From outdoor entertaining to increased plant watering and irrigation, summertime in Utah means an increase in your water use. These can lead to plumbing problems popping up, like water leaks, water heater inefficiencies, and more.
Plus, even if you don’t increase your water use during the summer, you still might fall victim to plumbing issues due to increased temperature fluctuations during heatwaves and shifting soil, disrupting your water and sewer lines.
What Should You Do When Plumbing Issues Occur?
When plumbing issues rear their ugly heads, you might not know when to call a plumber to fix the situation. While it might seem tempting to make quick fixes yourself here and there on your plumbing, DIY plumbing repair is never a good idea in these situations.
Instead, call a reputable plumber in your area to diagnose and repair your plumbing system.
Trust Thompson Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling for plumbing repairs in St. George, UT, and the surrounding areas that last. If you’re wondering when it’s time to call a plumber, read our blog to learn more.
Ditch DIY Plumbing; Here’s Why it’s Better to Call a Plumber
You might be thinking that fixing your plumbing yourself is the better option before calling a professional plumber. Truth is, there are a variety of risks involved with opting for a quick DIY fix.
To name a few, attempting to fix your plumbing problems yourself can lead to lapses in code compliance, invalidated warranties, and risks to your property that will cost you more money down the line to rectify.
It’s better to know when to call for professional plumbing services in St. George. Qualified plumbers will not only fix the visible issue you’re experiencing (like a clogged drain), but they can also know when there’s a deeper issue at play. For example, you might be experiencing low water pressure because of mineral buildup, a leaky pipe, or any other issue. Simply replacing your showerhead won’t fix those problems.
7 Signs It’s Time to Call a Plumber
Southern Utah has its fair share of regional-specific plumbing issues. From our mineral-heavy water, extreme temperature fluctuations, and demand for irrigation efforts, summertime presents unique challenges for homeowners.
Often, little annoyances and full-blown plumbing problems will show up, forcing homeowners to take action. Here’s when it’s time to call a plumber in for help.
1. Water Heater Temperature Problems
Summertime is typically the time when homeowners invite guests over or have company stay for a weekend. With kids home from school, your water heater will see increased usage.
If you’re seeing a decrease in water temperature consistency, hearing popping noises coming from your water heater, or noticing leaks around the tank, you’ll want to call a plumber for help.
Wondering if hard water is ruining your water heater? Hard scale buildup from mineral-rich water is a common local culprit of water heater malfunction. A plumber will be able to help flush your water heater, perform water heater repair, or assist in a replacement.
2. Stubborn Drain Clogs
Some of the most annoying plumbing problems to have are clogged drains or sinks and tubs with standing water. When having company over for a summer gathering or party, you don’t want to deal with sinks that don’t drain properly.
Recurring clogged drains necessitate the need for a visit from a plumber. Instead of reaching for chemical drain cleaners that can corrode your pipes, a plumber will be able to give you lasting drain cleaning solutions, depending on the issue.
Your clogged drains could be due to root intrusion, sediment buildup, or even a collapsed drain line. Chemical drain cleaners and plungers won’t be able to help with those.
3. Low Water Pressure
Water dribbling from your kitchen faucet or showerhead can make going about your daily routine difficult and time-consuming. You might have tried changing your showerhead or aerator, but continued low water pressure problems point to deeper issues that a plumber needs to diagnose. Low water pressure issues are common in older homes with deteriorating pipes.
Pipe corrosion or other system-wide problems can lead to low water pressure. Instead of living with it, call a plumber in for an inspection. You’ll be able to find any corrosion or pipe leaks and get your home back to normal.
4. Spiking Water Bills
Noticing a sudden increase on your water bill without any corresponding increase in usage? You could be dealing with a hidden plumbing problem that a plumber can uncover.
It could be that you have a hidden water leak or irrigation issue that is causing an increase in your water bill. Schedule a plumbing inspection as soon as possible to catch the leak and stop it in its tracks.
5. Visible or Hidden Leaks (Dripping or Rushing Sounds)
Although seeing a visible leak is often when homeowners decide to call in a plumber, sometimes the signs that you have a leak can be subtle. For example, if you’re hearing dripping sounds when no one is using the plumbing, this is a sign you need to have a plumber come over for an inspection.
Additionally, feeling wet or spongy places on your flooring can indicate that you have a slab leak, affecting your home’s foundation. These issues are prevalent during the summer months due to pipe expansion during extreme temperatures.
6. Running Toilets, Weak Flushes
A running toilet can be quite annoying, but it shouldn’t be ignored. While you have increased activity in your home, your toilets might be getting more use. Flush after flush, your toilet’s components might be wearing out more quickly.
If you’re experiencing issues with your toilets, like weak flushes, running constantly, leaks, gurgling, or frequent clogs, you need help from an experienced plumber.
A plumber will help you know what parts of your toilet need to be replaced, and instead of you taking an entire weekend to fix it yourself, a plumber will fix it in a matter of minutes, depending on the issue.
7. Sewage Smells Indoors and Outdoors
You expect your home and property to smell pleasant, but if you’re experiencing sewer and sewage smells, you need immediate help. This can be a sign of a sewer line blockage or a venting issue that needs to be addressed. Outdoors, if you’re noticing lush patches in your yard or soggy spots on your lawn, you likely need prompt sewer service. In order to prevent contamination and get your home’s plumbing back up and running, call on the help of a professional plumber.
What to Expect From Thompson Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling
Dealing with plumbing issues is never an enjoyable experience, but it helps to have the right team of trusted plumbers on your side. At Thompson Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling, we offer same-day plumbing service in St. George and surrounding areas to help you when these problems occur.
Since 1996, we’ve been helping homeowners just like you find and fix plumbing problems quickly and correctly. We offer a variety of plumbing services, including water heater services (both tank and tankless), drain cleaning, leak repair, repiping, sewer repair, and more!
When you need help with your home’s plumbing, don’t settle for less than the best. Contact our plumbers at Thompson Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling for help in St. George and surrounding areas today!
