Some plumbing issues are relatively minor and can be fixed with the right tools and some concentration. However, there are times when a DIY approach can be dangerous and ineffective. These are situations when you need to call a professional plumbing service, such as 1-800-Plumber +Air of Raleigh.
Sewage Backup
Severely clogged drain pipes can lead to sewage backups. If wastewater doesn't have a way out of your home, it's going to come back up through your toilet or other drains. Not only is this incredibly unpleasant, but it's also very dangerous, due to bacteria exposure. Sewage backup can also happen due to outside causes, such as tree roots getting stuck and clogs and decays with your municipal sewer lines.
If you see or smell sewage re-emerging, don't try to fix it yourself. Call 1-800-Plumber +Air of Raleigh for emergency plumbing services. We'll arrive quickly and determine the best course of action for your drains.
No Water Pressure
There are ways to fix low water pressure yourself, such as replacing your pressure regulator or flushing sediment out of your water heater. But if you're not getting any water from any of your faucets, you need a professional plumbing company. Once you've confirmed you're not getting any water and that you haven't accidentally shut off your water, call 1-800-Plumber +Air of Raleigh.
Low water pressure is also a good reason to call for professional plumbing help. 1-800-Plumber +Air of Raleigh may find that your pipes are severely clogged and/or leaking, causing the pressure to drop significantly. Remember: just because water isn't coming out of your faucets doesn't mean it's not going somewhere else. Check your home for any signs of water damage. If you find any, shut off your water, and call our emergency plumbing services.
Intense Clogs
Some clogs can be solved with a plunger, drain snake, or baking soda and vinegar solution. Others are too big or too far down for anyone but professional plumbing companies to handle. If you can't get rid of the clog after a few rounds of plunging, snaking, or chemicals, call 1-800-Plumber +Air of Raleigh.
Our expert plumbers can use special cameras to peer far down inside your pipes and determine the obstruction. Whatever you do, never use store-bought chemical cleaners to unclog your drains. While these are easy to use and can temporarily get rid of some clogs, they're corrosive and can cause lasting damage to your pipes.
Leaking Water Heater
At least once a week, you need to check your water heater for any signs of leakage or other damage. If present, call 1-800-Plumber +Air of Raleigh right away. A leaking water heater doesn't just affect your ability to shower or wash dishes. It can also be incredibly dangerous.
One danger from leaking water heaters is water damage, which can lead to mold forming and spreading. It's not just water that can leak out of water heaters. Gas can trickle out and cause a fire and explosion. Turn off your water (and if necessary - gas), and call 1-800-Plumber +Air of Raleigh to discuss repair or replacement options for your water heater.
What Plumbing Tools Do I Need?
Some of these plumbing tools are ones you're likely already familiar with and have in your home. Others might be new to you. Don't worry, as 1-800-Plumber +Air of Raleigh will give you the rundown on all of them.
Plunger
Don't just rely on one plunger. You should have at least one for each device (to prevent cross-contamination). For your toilet plungers, be sure to get one with a flange on the end. These can be identified by their bell-like shapes. Plug your clogged sinks/bathtubs and fill them with a couple of inches of water so you can achieve the tightest seal possible. If several rounds of plunging aren't making any difference, call 1-800-Plumber +Air of Raleigh for further assistance.
Drain Snake
Here's one kind of snake you should welcome in your home. Also known as an auger, a drain snake is a long, usually metal device that goes into your drain. As you carefully release it into your drain, it can break up clogs with some serious force. However, you have to be careful.
Improper usage of a drain snake can cause damage to both your drains and to your body. Move slowly to avoid scuffing and injury from their fast recoil. Check to make sure a drain snake is the right size for your drains before you purchase it, and be sure to clean it regularly. Motor oil can also help maintain your snake's longevity.
Pipe Wrench
When you imagine a plumber's wrench, you probably think of a pipe wrench. These have powerful grips that can twist pipes without damaging them. Make sure to only use this on soft pipes and round fittings. You don't want to use these on nuts, for instance, unless it's rounded and no other wrench will work.
Make sure your pipe wrench is properly sized for your pipes. Get a firm grip, and close the jaws on the pipe. Turn the pipe carefully with one hand, and press the release button to remove the wrench. Make sure you keep your pipe's jaws clean to ensure the best grip possible.
Another good type of wrench to have is a basin wrench, which can get into areas that other wrenches can't so easily. Needle-nose pliers can also be very useful for tight spaces.
Plumber's Putty
Plumber's putty is a non-adhesive material for sealing plumbing fixtures. It's similar to caulk, but it can be removed without any issues. Ask any plumber, and they should have putty in their kit.
Take a portion of the plumber's putty out of the tub and mold it to fit over whatever area needs to be sealed. Get rid of your putty if it's dried and won't roll. Avoid using it on plastic or metal threaded pipes.
Plumbing Safety Tips
Plumbing is important work, but it can also be very dangerous. Before you try anything, make sure you're following all of these safety tips:
Protective Gear
You need to protect the inside and outside of your body when working on your plumbing. Wear safety gloves and goggles to protect against wastewater. If you want to feel even safer, use a full-face mask. This can also be very useful if you're using a drain snake and don't want to feel the wrath of the recoil.
A proper respirator is also important for protecting you from dangerous airborne chemicals. If you're working around dust and other irritants, you can keep your lungs safe with a quality respirator. These can also keep you safe against exposure to dangerous sewer gases.
Move Carefully
If you can't do a plumbing job carefully, you shouldn't do it all. Rushing will only result in unsatisfactory work and possibly injury to yourself and others. Focus on one task at a time, and you'll be both safer and more successful.
Keep a clean work area, moving any tripping hazards out of the way, and wear shoes with a tight grip to prevent slippage. If you're transporting anything heavy, be sure to lift with your legs, not your back. Make sure there's at least one other person in the house in case you get hurt.
Stay Within Your Comfort Zone
There are more resources than ever for learning plumbing techniques. However, that doesn't mean just anyone should try to replace a toilet or fix a burst pipe. If you don't feel comfortable trying something, you shouldn't.
It's understandable if you're concerned about costs. While some plumbing companies will charge excessive rates for their services, 1-800-Plumber +Air of Raleigh is different. We charge exclusively based on the job, not by the hour.
Raleigh Plumbing You Can Count On
If you need a professional plumbing service in the Raleigh, NJ area, call 1-800-Plumber +Air of Raleigh. For more than 20 years, 1-800-Plumber +Air has assisted home and business owners across the country with plumbing needs, including emergency plumbing repairs. Contact us today if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
Apart from the services we offer, there's a lot that makes us stand out from the rest of the pack. First, we listen! We strive to give our customers exceptional service, which includes listening to your needs. Our technicians will listen and come up with a practical and lasting solution. We encourage our clients to ask questions whenever they need clarification. We also ensure we explain our proposals thoroughly and keep you informed every step of the way. So give us a call today!
