Plumbing plays an important role in keeping your household operating normally, but what do you do in case of a problem?
Some plumbing issues can be tackled by a homeowner, but some repairs are best left to professionals.
Many common plumbing emergencies can cause significant damage, so time is of the essence whenever you need plumbing emergency services in Winnipeg. To help prevent major damage and costly repairs, keep these warning signs in mind so you know when it’s time to call us.
Burst pipes
Burst pipes are an obvious sign of an immediate problem. One of the clear indicators your pipes have burst somewhere is if you have water coming into the house, but you can’t find out where. High water consumption is another indicator of a leak, so pay attention to your monthly bill to help detect any irregularities. This is definitely one problem you should not tackle yourself.
A professional plumber has the expertise to locate the affected pipe, which may be in a hard-to-reach area like behind the walls or underground. Here in Winnipeg, pipes are particularly prone to bursting in winter when water can freeze and expand against the pipes.
Continual dripping
At first glance, a dripping faucet doesn’t seem like a big deal, but over time, it can really drive up your water bills. Once you notice a dripping faucet, call your plumber to take care of the problem.
One cause of a leaky faucet is a malfunction with the valve controlling the on/off setting on the taps or showerhead. If left untreated, the issue can cause serious damage to the plumbing as a whole, so contact a plumbing service right away. Dripping can also be caused by cracks in the pipes, incorrectly-installed elements, or pressure buildup. Whatever the cause, a plumber has the training and tools to diagnose the problem and offer a solution.
Make plumber visits more efficient by taking note of all the problems you’re experiencing. Once the plumber arrives, you’ll have a more comprehensive list so you can get all the problems taken care of all at once.
Lack of hot water
Everyone enjoys a long, leisurely shower and it’s perfectly normal to have only a little hot water remaining afterwards. Hot water tanks have a maximum capacity and it takes some time to heat up the water again if you use too much hot water too quickly. However, if you’re turning on the hot water for the first time and not getting any, you have a problem. A water heater and the related systems are complex machines, so it’s best to turn to a plumbing company in Winnipeg for help.
Plumbers (and sometimes HVAC technicians) have the skills to look at the system and identify any issues, giving you a working solution more efficiently. Sometimes, the problem arises from the water heater being too small, and a plumber can offer a helping hand in that case as well. Legacy Mechanical Services can offer some suggestions about the right size you’ll need for a new heater and is ready to install your new hot water tank after you’ve made your choice.
Slow drainage
If you notice that water is taking longer to drain after taking a shower or when washing the dishes, you may have a drainage problem. A little clogging is normal, and minor clogs can be cleared up with the right plunger and a little muscle. However, if these clogs persist, or you experience recurring drainage issues, it’s time to call a plumber. It may be difficult to tell what is causing the clog from where you’re standing, but plumbers have the tools to reach down the drain and dislodge whatever’s holding up the flow of water.
Plumbers have access to a plumber’s snake to reach down the drain and remove the blockage, or they can use a specialized camera to take a look and diagnose the problem. Gurgling noises when water drains is another indicator of a serious block. The noise is the sound of air bubbles kicking back up as the water struggles to make its way down the drain. Stay vigilant for any problems with the drains and address them right away when they occur.
Low water pressure
It may sound like a simple problem, but low water pressure may need the attention of plumbing services. While Winnipeg and other major cities can experience fluctuating water pressure from the municipal line, it may also indicate a problem with a blocked faucet aerator or a pipe leak. If you’ve scrubbed the faucet or soaked it in vinegar to remove the block and the problem persists, it’s a good idea to call for plumbing services. Often times, it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of low water pressure without the proper tools and training, so leave it to your local plumbers.
In some cases, the problem may be caused by leaky pipes in the walls, which would need a professional plumber. Every time you use a faucet, water can leak from those pipes, which can cause serious damage to the surrounding areas and bring up your utility costs. Call for a plumber right away to get to the heart of the problem and get a faster, more efficient solution.
Unusual smells
Unusual smells are a common clue that something isn’t quite right. Backups or clogs can create smells that permeate the area, making it difficult to stay nearby. Foul odours can also be caused by broken sewage pipes or backed-up pipes. Whatever the cause, smells are a strong indicator of an issue with the plumbing.
Call a plumber right away to solve the problem. In many cases, it’s difficult to get to the source of the smells and do something about it without the right training and tools. Count on a local plumber to diagnose the issue and find a solution for you.
Soggy basement
During a period of heavy rain, it’s not uncommon to find water in your basement. However, if it happens regularly, the weather may not be entirely to blame. Leaky pipes and faulty waterproofing may be letting in water, adding to the flooding and increasing the risks of water damage.
Get a plumber’s help locating the issue so you can identify the problem and get it taken care of. Aside from the water damage flooding causes, the damp environment also encourages mould growth. Mould can cause respiratory problems, so address the flooding problem right away to nip it in the bud before it causes more serious harm.
In case of a plumbing emergency, it helps to know a reliable plumber in Winnipeg who offers quality work. At Legacy Mechanical Services, we offer emergency plumbing services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you any time there is a plumbing emergency. Give us a call and we’ll tackle your plumbing troubles!