will help to prevent it from going down the drains.
For plumbing services in New Haven or Fairfield Counties in Connecticut, call A+ Plumbing and Heating (203)937-0562, or log onto http://aplusplumbingandheatingct.com.