My Students’ Blog

Before Calling a Plumber: Quick Fixes and Questions To Ask

By Ricardo C.

Before calling in a plumber, there are many things you should check.  It could be some simple fixes, and that could save you lots of money. Plumbers cost a lot of money, in this blog, I’m going to go deep into these skills that can save you money, and time, and I will give you some good questions to ask the plumber, if you do need them to pull through.You will also learn how to pick the best plumber for your problem or problems. I have done my research to find out these problems and how to solve them. While most sources don’t include what fixes are quick and easy to do, these will tell you which ones to avoid and simple ones you can do on your own. 

One of the first things people should do before calling a plumber is inspect the area that has the problem. Checking whether the issue affects one fixture or the entire plumbing system can help find out what is causing the problem. Like, if the sink is clogged, it might be limited to just the drain. If it’s multiple drains that are clogged, it would most likely be a larger problem. People should check whether the water shut-off valve is open and check if the water heater is working correctly before calling and thinking you need a plumber. Checking will save you lots of money, and understanding what is wrong helps you work with your plumber, if you do call them for help. Later, I will get into what to ask them so you don’t pay too much and save money.

Checking will save you lots of money, and understanding what is wrong helps you work with your plumber, if you do call them for help.

Many common plumbing problems can be fixed without hiring a plumber. Kuhn Plumbing explains that clogged drains, dripping faucets and running toilets are the most common house plumbing issues. A clogged sink can often be repaired with a plunger or a drain snake, instead of things like harsh chemical cleaners that can damage pipes. A dripping faucet may require replacing a worn washer or cartridge. Learning these easy plumbing fixes can help people save money, and also they will become familiar with and confident in handling minor plumbing fixes. Not calling in a plumber for small repairs helps a lot, especially during these times. Lots of things cost a lot, and being able to save on things like that will help out, but also having the skills to do a repair will help you go a long way when it comes to owning a home, maintaining it, and fixing problems.

Some repairs can be simple and easy to do, but some can be dangerous plumbing issues that should never be ignored. Frasier Plumbing warns that burst pipes, sewage backups, gas line leaks, and water heater malfunctions can be really dangerous, unless you are a plumber. The water damage from leaking plumbing could lead to mold and damage within a home. Also sewage backups can expose people to dangerous bacteria, while with gas leaks they can create fire. With that also comes health risks. In these situations, you should immediately shut off the water or gas supply and call a professional plumber. Make sure your family or any other people, even just yourself, are a main priority, if it costs a lot, it’s better to keep you safe than paying the price, then getting sick, or even dying.

Before a plumber gets to work, it is important to ask these important questions. Petro Home Services recommends asking whether the plumber is licensed, if they are insured, how much experience they have, and also whether they provide written estimates. Asking about warranties or guarantees on labor is important because later on, if the fixed part can fail, you could possibly get your money back. People should also ask if the plumber charges hourly rates or flat fees, so there are no extra costs after the job is done. Inspect the job after to see if anything bad happened or if the repair is failing or breaking. 

Furthermore, people should always inspect plumbing issues carefully before calling in a professional plumber. Simple fixes like unclogging drains or repairing leaking faucets may solve the problem without any professional help, and, most importantly, help you save money. Make sure dangerous plumbing problems are handled immediately by a professional. Asking questions about licensing, prices, and guarantees can help homeowners choose a trustworthy plumber, and hopefully these plumbers avoid big money mistakes. By learning about basic plumbing maintenance, and also understanding when help is needed, you can protect yourself and your home while being able to save money.