Blog

Every system in your home, including the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, is essential to your daily life and makes your life more convenient. If anything goes wrong with one of the systems in your home, life in your home can become challenging or come to a complete standstill.

Your plumbing system comprises three parts, the water delivery system, the drainage system, and the fixtures. If any part of the system stops functioning correctly, it should be fixed immediately. Many people will attempt a DIY plumbing repair to avoid the cost of hiring a professional, but this isn’t a good idea. Licensed plumbers undergo years of professional training and apprenticeship to learn to diagnose and repair plumbing problems. If you don’t have the necessary training, you could do more harm than good. Also, many plumbing issues could be due to more than one issue, and accurate diagnosis is essential.

If your plumbing system experiences any of the following issues, hiring a licensed plumber in Arlington, TX, is best.

#1 Drain Issues

The water should flow quickly down the drain when the water runs. If there’s an issue with the drainage system, the water won’t flow freely down the drain, and you’ll need to hire a plumber. There are a few potential drain issues, and each should be repaired quickly.

• Slow drains: If the water drains slowly, there’s like a small clog in the drain that could escalate to a significant clog, preventing the water from draining.
  You may be tempted to use a liquid drain cleaner to resolve the issue, but these products contain harsh chemicals that can damage the pipes, resulting in a more expensive plumbing bill. Also, there’s no guarantee the product will remove the entire clog. If the drain cleaner breaks it enough to allow the water to drain, the remaining debris in the drain will result in another clog.
  A licensed plumber has the skill and tools necessary to remove the entire clog. They can also use a drain camera to ensure no debris is left in the pipe.
• Clogged drain: A complete clog will prevent any water from draining, resulting in standing water, and you won’t be able to use the sink or tub until the clog is removed; therefore, emergency plumbing service is necessary. When the clog is removed, you should consider having the drains cleaned yearly to prevent this problem from happening again.
• Gurgling drains: Does a drain in your house make a gurgling sound when the water drains? If so, it indicates a significant clog that can escalate and clog the drain completely if left ignored.
  The water will need to change directions to get past the clog, creating an air pocket that causes the gurgling sound.
  A licensed plumber can remove the entire clog, quieting the drain and preventing the need for another service call.
• Multiple drain clogs: When the drains in more than one fixture in your home clog, it isn’t a coincidence and often indicates a clog in the sewer line. This issue shouldn’t be ignored, and hiring an emergency plumber is best.
  If you allow the problem to continue for too long, the water and sewage won’t have anywhere to go, causing it to back up into your house, resulting in a nasty, smelly flood. A licensed professional can clear the sewer line, allowing the water to flow freely down every drain, and eliminating the risk of a backup.

Drain issues are inconvenient, and clogs can damage the pipes over time, and the only way to prevent this is to hire a plumber as soon as the problem starts.

#2 Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing leaks aren’t uncommon and are one of the most common calls a plumber receives. Over time, rust and decay can erode the pipes, causing them to leak. A leak can also occur if a joint is loose or disconnected or if a seal fails.

Some leaks are easy to notice, like a leak in the pipe under the sink, as it will cause pooling of water under the kitchen sink or bathroom vanity. A leaking pipe behind the wall can also be easy to notice because you’ll see water spots on the wall around the leaking pipe. A leaking pipe under the house can be more challenging to detect, and there are signs you should look for, including:

• Puddles in the yard, even though it hasn’t rained.
• A warm basement floor
• Moisture on the walls or floor
• Reduced water pressure

In cases like this, a plumber can use leak detection equipment to determine if there’s a leak and its location so that it can be repaired as soon as possible.

You’ll need to schedule an appointment for emergency plumbing service to fix a leak because water damage will occur the longer the pipe leaks. Also, the leak can result in mold growth, which can harm your family’s health and be expensive and challenging to eradicate. If you suspect there’s a leaking pipe somewhere in your house, it’s best to hire a plumber in Arlington, TX, immediately.

#3 Water Heater Issues

Your water heater is one of the most essential appliances in your house. The water coming in is cold, filling the unit, where it’s heated and stored, so you always have hot water when you need it, and we all need hot water daily. Also, your hot water-based appliances rely on the water heater to function at peak performance.

Water heater issues are inconvenient and can prevent you from performing daily household activities. If your water heater experiences any of the following problems, it’s best to hire a plumber in Arlington, TX, immediately.

