If you can hear water running through your pipes when nobody in the household is using the water, it may indicate that you have a leak in your system. If you are hearing this, inspect your home for discoloured brownish patches or wet spots on walls, ceilings, and floors.
Call a plumber as soon as you notice these things—it can be tempting to just leave it since it might not seem like it is doing a lot of tangible damage, but you shouldn’t wait to call a professional because the longer you wait, the worse the problem will become. Get it fixed before it turns into an emergency.
If you notice significantly lower water pressure in your shower or faucet, it may be a quick DIY fix or it might require a visit from a professional.
First, clean the outside of your fixture with white vinegar to get rid of mineral buildup that may be blocking things up and causing a decrease in water pressure. You can also unscrew the faucet’s aerator and clean it thoroughly before putting it back in place. If this doesn’t work, you probably have a bigger problem such as a leak in your system, a pipe fracture, or an eroded water line. Book a plumber right away to identify and solve these issues.
If the water in your sink or tub suddenly becomes slow to drain or doesn’t drain at all, you’ve got a clog. We know what you’re thinking, but DO NOT reach for the store-bought drain cleaner! Chemical drain cleaners may sound like a good idea, but they actually do more harm than good because they are made of corrosive substances that damage pipes and lead to leaks.
Start by flushing the drain with very hot water and try using a plunger to dislodge the blockage. If this doesn’t work, call in a drain cleaning professional. They’ll be able to get rid of the clog by either snaking the drain or hydro jetting it.
If it’s very cold outside and you suddenly have no running water in your home, your pipes are probably frozen. Do not try to thaw the pipes yourself—that’s exactly how people end up accidentally causing cracks in pipes and making things much worse. Call a plumber as soon as your pipes freeze so you can get your water back up and running (there’s nothing worse than not being able to take a nice hot shower during a cold snap!).
Need a reliable, experienced plumber? Leave it to the technicians at Butler!