Plumbing 101: What You Should and Shouldn't Fix Yourself
When it comes to plumbing in your Sarasota, Florida, home, certain tasks should always be left to the professionals. Even a small mistake could have massive consequences, as water damage can destroy flooring, drywall, and other building materials very quickly. Use these tips to determine whether your plumbing issue is one you can handle or if you should call a plumber to fix the issue.
Clogged Drain: DIY
You can probably fix a minor clog in a drain, although you shouldn’t let it stay clogged too long. Start by pouring boiling water and vinegar down the drain to see if you can get the clog to move. You can also use a plunger to force the clog to move. If you’re not seeing any results within about an hour or so, contact a plumber to snake the drain and remove the clog.
Leaky Faucet: DIY
A leaky faucet can waste a lot of water, so this is an issue that you should resolve right away. Even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons of water per year and could lead to other issues. Try tightening the gaskets around the faucet to see if you can get the leak to stop. If that doesn’t work, a plumber can figure out if you have any cracks or other damage that are causing the leak.
Broken Pipe: Professional
A broken pipe should always be handled by a plumber. Using the wrong size of pipes or incorrect tools to install pipes could result in leaks, which can flood your home. Gas pipes are also dangerous and should only be handled by skilled professionals.
Damaged Water Heater: Professional
A water heater may give some warning signs when it’s on its last leg, including leaks, unpleasant odors, and a lack of warm water. A sudden onslaught of water from the pressure relief valve can indicate a more major problem that usually requires replacement, which should be taken care of by a plumber.
If you have any of these concerning plumbing issues in your home, call Arctic Air Services, Inc. at (941) 203-7062.
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