• No hot water: This can be due to a faulty heating element, or the unit could be nearing the end of its lifespan.
• The water doesn’t get hotter than lukewarm; This problem could be due to a faulty thermostat or the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan and can no longer heat the water to the desired temperature.
• Strange sounds: When large pieces of sediment form in the tank, it will bang against the inside of the tank, causing a clunking or popping sound.
• Poor hot water pressure: This problem occurs when sediment from the tank clogs the waterline, decreasing the water pressure.
• Discolored hot water: Brown or rust-colored water is due to contamination caused by sediment in the tank or a breakdown of the inside of the tank.
• Pooling water: This occurs when there’s a crack in the tank, causing the contents to flood your home.

A DIY repair isn’t recommended if your water heater is acting up. Water heaters are complex, and a simple mistake can cause further damage with a more expensive repair bill. Also, a DIY repair will void the unit’s warranty, so it’s best to hire a plumber to diagnose and repair the unit.

#4 Poor Water Pressure

Poor hot water pressure can be inconvenient because it will take longer to perform daily activities, such as doing the dishes or washing your hair. Your water-based appliances also rely on adequate water pressure to function correctly. If the water pressure is suddenly poor, you’ll need to hire a licensed plumber in Arlington, TX.

If there’s only a problem with the hot water pressure, the issue is with the water heater. Large amounts of sediment accumulate in the tank can clog the waterline, reducing the water pressure. If the sediment cannot be flushed, you’ll need to replace the unit, and if you don’t, it won’t be long before the waterline clogs again.

If the hot and cold water pressure is poor, there’s an issue with the plumbing system. Several issues can result in insufficient water pressure, and you’ll need a licensed professional to find the cause. The possible reasons include:

• Debris buildup in the pipes
• Corroded pipes
• An issue with the water meter valve
• An issue with the water shutoff valve
• A problem with the water main
• A broken pressure regulator
• Plumbing leak

A licensed plumber in Arlington, TX, will inspect the plumbing system to find the cause and make the necessary repairs to restore adequate water flow.

#5 Discolored Water

The water coming from the taps in your house should be clear. If the water is rust-colored or brown, it indicates contamination, and the water will be unsafe for use, so it’s best to hire a professional immediately.

If only the hot water is discolored, the problem lies with the water heater. When large amounts of sediment build up in the tank, it will break apart, contaminating the water. The unit will have to be replaced if the sediment cannot be flushed. If the unit is over ten years old, the inside of the tank could be breaking down, causing tiny metal shards, sediment, and minerals to contaminate the water, and you’ll need to replace the unit.

If the hot and cold water is contaminated, there’s likely an issue with the pipes. As they age, your pipes can rust and corrode, contaminating the water. The problem could also be a broken pipe underground. When the dirt gets into the damaged area of the line, it will contaminate the water.

Since it isn’t safe to use contaminated water, it’s best to hire an emergency plumber in Arlington, TX.

They will inspect the pipes to find the source of the contamination to make the necessary repair, and your water will be safe to use. It’s best to avoid using the water until the problem is resolved, and if you absolutely need it, it’s best to boil the water first.

#6 Frozen Pipes

Winter days in Arlington, TX, are often relatively mild. However, the temperature can drop below freezing during a cold snap. Also, the temperature drops significantly at night, and it isn’t uncommon for the temperature to drop below freezing, putting your plumbing system at risk.

When it’s freezing outside, your pipes are at risk of freezing, which is a very serious problem. The water inside will also freeze when the pipes freeze, causing the pipes to burst and flood your home.

If you try to turn on the water on a freezing day and nothing comes out, it’s best to hire a plumber immediately. A licensed professional will thaw the pipes safely and as quickly as possible to prevent a disaster from occurring. They may also suggest you let the water drip when there’s cold weather in the forecast to prevent the pipes from freezing. The plumber can also wrap the pipes in heated tape to prevent them from freezing when it gets very cold.

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth Today

If there’s an issue with your plumbing system and you need to hire a licensed plumber, look no further than Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth. We’re a full-service plumbing company that has been serving customers in the area for years and have an excellent reputation in the community and the industry.

Our plumbers are professionally trained, skilled, and have the knowledge and experience to handle the most challenging jobs in the industry, and their work is guaranteed.

We understand your time is valuable, and we guarantee our techs will arrive at your house on time. We’ll pay you $5 for every minute until they arrive if they’re late. Also, the tech will be driving a fully-stocked truck, allowing them to make most repairs the same day, which makes your life more convenient because you won’t need to schedule a second service call.

We’re a proud Google Guaranteed Partner with a 5-star rating. We’re also an Accredited Business with the Better Business Bureau and have an A+ rating. You can also find us on Home Advisor, and we’re a Top Rated and Elite Service on the platform, with over 100 reviews.

To schedule an appointment for plumbing service, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth a call today. 

Photo By Vitstyle at Shutterstock