Plumbing issues are very inconvenient, and some can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. If you ever had to call a plumber to repair a problem in your Granbury, TX home, you know how problematic plumbing issues can be.
The plumbing system in your home consists of three parts, the pipes, and fittings, the plumbing fixtures, including the sinks, bathtubs, water heaters, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers, and the drainage system. When any part of your plumbing system isn’t working correctly, it can affect your daily life, making household tasks challenging or impossible.
There are thousands of DIY home repair videos online these days, and many homeowners are making home repairs DIY projects. While some home repair projects are great for some jobs, a licensed plumbing company should only handle plumbing issues. Your plumbing system is very complex, and it takes professional training and experience to correctly diagnose the problem and repair it successfully. If you make a mistake while trying to fix the problem, you could end up doing more damage to the system or could even cause a flood. In addition, if you have to call a plumber to fix your mistake, the repair bill will be more expensive than if you hired a professional in the first place.
If the plumbing system in your home experiences any of the following problems, it is best to call a licensed plumbing company as soon as you suspect there is an issue.
#1 Leaks
One of the most common calls a plumber receives is for leaking pipes, and there are several ways that leaks can occur.
- Broken Seals: Puddles around your water-based appliances often indicate a broken seal. A rubber sealant is placed around the connections when your appliances are installed to keep everything airtight. Over time, the seal can start to wear out and fail, causing water to leak around the appliance.
- Clogged lines: A clog in the waterline can cause pressure to build up behind the clog, causing the pipe to fail and spring a leak.
- Corrosion: As your plumbing system ages, rust and corrosion can eat away at the pipes, creating an opening for the water to leak.
- Damaged pipe joints: The pipe joints are curved and connect to the straight pipes to direct water throughout your home. Over time, extreme temperatures and water pressure can cause damage, resulting in a leak.
Leaks can cause water damage and mold growth and should never be ignored. Some leaks are easy to detect, such as a leak under the sink. When you open the kitchen sink or bathroom vanity and see standing water, you will know there is a leak. Some leaks, however, are more challenging to detect. If a pipe behind the wall leaks, you won’t see standing water. You may see water spots on the wall or ceiling, but you can be sure that there is standing water behind the wall. Leaks under the house can cause puddles in the yard, warm basement floors, and in extreme cases, can cause damage to your home’s foundation. Some leaks won’t show signs except for a higher than average water bill or reduced water pressure.
If you think you have a leak in your plumbing system, it is best to call a licensed plumber. Plumbing professionals can use leak detection equipment, such as drain cameras and acoustic equipment, to find the leaking pipe so it can be replaced.
The sooner you make the call; the less water damage will occur.
#2 Drain Clogs
Drain clogs are another typical plumbing call because clogs are very common. When soap scum, hair, food, and grease create a small clog, the water will drain slowly, making certain tasks frustrating. For example, when you shower, the tub will fill with water. By the time you finish, you will be standing in several inches of water that can take a while to drain. In addition, when you brush your teeth or wash the dishes, the sink will fill when the water drains slowly,
A significant clog in the drain can prevent the water from draining. When this happens, you can’t use the sink or tub until the clog is removed.
Using a liquid drain cleaner can be tempting because it is cheaper than hiring a plumber; however, this isn’t the best idea. These products can break up the clog enough to allow the water to drain; however, if the drain cleaner didn’t remove the entire clog, it won’t be long before the water starts draining slowly again or doesn’t drain at all. In addition, these products contain ingredients that can damage the pipes.
A licensed plumbing company can use a drain camera to find the clog to ensure the entire clog has been removed.
#3 Multiple Drain Clogs
If every drain in your home is clogged, it’s doubtful that every drain in your Granbury, TX home has clogged simultaneously. The most common reasons for multiple drain clogs are a clogged main drainage line or sewer line, and you should call a plumber.
A licensed professional can perform a drain cleaning service to remove clogs in every drain, including the sewer line and the main drainage line.
The sooner you call a plumber, the sooner the water will flow freely down every drain in your house.
#4 Water Heater Problems
The water heater in your Granbury, TX home runs 24 hours a day. It heats the water coming into your home then stores the hot water until you need it. You need hot water to provide daily household tasks all day; therefore, your water heater is one of the most essential appliances in your home.
Like any appliance, your water heater can develop issues that should be fixed right away. Potential water heater issues can affect your ability to use hot water and can cause damage to your home; therefore, if your water heater experiences any of the following problems, you should call a plumber right away.
- No hot water: This issue can occur if the heating element fails or the water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan and can no longer function efficiently.
