You rely on every appliance and system in your Mansfield, TX home to make your life easier and more convenient. Although every system and appliance is necessary to your daily life, some are more essential than others, such as your plumbing system.

You need running water to perform basic daily household tasks, such as showering, cooking, cleaning, and flushing the toilet. You also rely on your plumbing system to remove waste and water from your home.

Many handy homeowners will attempt DIY plumbing repairs to save on the cost of hiring a plumber. Unfortunately, this isn’t the best idea. You need professional plumbing training and experience to repair a plumbing issue successfully. If you have no professional training, you can make one simple mistake resulting in a flood or further damage, resulting in a more expensive repair bill.

If the plumbing system in your home experiences any of the following issues, it is best to call a licensed plumbing company.

#1 Leaks

A leak in your plumbing system is a serious issue. Not only can a leak cause water damage and mold growth in the area, but it can also waste a significant amount of water, causing your water bills to increase. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average household’s leak can waste close to 10,000 gallons of water per year. Ten percent of homes have leaks that can waste 90+ gallons of water per day.

Leaks can occur in a few ways, including broken pipes, old and corroded pipes, or a significant clog in the waterline.

A leak under the sink is often easy to detect because you will see pooling water when you open the kitchen cabinet or bathroom vanity; however, hidden leaks can be more challenging to detect. If a pipe behind the wall starts leaking, you might see water spots on the walls and ceiling. A leak under the home can be even more challenging to detect because you may not see any water at all. If your basement floor is warm, there could be a leak under the floor. If the leak has gone undetected for some time, your home’s foundation can be damaged, which is a serious problem that can be very expensive to repair. In some cases, the only sign of a leak is a higher than average water bill.

If you suspect there is a leak somewhere in your plumbing system, you should call a licensed plumbing company immediately. Your plumber can use a mechanical turbine or ultrasonic wavelengths to monitor the water flow. This equipment can also observe the water flow pattern and count the number of gallons passing through the sensor. This will help the plumber find the exact location of the leak so that the necessary repair can be made.

#2 Water Heater Issues

The water heater in your home is technically an appliance, but it is also an essential part of your plumbing system. The water coming into your home is cold, and the water heater heats the water and stores the hot water, so it is there when you need it. If your water heater isn’t functioning correctly, it can affect your ability to perform household tasks, contaminate the hot water, and the water heater could even flood your home.

Because a faulty water heater can cause so many issues, you should call a plumbing professional if the unit is experiencing any of the following problems.

  • No hot water
  • The water isn’t getting hot enough
  • You frequently run out of hot water.
  • The hot water is discolored.
  • Poor hot water pressure
  • Strange sounds coming from the unit
  • Moisture or water pooling around the unit

DIY water heater repair is a bad idea and should be avoided. If you make one simple mistake, you could do more damage, resulting in a more expensive plumbing repair bill. In addition, a DIY repair will void the warranty on the unit, and you will need to pay for future repairs yourself.

A licensed plumber can inspect the water heater to determine the cause of the problem and determine if the unit can be repaired or if a water heater replacement is the better option. A faulty water heater can affect your ability to use the hot water or flood your home; therefore, it is best to call an emergency plumber right away.

#3 Leaking Faucet

Many people consider a leaking faucet a minor nuisance; however, it is more serious than you may think, and you should call a licensed plumbing company right away.

A leaking faucet indicates an issue with the mechanics. If you don’t call a plumber right away, the dripping can escalate to steady steam that you can’t turn off. In addition, a leaking faucet can waste a significant amount of water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a faucet that drips one drop per second can waste over 250 gallons of water per month and 3,000 gallons of water per year, causing a significant increase in your water bills.

A few issues can result in a leaky faucet, including:

  • A worn-out gasket or washer