Oh, no! Do you have a plumbing problem? How serious is it? Do you need to call a plumber? You might have a hard time answering those questions. And that’s okay: most people are not plumbing experts. But you do want to have enough information about your home to keep it in good condition, and we’d like to help you out with that.
When you know or suspect that something is wrong with your plumbing, it’s important to get it resolved quickly, because water damage can be horrifically costly to repair. But what exactly should you do? We’ll give you an easy plumbing problem troubleshooting checklist. If you’ve got a plumbing concern, check these things first.
For Clogs
Clogs might just be the most common type of plumbing problem there is, so it’s good to be prepared in general. This means having a toilet plunger, but also having a small, clean sink plunger and a plastic drain snake or small hand-cranked metal drain auger. These are the best tools for the job.
Plungers should be held vertically with the bell submerged. Make a seal and thrust vertically. It doesn’t need to be very far, but it should be brisk, and you should try it several times. If this doesn’t dislodge the blockage, a snake or auger can be used to break it up or pull it out. Don’t use chemical drain cleaners! They’re risky to your health and they damage your pipes.
For Lack of Water
A sudden drop in water pressure or complete loss of water might not have anything to do with your plumbing. Check with your neighbors or your municipal water utility to see if there’s a problem with a water main. If it is just you, check where the water line enters your home (almost always on the side facing the street) to see if you have a major leak there.
If there is water gushing into your basement, try using the main shut-off valve on that pipe. Regardless, you will definitely need a plumber, and we would certainly consider this an emergency.
For Leaks
If you have a leak at a fixture, use the shut-off valve at that specific fixture to prevent further waste and water damage. If this fixture isn’t critical—for example, if it’s a bathroom sink but you have another one—wait until regular office hours and schedule an appointment. If it’s critical, such as your only toilet, call for an emergency plumber.
For Overflowing Toilets
This is an unpleasant problem you’d rather never have to deal with! But if it’s happening to you, it’s because the toilet isn’t draining and the water is continuing to flow into it. First, stop that water! Turn the shut-off valve (usually to the back left of the toilet) clockwise. Clean up the water that has hit the floor. Try using a plunger to address the clog. If that doesn’t work, it’s time for a plumber.
We hope this has been helpful, but if you have any further questions about how to fix plumbing problems in Sterling, VA, don’t hesitate to reach out.
AllTech Services, Inc. is your trusted resource for all your plumbing concerns. Contact us today!