Plumbing Problems are a Question of When – Not If

Plumbing problems are an eventual and guaranteed situation as long as human beings need water piped into our homes and businesses. We all take for granted the wonderful and simplistic technology that delivers water into our homes daily, and luckily, most repairs are small, simple and inexpensive. However, sometimes a larger replacement or repair is required. And in many cases, it makes sense to consult a professional to affect the quickest and most efficient repair. In any case, big or small, your plumbing problems can be dealt with efficiently and speedily if you know the right people to contact.

The physical nature of the typical plumbing application virtually guarantees problems will arise. Because of the massive amount of pressure involved, and the need for joints and unions, leaks will occur. A pipe may be made of the strongest material available, but eventually there is a need for connecting multiple pipes, or changing the angle of those pipes. That is when the above-mentioned joints and unions are employed, and is generally where leaks develop. And even though the standard faucet is the most basic of water delivering devices, it has moving parts which will need to be replaced or repaired over time. Even the incredibly durable plastic is not impervious to damage by outside sources such as gnawing rats and mice, and therefore their benefits over traditional copper pipes is offset by those negatives.

Generally, the most common plumbing problems involve simple leaks. This is really no mystery when you realize the sheer quantity of pressurized water that moves through your pipes on a daily basis, and it truly is a testament to our current plumbing technology that more leaks don’t develop. It only takes one part in the complex system of piping infrastructure to go bad, and problems arise. And if the leak is minimal, or hidden by a wall, the need for repair is often not noticed until extensive damage has been done, or until the leakage extends to your living space.

As hinted at above, the next most common plumbing problems involve non-plumbing materials. Water damaged drywall, wood and carpet can be the result of a simple leak or hungry rodents. But when you have actual physical damage to property, fortunately it is usually instantly noticeable. You may even notice the appliances connected to a faulty pipe performing erratically. This makes it easy to locate the problem, and a replacement of materials, parts or appliances is almost always necessary and preferred, even when a simple patch may do the job.

A talented Do-It-Yourselfer can handle many of these smaller problems with the right tools and supplies, but should always check local building code regulations and comply accordingly. Obviously, the simple replacement of the washer on a leaky faucet is something you would not contact a professional for. But check the overall unit first, and all pipes and other plumbing supplies involved, as it may make more financial sense to replace the entire faucet rather than simply having to repair it again down the road.

In almost all cases, and whenever you’re unsure, your plumbing problems should be handled by a licensed professional. An accurate diagnosis is available quickly, any work done is insured so you are protected, and a professional can tell if the problem is more extensive than you first thought. As is often the case in home repair, spending more money up front usually pays off handsomely in the long run. A professional can also suggest whether or not replacement or repair is the best answer.

And while the majority of issues that arise will only affect a single home or apartment, multiple dwellings are sometimes hit by plumbing problems that arise from a single issue. For instance, the main water supply line to an entire housing complex or apartment building can burst. Obviously, interrupting the regular supply of water is going to be required. It would certainly be nice to give advance warning to residents in every situation, but in emergencies this is simply not possible. Having access to a contact list from multiple plumbing contractors in advance of any problems is a great way to keep frustration, stress and hard feelings at a minimum.

And in most cases, you’ll need to match the appropriate plumber to your unique situation. Because plumbing companies differ in the services they offer, as well as size and specialty, researching your emergency plumbing options now is an excellent way to minimize cost and speed up the solution in the future. It will also make you a hero to all those involved, and this is no small side benefit. Almost everyone has a cell phone these days, and some smartphones can even store the actual website of a plumbing company as well as just their phone number. Of course, you can use the instant information power of the Internet to find the most suitable plumbing service provider for your particular dilemma, and having all that research done before plumbing problems arise just makes sense on several levels.