- Lukewarm water: If the thermostat is faulty, the water won’t reach the desired temperature. The same is true if the heating element begins to fail or the unit isn’t functioning efficiently.
- Reduced water pressure: When sediment and gunk build up at the bottom of the water tank, it can clog the waterline, causing reduced water pressure.
- Discolored hot water: When sediment builds up in the tank, it can break apart, contaminating the water, and it will have a brown tint. If your unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, the inside of the tank can begin to break down, contaminating the water.
- The hot water smells like rotten eggs: This issue occurs when sulfate bacteria forms in the water tank, often due to warm water sitting in the tank for too long.
- Strange sounds: A banging sound indicates large pieces of sediment in the tank, banging against the side. A popping sound is caused when water is trapped beneath the sediment and begins to boil.
- Moisture or leaks: Moisture around the unit indicates a broken or disconnected hose. Pooling water around the unit signifies a leak.
There can be a few different causes for one problem, and you will need a plumber to diagnose the issue and come up with a plan to resolve the problem. In addition, your water heater is complex; therefore, a DIY repair isn’t recommended. A licensed plumbing company can diagnose the issue and determine if the unit can be repaired or if a water heater replacement is the best option.
#5 Reduced Water Pressure
Reduced water pressure is a significant inconvenience because, without adequate water pressure, some daily tasks will take longer than necessary. Also, your water-based appliances need sufficient water pressure to function at peak performance. As mentioned above, your water heater can be blamed for reduced hot water pressure. However, if the hot and cold water pressure is low, the issue is with your plumbing system. A few problems can lower the water pressure in your Granbury, TX home, including:
- An issue with the main shutoff valve
- The water meter valve won’t open all the way.
- The pressure regulator is failing.
- There is a significant clog in the waterline.
- The pipes are corroded.
- There is a significant leak in the pipes.
- You have faulty fixtures.
Because so many issues can reduce the water pressure in your home, you should hire a plumber. The plumber can inspect your plumbing system to figure out what is reducing the water pressure, so they can fix the problem, restoring your water pressure.
#6 Discolored Water
Discolored hot water is due to a problem with the water heater. If the hot and cold water in your home has a brownish tint, the issue is with the pipes.
As the pipes age, they can start to rust and corrode, contaminating the water. This is considered a plumbing emergency because contaminated water isn’t safe for use; therefore, you should call a plumber right away. The aging pipes will need to be replaced, and a plumbing professional can find the affected pipes.
It is best to avoid using the water until the problem has been resolved. If you absolutely must use the water, you should boil it first.
#7 Sump Pump Failure
A sump pump is a submersible device installed in a pit at the lowest point in the house. It stays in standby mode most of the time, but when it rains heavily and the ground around the house becomes oversaturated, it will be activated to prevent the basement from flooding.
If you have a sump pump in your Granbury, TX home, it can develop problems that will prevent it from working when you need it.
- The sump pump is overworked and can’t keep up.
- There is no water in the sump pit.
- There is a clog in the pump
- The discharge lines are frozen or clogged.
- The unit has no power.
- The sump pump runs non-stop, even if it hasn’t rained.
Your sump pump is essential when it rains; therefore, if you suspect there is a problem, you should call a plumbing company right away. The plumber can inspect the unit to determine the cause to repair it immediately, and you will be prepared for the next heavy rainstorm.
#8 Burst Water Pipes
Burst water pipes are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. If a pipe bursts in your Granbury, TX home, it will flood your home quickly, causing severe water damage and mold growth. If a pipe bursts and you can find the main water turn-off switch, you should turn off the water and call an emergency plumber.
A few problems can cause the pipes to burst, including;
- Frozen pipes
- Corrosion
- Soil shifting
- High water pressure
- Clogs
Because burst pipes can cause severe water damage, you should call a plumbing professional immediately, regardless of the time of day the pipes burst.
Why Choose Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth?
If you need to hire a plumber and want to work with the best in the business, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth. We are a family-owned and operated plumbing company, serving customers in the area for years.
Our plumbers are professionally trained, licensed, insured, and can handle any plumbing problem you have, regardless of how complex.
If you schedule an appointment with one of our plumbers, you can be sure they will arrive on time. If the plumber is late, we will pay you $5 for every minute until they arrive. We understand your time is valuable, which is why we put this policy in place. When our plumber comes to your Granbury, TX home, they will be driving a fully-stocked truck, allowing them to make most plumbing repairs the same day.
We have earned an excellent reputation in the community over the years and have a 5-star rating on Google. We have also been recognized by Home Advisor, who named us an Elite and Top-Rated Service, and we have over 100 reviews on their website.
To schedule an appointment for plumbing service, give us a call or book online.