Plumbing Problems You Should Never Solve by Yourself

Plumbing is an indispensable system that needs to be maintained in every building to provide easy access to water. Any failure in plumbing will result in disrupted routine activities of the residents and need to be fixed without any delay.

Minor plumbing issues can shape into a disaster in no time, often people try to fix these issues by themselves. But without any prior knowledge of the subject, one shouldn't take control of the situation.

The following are the most common plumbing issues in Australia:

  • Leaking faucets and pipes
  • Clogged drainage
  • Low water pressure
  • Running toilets
  • Damaged pipes

These issues need a professional plumber’s assistance, and fixing them by yourself is not the best decision. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare(AIHW), released a report in 2017 about injuries sustained due to DIY. According to that report, around 3,300 people were hospitalised in Australia from 2013 to 2014 because of DIY-related injuries.

This data from AIHW’s report clearly shows the dangers of DIY plumbing, and one should avoid doing it without any professional help.

This blog addresses every plumbing issue that should be fixed by a plumber only, we have also mentioned a company that offers emergency plumber Melbourne. Below mentioned are the plumbing issues that you shouldn’t DIY, plumbers are skilled and trained for fixing these issues and you should consult them.

1. Drainage problems

Drainage issues can occur anywhere, and lead to bigger problems like overflowing water or the inability to use that facility. In a household drainage facility is very important, the bathtub, bathroom sink, kitchen sink, rainwater drainage etc. are a few settings that require a drainage system. It is very easy for a drain to get clogged during our everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, bathing and also when it rains. People often try to unclog the drains by themselves to save on plumbing expenses, but these household methods aren’t always effective. Sometimes there is an underlying problem that cannot be fixed by surface cleaning and while DIY seems easy and inexpensive, it can cost you a lot if the situation becomes worse.

 2. A damp garden/lawn/floor

Have you ever noticed a damp area on your floor? You might have been ignoring it thinking that someone spilled water or it is supposed to be like that. Such dampness on the floor or in your lawn means there is a leaking pipeline beneath that spot. A water pipe must have leaked and the water is spreading everywhere through the soil. These leaking pipes need to be repaired on an emergency basis, but without excavating the pipe it can’t be fixed. The excavation process needs specialised equipment and gadgets to make sure that no other property is damaged. Without these gadgets, you might dig at the wrong spot, damage your property, impair other intact pipelines or fixtures or fail to fix the leak after excavation which will lead to bigger issues.

Plumbers have the exact knowledge and equipment to spot the affected area and operate with professional precision.

3. Low water pressure

Low-pressure showers or faucets are a result of clogged pipes or leaking pipes or faulty water pressure regulators. First, one needs to identify the actual issue, only then a solution could be applied. A clogged shower head or faucet can be cleaned but if the blockage is in the pipeline then you need a plumber. The pipeline inside the walls/foundation will only be fixed by ruining the foundation.

4. Leaking faucets

Leaking faucets not only result in a high water bill but if not fixed immediately, tons of water gets wasted. These leaks are caused because of high water pressure, loose or damaged fixtures or defective assembly parts. One can temporarily fix the leak by wrapping some tape on it or using Epoxy glue, but the underlying issue of the low pressure or damaged fixture will need a professional plumber’s assistance. Until a plumber arrives, make sure that you have turned off the main valve, this will help save water from getting wasted.

5. Damaged water line/ pipeline

Damaged water lines will give way to numerous water issues, and they need not be ignored at any cost. After installation one should get his/her pipeline inspected every once in a while, in case any repairing is required. If you see a damp area on the floor or lawn, or corroding fixtures or low water pressure then it is a sign of a damaged pipeline.

Feel free to apply pipe wrap or plumbing tape to prevent water leakage, but fixing the whole pipeline is a strenuous task and without the fitting equipment or product, you won’t be able to complete the whole task.

Plumbers are trained and experienced to perform such tasks with ease. They are always equipped with machinery and gadgets to inspect, locate or repair any plumbing issue. A plumber knows all the possible issues that can arise and also how to solve them all. Plumbing issues require instant attention as they lead to bigger problems, and emergency plumbing service have a high demand. Velaqua Plumbing offers 24/7 plumbing services for emergency requirements.