It is always frustrating to find a plumbing problem in your home that you can’t fix yourself. But what often makes this situation even worse is the thought of having to call and explain the problem to a professional plumber. It almost feels like you are speaking a different language or not smart enough to articulate the issue. And that makes the interaction even more intimidating. But what you might not know is that there are a few critical pieces of information that you can relate to your plumber in very simple terms, that will be very helpful.
Plain Sounds Reveal A Great Deal
While you might not know all the technical terms like flange, trap, riser, and so on, you can explain to your licensed plumber what it sounds like and where the noise is coming from. Imagine how your child would describe the sound and try to be as precise and clear as possible.
- When I turn on the water, it sounds like someone is banging with a sledgehammer inside my walls. This sounds crazy because no one is inside the wall beating on your pipes. But your plumber will use this information to check for water hammer, which sounds exactly like someone banging on your pipes with a hammer.
- When I turn on a faucet, there is a sputtering or hissing sound. Then the water finally begins to flow smoothly and evenly. The sputtering and hissing clues are essential for your plumber to be on the lookout for air in your water pipes. This air could be a sign of a severe leak somewhere in the piping and be far more severe than you first anticipated.
- When I turn on the shower, my water pipes begin to whistle. They didn’t use to make any sound. But now it is constantly happening. A whistling sound in water pipes is a good indication of an obstruction from mineral buildup or an old valve that is no longer opening properly. Both of these need to be repaired before the issue completely blocks the water supply.
- When I run water in my bathroom sink, I hear gurgling or bubbling from the drain. Is that a problem? There should never be any sound coming from your drains. They are larger than the water supply lines and are vented to allow the water to flow away from the sink, tub, or shower very smoothly. A partial blockage causes gurgling sounds in drain pipe. If not addressed quickly, the drain pipe could become completely blocked and begin to flood your home.
Honesty Is The Best Policy
If you are having trouble with a water line or a drain in your home, be honest when answering your plumber’s questions. If you accidentally flushed a piece of plastic or some other foreign object, own up to it. Your plumber is not going to judge you. It happens all the time. But knowing what the problem is will make it easier and faster to repair. And that will save you a lot of money. Besides, even if you don’t answer honestly, your plumber is going to figure it out when a sock gets pulled out of the toilet on the plumbing snake. Accidents happen, and your plumber only wants to correct the issue and know that you are another satisfied customer.
Sooner Is Always Better Than Later
If you notice an odd sound or something that does not seem right when you turn on the faucet, call 806-583-3558 immediately. At Action Air Plumbing and Septic, we always have team members available to take your call, answer your questions, and schedule an appointment. The sooner you call, the faster our licensed plumber can discover and correct whatever the issue might be. And in almost every case, small plumbing and drain problems never remain small. Instead, they continue to grow and become more costly to repair. So make a few mental notes about the odd occurrence, any sounds or smells associated with it, and then give us a call as soon as possible. Our plumbing pros even offer same-day appointments if you are worried about a potential flood or leak, causing damage to your home.
