Plumbing repairs are in that category of home maintenance necessities that nobody seems to truly love. Some of us can handle them if we need to. Others find plumbing so disgusting that they have no choice but to pay a professional.
There is no shame in paying for plumbing repairs. After all, we pay to have the car repaired. We pay for repairs to our computers, our phones, and just about everything else we don’t know how to fix but do not want to replace. So if something with your plumbing breaks and you don’t want to be the DIY hero, go ahead and call a plumber.
Below or five common plumbing repairs compliments of Superior Water & Air. The company provides HVAC and plumbing services throughout Utah and Idaho.
1. Clogged Drains
Though I don’t have exact numbers, I would be willing to bet that clogged drains are the most common repair plumbers are called a handle. They are especially frequent in the kitchen thanks to food, debris, and grease building up in the pipes. Soap scum only adds to the problem.
An especially persistent clog could indicate a significant blockage in the main sewer line. That sort of repair needs to be handled by a professional. If it’s a clog just below the sink drain, a homeowner can handle it himself.
2. Water Heater Problems
Next up are water heater problems. From serious leaks to complete unit replacement, most of us are smart enough to call a professional for this particular plumbing issue. Some minor problems can be handled by homeowners. But if it is anything major, calling a plumber is the smarter option. And in some cities and towns, doing so is mandatory.
For example, a lot of cities require that new water heaters be installed by licensed professionals. They also need to be inspected by the city or county before being turned on. This is one job for which DIY labor just will not do.
3. Leaky Faucets
Plumbers might get called out due to leaky faucets. It’s not surprising, given the fact that modern faucets aren’t as easy to work on as their older counterparts. Two decades ago, a homeowner could repair a leaky faucet just by removing the handle and replacing a rubber washer. It is not so easy today. You almost need a degree to disassemble and repair a modern faucet.
4. Toilet Problems
Right behind leaky faucets are problems with the toilet. Plumbers are called out to handle clogged toilets, toilets that will not refill, and even those that keep running after the fact. The nice thing about toilets is that they are surprisingly uncomplicated. Most homeowners can handle toilet repairs if they are willing to learn.
Even toilet replacement isn’t complicated. It’s a simple matter of disconnecting the water lines, loosening two bolts, and removing the old toilet. You place a new wax seal down before installing the new toilet and hooking everything back up. Still, I can see the appeal of calling a plumber.
5. Garbage Disposal Repairs
Rounding out the list are garbage disposal repairs. This is another job left to the professionals. Standard plumbing is challenging enough, but mixing in electricity only increases the challenge. It’s best to let a licensed plumber deal with a broken garbage disposal.
Remember, there is no shame in paying for plumbing repairs. If you have a leaky faucet, a clogged kitchen sink, or a toilet that simply refuses to stop running, there is a plumber in your area willing to take the job. Why not help feed his family?
