Water is one of the most important resources we have available to us. We drink it, store it, and use it for a variety of different reasons usually involving our hygiene. So when we have leaking sinks or malfunctioning pipes, we notice it almost immediately. This is why we have so many businesses for plumbing repairs, with nearly 120,000 in the United States alone. Below are the 3 most common times we need their expertise.
Septic tank malfunctions are not very common, as only a quarter of the population uses them, but they can be the most concerning. These tanks are designed to hold the recycled water from our showers and baths, dishwashers, loads of laundry, and toilet flushing as well as the waste that may come from each of these. It takes a while to process that waste in the midst of all that water and that’s where the problems come in. Whether it’s the waste not being filtered correctly and clogging the pipes, or an excess of water causing the tank to leak, there are a number of different problems that may arise. And if your septic tank stops working correctly, it affects all the other systems that use that same water. This makes it the most likely to be considered an emergency plumbing situation. Getting a professional will ensure that you get the problem fixed as efficiently and quickly as possible.
A constantly running toilet is another large problem, although this can probably be handled by a local plumber. While this problem seems like just a minor inconvenience compared to the previous, it is estimated that toilets may leak more than 200 gallons of water every day that they’re running. That’s a lot of water being wasted even though you aren’t using the facilities. Luckily for you, the procedure to fix running toilets is very simple if you understand the plumbing so it won’t take long once you get a professional to check it.
Leaking sinks are another seemingly minor inconvenience, but they can also cause a lot of water to be wasted. Whether it’s the bathroom sink or the one in the kitchen, it is estimated that by taking care of leaks, the average American household could save nearly 10,000 gallons of water every year. Sometimes these leaks are as simple as tightening and reinforcing the pipes, but that’s not always the case. It’s always best to find a professional to look into it to make sure that you’re getting the right problem solved.
It’s always in your best interest to call a licensed plumber to fix your water issues, even if it is as minor as a leaking sink. Trying to work on the problems yourself could only cause more problems down the road. They’ll make sure to take care of the problem the first time and save you the trouble.