6 Issues That Require A Call To A Plumber | Universal City, TX
Have you ever thought about how often your plumbing system is in use? If you have, you know that part of the system is always in use. For example, your plumbing system is in use when someone runs the water, flushes the toilet, and uses a water-based appliance. The same is true when the water heater runs to heat the water supply.
You rely significantly on your plumbing system; therefore, every part of the system must always function correctly.
Plumbing issues are a hassle and often arise at the most inconvenient times. Some people will attempt a DIY plumbing repair to resolve the problem immediately and avoid paying a plumber, but this is a bad idea. It takes a great deal of knowledge and skill to diagnose a problem and make the necessary repair correctly. If you aren’t trained in plumbing repair, you could do further damage, requiring help from a professional, and it will cost more than if you had left the repair to a professional.
If your plumbing system experiences any of the following issues, it’s best to hire a licensed plumber in Universal City, TX.
#1 Main Waterline Leak
Water main leaks are very serious, and you’re only responsible for the delivery line. If the public delivery line leaks, it’s the city or town’s responsibility to repair it. If the delivery line is broken, you’ll waste a significant amount of water, and if the problem isn’t fixed quickly, it can result in a break, which is something no homeowner wants to deal with.
There are a few signs of a main water line leak to watch for, including:
- Poor water pressure
- Frequent drain clogs
- Hissing or bubbling sounds in the pipes
- Puddles in or near your home
- Foundation cracks
- Foul odors
- Discolored water
If you’ve noticed signs of a main water line leak, it’s best to hire a licensed professional. As mentioned earlier, the leak can escalate to a break, so it’s best to make the call immediately. The tech will inspect the main waterline to find the leak and make the necessary repair before a disaster occurs.
#2 Leaky Pipe
The pipes in your home can leak the same way a main waterline can, and a plumbing leak is serious. The water leaking from the line can cause significant water damage and mold growth if not addressed quickly. Also, a leak will waste a considerable amount of water and reduce the water pressure. Finally, a plumbing leak can result in water contamination, depending on where the leak is located.
Plumbing leaks often occur when the pipes age and become rusty and corroded. The same is true if there’s a loose or broken joint or the joint seal has worn out and failed.
Some plumbing leaks are simple to detect, such as a leak underneath a sink, as you’ll see standing water under the bathroom vanity or the kitchen sink. If a pipe behind a wall leaks, you’ll see water spots on the wall around the affected line. A leak under the house can be more challenging to detect, and there are signs you should look out for.
- A warm basement floor (If you don’t have a basement, the main floor area where the pipe leaks will feel warm.)
- Puddles in the yard
- Mold and mildew on walls other than in the shower
- Musty smell
- Expensive water bills
- Poor water pressure
In severe cases, the walls, flooring, or ceiling can start to sag, and foundation damage can occur.
Plumbing leaks can be damaging and expensive; therefore, hiring a plumber in Universal City, TX, immediately is best. A plumber can find the source of the leak, and if they have trouble, leak detection equipment can help locate the affected pipe so that the repair can be made. The best way to prevent further problems with an expensive price tag, you shouldn’t wait to call a plumber.
#3 Drain Issues
When you turn on the water, it should flow freely down the drain. If there’s an issue with the drainage system, the water won’t drain properly, and you should hire a professional. If your drainage system experiences any of the following problems, it’s best to hire a plumber in Universal City, TX, immediately.
- Slow drains: If the water drains slowly, it indicates a small clog in the drain. This can be a hassle when you do anything that requires the water to run because there’s a chance the water will overflow when the water drains slowly.
Removing the clog with a drain cleaner may seem like a good idea, but it isn’t the best option. These products are designed to break up clogs and contain harsh chemicals that can damage the pipes. Also, you can’t be sure the product removed the entire clog, and if any part of the clog remains, it won’t be long before the water starts draining slowly again.
A licensed plumber can remove the clog safely without damaging the pipes and will ensure the entire clog and any debris in the lines have been removed. - Clogged drains: A significant clog can prevent the water from draining, resulting in standing water so that a liquid drain cleaner will be ineffective. You won’t be able to use the sink or tub if the water doesn’t drain, and the standing water can promote bacteria growth, so it’s best to hire a plumber immediately.
The tech will use one of a few methods to clear the clog safely, allowing the water to flow freely down the drain. They can also use a drain camera to ensure the entire clog and any debris in the pipes have been removed. - Noisy drains: A gurgling sound when the water drains indicate a significant clog, even though the water continues to drain. When a considerable clog forms, the water must change directions to get by the clog, and the direction change creates an air pocket in the pipes, causing the gurgling sound.
