A plumber can be invaluable when you have a problem with pipes, water heaters, drains, or slab leaks. They take care of these problems professionally and prevent the damage from getting worse. In this guide, you will learn about the various services a plumbing repair company provides and the reasons behind hiring a professional.
Water heaters
You should always call a professional to handle water heater repairs. If there are rust, scaling, leakage, or performance issues like an inconsistent hot water supply, it may be time for a replacement. You will also want to check the temperature setting on your water heater and ensure no leaks. A plumber will flush the hot water tank, check the anode rod, detect any signs of leakage, and ensure it works perfectly.
Drain cleaning
Cleaning drains is a standard service provided by plumbing repair companies. Getting the drains cleaned is vital, so you don’t have any problems with clogs and backups.
To clean a drain, the plumber will first use water pressure to push through dirt and other debris that might be causing an obstruction. They might also use an auger tool to remove what they’ve pushed through into the pipes below. Plumbers can also do it with a snake, which looks like an elongated wire hanger with small spikes.
Professionals recommend getting the drains cleaned once every six months if you live in an area where frequent tree roots are growing into them (such as near heavily wooded areas).
Slab leak repair
Slab leaks are notoriously difficult to detect and even harder to fix. It’s usually only when you notice water damage in the basement or crawlspace that you realize there is a leak in the slab.
Before that happens, the leak goes undetected for months or years, seeping into the soil and causing severe structural damage. If you suspect a slab leak, it’s crucial to contact a professional right away. These are complex problems to analyze and repair; waiting too long can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs, not to mention the damage that could be done while waiting for someone who knows what they’re doing!
A professional will look closely at areas where pipes could be hidden under concrete floors or other surfaces. After identifying these areas as high-risk candidates for leaks, they will perform further tests using specialized equipment like gas tracer systems, electromagnetic pipeline locators, and electronic amplification equipment.
Sewer system repairs
Sewer system repairs are an essential part of any plumbing repair job. The sewer system is the underground pipes that carry wastewater from your house to the city sewer system. The sewer line consists of three parts:
- The main sewer line runs from your house to a cleanout valve (or opening), usually near a curb or sidewalk.
- A lateral sewer line connects each drain to the main line; it’s typically hidden behind walls, under concrete slabs, and in backyards.
- A cleanout is an access point for cleaning or repairing clogs in either type of pipe; plumbers can access it with a long metal rod called a “snake.”
A plumber can repair your sewer system with various methods such as cured-in-place piping (using hot steam to mold the lining inside the pipe’s cracks), pull-in-place (heating and pulling the liner into the required repair area), and pipe bursting (relacing a complete trenchless sewer line).
A plumbing repair company provides services, including the ones mentioned above. Try and choose one that uses the latest technology and has insured and trained professionals that can quickly detect and resolve the problem.