How to Know the Difference Between a DIY Issue and a Serious Plumbing Problem

Water damage can wreak havoc on your home and your wallet. That's why it's essential to know which plumbing projects are do-it-yourself endeavors, and which should be left for an experienced plumber. To help you decipher between the two, we've created a helpful list that categorizes plumbing issues you can handle yourself and plumbing issues only a professional should take on.

A Dripping Faucet

After you turn off your faucet does it continue to drip? If the answer is yes, a worn out O-ring is a potential cause. Replacing the O-ring is not difficult and can be considered a DIY project. However, if the faucet continues to leak after you've swapped out the O-ring, faulty plumbing or a loose part is more than likely the issue, which means contacting a plumber is in your best interest.

Clogged Drain

No matter how careful you are, clogged drains are bound to happen, and in most cases they're not hard to fix. Simply using a natural remedy, such as baking soda and vinegar will help clear most minor obstructions. Chemical based drain cleaners you purchase at a store are not a good answer to your clog, and can actually end up eroding your pipes. A stubborn blockage that won't budge with a DIY solution indicates the clog is deep within your pipes or too large for normal efforts. In such a case, calling an experienced plumber is your next step.

Higher than Normal Water Bill

A water bill that suddenly jumps in price signals a leak has taken up residence somewhere in your home. Ignoring the abrupt increase in your bill can have serious consequences, such as, costly water damage to your house. If you believe your home has a hidden leak, hire a plumber to come out and inspect your property as soon as possible.

Water Heater Issues

A malfunctioning water heater can quickly turn into a serious safety hazard. Whether a strange odor is present or the appliance is leaking, attempting to fix the issue yourself is never a good idea. If your water heater is on the fritz, you will need to call a professional plumber to come out and have a look at it.

Burst pipes and a clogged sewer line are also plumbing issues that should be dealt with by a highly trained professional. If your home is experiencing a plumbing malfunction that is beyond your DIY expertise, please contact us today and we'll be happy to help you.

3 Common Toilet Problems You Shouldn't Ignore

If you're like most homeowners, as long as the toilet still works, you ignore its problems. Like in other aspects of life, it is usually a better idea to address issues head-on, before they turn into bigger problems. Below, we will be detailing some common toilet problems and the reasons you need to deal with these issues.

The Toilet Is Noisy

When your toilet makes noise when it's not in use, it's also wasting water and running up your water bill. Most of the time, a noisy toilet is leaking. If you don't see any signs of a leak outside of your toilet, it's probably leaking inside from the tank to the bowl. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a toilet leak can waste as much as 22 gallons of water a day, which may not seem like much. Yet, if you ignore the leak, that toilet will waste over 8,000 gallons of water in a year.

The Toilet Rocks

Simply tightening the bolts is never the solution when your toilet rocks. (Actually, making the bolts too tight can crack the toilet.) Since the toilet's movement can cause damage, it needs to be removed to inspect the area underneath it. Frequently, a rocking toilet wears down the wax seal. The resulting leak can rot the subfloor. A rocking toilet may also have a cracked flange. Your plumber can repair the damage, find out what caused the rocking, and properly reinstall the toilet.

The Toilet Is Really Old

Older toilets waste water. Government regulations require toilets made after 1994 to use 1.6 gallons per flush or less. If your toilet is over 25 years old, it probably uses between 3.5 to 5 gallons per flush. The Environmental Protection Agency says the average household could save 13,000 gallons of water annually by replacing an older toilet with an efficient one that meets the agency's WaterSense standards. 

If any of these common toilet problems are in your home, a professional plumber can resolve these issues quickly. At The Polite Plumber, we have served the area’s plumbing needs since 1948. Give us a call today to learn about how we can provide you with solutions!