A licensed plumber in Universal City, TX, will remove the entire clog, quieting the drains and preventing a complete clog. - Multiple slow or clogged drains: If more than one drain isn’t working correctly, it isn’t a coincidence, and the drains didn’t clog simultaneously. Multiple drain issues indicate a sewer line clog, and you should call a plumber in Universal City, TX. If you ignore the problem or wait too long to make the call, the water and waste will have nowhere to go and will back up into your home, creating a disgusting, stinky mess that could put your family’s health at risk.
A licensed plumber can clear the sewer line, which will help the drains function correctly and eliminate the risk of water and sewage backing up into your house.
Drain issues are a hassle and can quickly escalate, so it’s best to address the problem as soon as possible.
#4 Clogged Toilet
Toilet clogs are relatively common, and most aren’t a cause for concern. When someone flushes too much waste and toilet paper, or they flush something that isn’t designed to be flushed, the toilet will clog. In most cases, plunging the toilet will break up the clog enough that it can be flushed without overflowing. If the plunger isn’t effective, you have a problem. You won’t be able to use the toilet until the clog is removed, and the problem is more serious if you only have one bathroom in your home. The best thing you can do in this situation is to hire a licensed plumber in Universal City, TX.
Clogs that are too large, too solid, or located too far down the drain pipe won’t be affected by the plunger, and a licensed plumber can use a drain auger to break up the clog so the toilet can be flushed. If they can’t reach the clog with the auger, the toilet can be removed to reach the clog safely.
#5 Poor Water Pressure
Adequate water pressure is essential to perform many daily household tasks, such as showering and washing the dishes. Also, your water-based appliances require sufficient water pressure to function at peak performance.
If just the hot water pressure is inadequate, the problem lies with the water heater. When sediment forms in the tank over time, it can clog the waterline, reducing the hot water pressure. A licensed plumber can try to flush the sediment from the tank to prevent future clogs; however, if there’s too much sediment to flush, you’ll need to replace the unit.
The issue is with the plumbing system if the hot and cold water pressure is poor. Many issues can cause the problem, so it’s best to hire a licensed plumber. The possible causes include:
- A significant clog in the pipe
- A significant leak in the pipe
- Corroded pipes
- A failed pressure regulator
- An issue with the main shutoff valve
- A problem with the water meter valve
This isn’t something you can fix yourself because multiple issues could be the cause. Also, the repair can be complex, so it’s best to hire a licensed plumber.
#6 Discolored Water
Brown or rust-colored water indicates contamination, and it won’t be safe to use the water. If just the hot water is discolored, the problem is with the water heater. When sediment builds up in the tank, the hot water can cause it to break apart, contaminating the water. A plumber will try to flush the sediment, but you’ll need to replace the unit if they can’t.
If the unit is over ten years old, the tank’s inside could be breaking down, and tiny metal shards and minerals will contaminate the water. A water heater replacement is necessary.
The issue is with the plumbing system if the hot and cold water is discolored. The most common cause is old pipes. The pipes can rust and corrode over time, contaminating the water. There could also be a cracked or broken pipe underground, which is a serious problem. Dirt can get into the pipes through the damaged area, contaminating the water.
A plumber in Universal City, TX, can inspect the plumbing system to find the affected pipe and make the necessary repair. It’s best not to use the water until the problem is resolved, and if you must use it, boil it first to ensure it’s safe.
Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio Today
If you have a plumbing issue and need to hire a plumber, look no further than bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio. We’re a full-service plumbing company and are members of the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association.
All of our plumbing techs are professionally trained, licensed, and have the knowledge and skill to handle all plumbing problems, regardless of the complexity of the repair, and the work is guaranteed.
We’ve been in the plumbing business long enough to know that plumbing issues arise at the most inconvenient times, so we provide emergency service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you have a problem that must be addressed immediately, or if it begins on a weekend or a holiday, we’ll get a tech to your home as quickly as possible to resolve the problem.
We understand that times are tight for many families today, and we do our best to keep our prices low. We also have money-saving coupons on our website to save money on equipment and services. Also, we don’t charge a trip fee or overtime charges to keep your repair bill down. Also, for a small annual fee, you can join our bfpad Proactive Protection Program. Membership entitles you to priority service, a 15 percent discount on all plumbing services, drain products, and services, and you’ll receive a free plumbing evaluation every year.
We’ve earned an excellent reputation over the years and are a Google Guaranteed Partner with a 5-star rating. You can also find us on Home Advisor, where we’re listed as a Top Rated and Elite Service and have many positive reviews on the platform.
If you need to schedule an appointment for plumbing service, call us at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio.
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