Do I Need an Emergency Plumber or a General/Maintenance One?
Plumbers install, repair, and service nearly anything that’s related to plumbing equipment including water and gas pipes, taps, fixtures, central heating systems, and more.
In general, there are two types of situations when you may need the services of a plumber: In case of an emergency and for general maintenance. So how do you know whether you’re facing a plumbing emergency or simply a general plumbing issue?
Here is an explanation to help you determine what type of plumber to call.
General Plumbing Services
If you find yourself with a plumbing issue that can wait and be dealt with through routine maintenance, you probably need a general plumber. For instance, if you’ve noticed that water isn’t draining as quickly down drains as it normally does, a general plumber can help you out. Or, if water isn’t coming out of the taps with as much force as before, a general plumber is the type to call.
Here are some other common general plumbing problems:
- Taps that need replacing due to age/rust/wear
- Sink replacement
- Shower installation
- Slow drainage from sinks, baths, and showers
- Showerhead replacement
Emergency Plumbing Services
Any plumbing issue that requires immediate attention is considered an emergency plumbing problem. You may encounter several scenarios that can be called plumbing emergencies.
Some examples of the most common plumbing emergencies include:
- Overflowing toilets
- Burst water pipes
- Clogged drains
- Sewer backup
- Central heating system failure
- Water heater malfunction
It’s important to remember that time is not on your side when it comes to plumbing emergencies. For example, water damage resulting from a burst pipe can ruin carpeting, furniture, walls, electrical fixtures, and more. It can also lead to a potentially dangerous problem with mould.
If you face a plumbing problem and aren’t sure what type of plumber you need, call a local plumber for some advice. The plumber you call will ask you to explain the problem to determine the severity of the issue.
If your problem isn’t urgent and you can wait a while for a plumber to arrive and carry out the job for you, the cost will be a lot cheaper than using a 24-hour emergency plumber. Just remember that plumbers are some of the busiest tradesmen. This means the one you call may not be able to visit you immediately.
Always Be Prepared to Call a Plumber
Fortunately, most plumbing problems you’ll face will require the expertise of a general/maintenance plumber. However, when you detect a problem that may cause water damage to your home or put people’s safety at risk like a burst pipe or malfunctioning gas heater, you should get in touch with an emergency plumber right away.
It’s always wise to keep the contact number of a good local plumber on hand. This way, you’ll be able to get in touch with a plumber when you need his/her services. If possible, choose a plumber to use that offers both general and emergency plumbing services so you’ll get the type of help you need.