There are times you need a plumber as soon as you can get one. For instance, burst pipes, sewage leaks, and gas leaks.
When you have a plumbing emergency, you need a local plumber who is offering plumbing and drainage services.
A local plumber is beneficial for many other reasons as well.
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Different types of plumbers
When calling a plumber, it is important to know if you are calling the right person.
There are different types of plumbers who work in separate fields. They may know how to resolve your issue, but it could cost you time and money if you call the wrong plumber.
Some plumbers specialise in commercial plumbing — bigger and more complex systems,
Others specialise in residential plumbing.
There are other plumbing categories, such as service and repair plumbers. These plumbers are specially trained to handle tougher issues in both residential and commercial settings. Their job is to find and fix the problem you may have.
Sometimes you may find the plumber you called specialises in certain smaller plumbing fields.
Some specialities include:
- Water supply — these plumbers work on water supply systems. They install sinks, fix and replace water tanks, and pipes.
- Sanitary and drainage — dealing mostly with the not pleasant aspects of plumbing, these plumbers specialise in flooding, clogged or slow drains, and sewage systems. They are trained to handle hazardous situations.
- Hot water system plumbers — specialise in replacing and fixing hot water systems
- Emergency plumbers — as the name suggests, these plumbers specialise in all kinds of plumbing emergencies.
Plumbing jobs you can do
There are some plumbing repairs that you can and should do to save everyone, including yourself, time and money.
For instance, a clogged toilet or drain could simply need a plunger to fix it.
A leaky tap should be first checked to ensure the base is tight. If this does not work, then you should check and replace the washers and seals.
Another easy thing to fix is a toilet that keeps running. Simply open the tank lid and ensure the stopper and chain are in the down position and not tangled.
Some of these smaller jobs can take less than 30 minutes to fix on your own.
Reasons to call a local plumber
A local plumber is the best to call — they know the area in which they work better than other people.
As a local plumber, they typically know all the quirks of the pipes, and have better knowledge of the ways the area’s pipes are mapped and laid out.
In some larger cities, there are subtle differences in the layout of the pipes for the cities fresh water and sewage lines.
Local plumbers are more apt to take better care of their customers, so they can gain the trust of those in the neighbourhood. Repeat customers are the way many businesses, including plumbers, maintain healthy profits — a win-win for both you and them.
A local plumber is more willing and able to go above and beyond to satisfy their customers with the knowledge and service that working in that location has taught them.
One of the best reasons to call a local plumber is knowing they can reach you quickly in an emergency.
Emergency plumbing signs
Some plumbing emergencies are very evident, like flooding and leaking pipes.
Other signs may not be so obvious.
If you notice any of these signs, call a plumber to come out as soon as possible:
- A bad odour, like sulphur or faeces, in your home suddenly — could be a sign of a burst or leaking sewage or gas line.
- Discoloured water — if your water is yellow, green, or brown, your pipes may be severely corroded. This can lead to even more severe issues, like busted or leaking pipes.
- Several drains are slow or clogged — a sign that the sewage lines are blocked
- Low water pressure in the whole home — can signify a problem with the system connected to your home from the municipal water or a leak on the water main for your own home.
- discoloured, stained, damaged, or bubbled paint or wallpaper — could be signs of a slow leak
- Puddle in the yard without reason — can be a sewage or water main break
Finding the best local plumber
To find the best plumber, do your research.
- Ask family, friends, and neighbours if they can refer you to someone.
- Check reviews for the company online.
- Ask to see their licence, credentials, and references.
- Discuss the issues you are having, and ensure they have the knowledge and equipment to do the job.
- Shop around and get estimates.
- Never go for the lowest or highest quote without verifying they are not using cheap parts, materials, and services or trying to inflate prices to rip you off.
- Discuss the time it will take to find and repair the issues.
