What does your home repair list include? Do you feel defeated before you even start?
Many people feel overwhelmed when it comes to home repair and remodeling. Most do not have much wiggle room in the budget for frivolous projects. We wait until something like the plumbing breaks and we have no choice but to call a plumber.
If you broke the list down to one item at a time and save a little money at a time, you could make a small change. If you had followed this path since you moved in your house, where would you be today?
Life has many struggles and setbacks. Look for the spark of life and put it in your house. When the hall becomes a river, scream if you need to and call the plumber, but then look for that spark.
Hopefully it isn’t an electrical short.
How Do You Know When to Call a Plumber?
Homeowners usually try to delay or fix problems by themselves around the house if possible. Yet, there are times when there’s no choice. Here are 8 situations when you need to call the plumber for answers.
1. Clogged Sink
You’ve tried putting Drano down the sink and even tried a plunger. Nothing is fixing the clog. Time to call the plumber.
A common reason for a clogged sink can be a build up of beauty products down the drain. Drano may work on organic products like hair clogs, but it will not work on things like plastic, rubber, or other dense items.
2. Flooding
Flooding can be an emergency.
Everyone should know how to find the water shut-off valve. If you have flooding from pipes, the first step is to turn off the water to your house. Next, call the plumber and then begin moving furniture and other items out of the way.
Flooding often results from a broken pipe. Yet, don’t rule out a backed-up toilet, sink, or a leak in the water heater.
This can quickly damage carpet, wood floors and furniture. Also be cautious if you have a small child as they can drown in one inch of water.
3. Loss of Hot Water
While you are shivering in the shower, take heart. Hot water problems often do not need a new water heater. Many times, this only needs a simple repair.
4. Toilet installation
Installing a toilet can be more difficult than expected if you are not skilled in this task. It may be best to call a plumber for this job. They can also install faucets and pipes for repairs or remodeling.
5. Leaking Faucet
Leaking faucets can indeed cost homeowners extra money for utility bills. The plumber can quickly find the source of the problem and fix it.
Repairing the leaky faucet decreases destruction of wood under the sink, flooring, and constant pools of water on the counter. If the repair does not last, you may need to replace the faucet.
6. Routine Inspection of the Water Heater
To prevent water and natural gas leaks, have a plumber inspect and drain your water heater. The plumber may find problems with the thermostat, intake pipes, or the holding tank.
Routine water heater inspection is better than having to call on a weekend night because you have a flood. The plumber can also tell you when your water heater needs replacing.
7. Install a Kitchen Garbage Disposal
Kitchen garbage disposals provide a wonderful daily convenience. A plumber can remove the water pipes from under your sink and install a garbage disposal.
No longer will you have to worry about a clogged sink from scraps that go down the drain. You can decrease smelly garbage and bugs in your kitchen.
8. Cleaning of Your Exterior Sewer Line
If debris freezes inside a sewer line in can expand and cause cracks. This occurs more often with old clay pipes.
Next, plant roots seek water which is abundant in the sewer line. This causes a proliferation of roots and plants growing inside the pipe. Obviously, this creates a significant clog.
The plumber can use various tools to clean out the inside of the pipe. If necessary, they can also replace the sewer line.
Make Sure You are Hiring a Certified Plumber
Always ask questions before hiring someone to work on your house. Here are some suggestions:
- Are you a licensed plumber?
- Are you bonded and insured?
- Request a written cost estimate in advance
- Is your quote based on a flat rate?
- Will you clean-up after you finish and is there and extra charge?
- What type of payment do you accept?
- Who will be doing the work?
- Do you guarantee your work in writing?
- Can you provide references that I can call?
Each state defines plumbing licensure differently. All states do require training in mechanics, mathematics, and problem solving. Checking references can help you feel more comfortable about the plumber you hire.
Is it Time to Make the Household Repairs?
Are you ready to stop making do around the house? When you are busy, it may feel easier to ignore the things you don’t like or that are broken. It costs too much to worry about.
You may be costing yourself more money. Leaking faucets, for example can increase your utility bills. Making time in your schedule to call a plumber can decrease household expenses over time.
Many of us wait until we are selling the house to fix up doors, windows, carpet, and paint. Why wait and spend that money so that someone else can enjoy your home? Work on projects a little at a time and make it the home that you want now.
Our site provides do-it-yourself projects, interior design tips and inspirations, and home advice. You will also find ideas to enhance your garden and patio life. What do your dreams hold for your home?
Explore our site now to find new ideas and start making plans. Start small and save up a little at a time. What will you house look like in one year?