As a homeowner, you want your plumbing to work properly all day, every day. Alas, sooner or later you’re bound to run into plumbing issues. Below are five home plumbing situations that we frequently solve at Pronto Plumbing. Check out what you might be able to do yourself, and when it’s time to contact a professional plumber.
Plumbing Problem #1: Slow Drains
Are your drains getting slower and slower? The situation may be caused by a number of factors. Before you call a plumber, check all the drains in your home and see if all of them are draining slowly, or if it’s a problem limited to one or two sinks, tubs or showers. If you discover the problem is limited to one place, you may want to try a drain cleaning product first. This can be a quick solution as long as you follow the directions.
With that being said, drain cleaners aren’t equipped to handle all the reasons that you might be experiencing slow drains. For instance, if there is a major clog, you’ll need the help of a pro. Additionally, if all your drains are slow, the issue may be in the pipes running out of your home, in which case you definitely need a technician’s expertise.
Plumbing Problem #2: Backed-Up Toilets
We want our toilets to work every time we flush, but occasionally toilets will back up, or not empty properly or completely. At the first indication that something is amiss, try using your handy-dandy plunger. Use firm force to dislodge anything that might be clogging the drain, such as toilet paper or a foreign item. If plunging doesn’t do anything, turn off the water supply to the toilet and make a call to your plumber. Never use drain cleaner on a toilet because it isn’t meant for that situation.
Plumbing Problem #3: Leaky Faucets and Pipes
Over time, faucets and pipes may begin to leak due to poor quality of installation, or simply age. In the case of a leaky faucet, you may be able to replace the unit (or a part of the unit) if you have the equipment and the know-how. Be careful, though – you don’t want to make the problem worse. If leaky pipes are your issue, turn off the water supply to those pipes if you can. From that point, you should call a plumber to help you figure out the best course of action, such as to replace the pipes or simply repair the connection of two pipes.
Plumbing Problem #4: Tree Roots in Pipes
Trees have a habit of causing homeowners tremendous frustration! Although they make our lawns look beautiful, their roots naturally extend far beyond the location of the tree trunk in search of water. What better source of flowing water can they find than a pipe? As tree roots start to invade pipes, they not only damage the pipe structure, but create a situation where your water flow starts to fluctuate and your utility bills begin to increase.
The bad news is that you can’t really fix tree roots in your pipes on your own. The good news is that if you live in the central PA area, such as in Camp Hill, Harrisburg or Steelton, you can always call Pronto Plumbing at 717-470-8201. We have solutions for even the most invasive tree roots, including trenchless systems that don’t require you to dig up your whole yard.
Plumbing Problem #5: Frozen Pipes
Although frozen pipes aren’t something you think about most of the year (unless you live in the North Pole…), you’ll probably have to deal with them at some point. In our region of Pennsylvania, frozen pipes are a concern from around December through March, depending upon the weather. The trick to minimizing the effect of frozen pipes is to take action immediately.
First, shut off the water supply to the pipes. If you can get to the pipes, feel free to wrap them in a warm towel. Never use a sharp instrument to try to chisel the ice, as this can damage the pipes. Next, call a plumber. This will ensure that you get an experienced technician’s suggestions rather than trying to do everything yourself. Time is of the essence to make sure your frozen pipes are a nuisance, not a catastrophe.
No matter what your plumbing emergency, you can always call Proto Plumbing at 717-470-8201 for exceptional, reliable service.
