There are few things scarier to the average homeowner than plumbing problems. Some are minor, and relatively easy for a homeowner with access to basic tools and YouTube to address. Such problems include changing out a sink fixture or fixing a leaking faucet. Many other plumbing problems, however, require professional intervention. When you need plumbers in Fresno, you need to call Allbritten right away.
In this article, we’ll review our top-4 tips for avoiding plumbing catastrophes in the home, and what you should be on the lookout for here in Fresno and the Central Valley.
Our best tips for avoiding plumbing problems here in Fresno
Before examining the types of issues that only a trained plumbing expert can resolve, it can be helpful to understand the ways you can avoid plumbing repairs. A few basic preventative measures can go a long way towards avoiding common drain issues.
- Keep an eye on specific plumbing areas
There are a few key areas in and around your home that you should keep an eye on year-round so you can catch any potential plumbing problems before they occur. Toilets, water heaters, and outdoor faucets should all be periodically inspected to ensure there are no leaks, cracks, or other damage.
We recommend that you build a home maintenance checklist that includes several plumbing items. Go through the checklist quarterly or, if you have the time, every month. A little preventative maintenance and upkeep can go a long way toward preventing a plumbing disaster. Or, at the very least, you can spot the problem and call Allbritten for plumbers in Fresno before the issue gets worse.
- Be particularly aware of aging pipes and fixtures
Depending on the age of your home, your pipes might be nearing the point where they could encounter problems. It’s important to keep an eye out for small leaks as the owner of an older home. Leaks are caused by several factors. First, the pipe material itself may have started to corrode or break down, which probably means that you’ll need to re-pipe your home shortly.
Another thing many homeowners encounter is a clogged pipe, or—in particular—a clogged sewer drain. This occurs because years of grease and other food waste have formed a clog in the pipe. This, in turn, causes all sorts of problems, ranging from increased pipe pressure to, in a worst-case scenario, a sewer line blockage.
If you suspect that your home’s pipes are having issues, turn off the water and call Allbritten immediately so that our plumbers can inspect and determine what the problem is. Pipe Repair and replacement is not a DIY project: even a small mistake in this area could be catastrophic for your home.
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Replace aging water heaters
As water heaters age, several problems can manifest. First, it’s entirely possible that the anode rod has been spent and that corrosion is now attracted to the tank structure and shell itself. This can weaken the tank, putting your water heater at risk of springing a leak or—in a worst-case scenario—bursting entirely, releasing a torrent of water into your garage and home.
Our plumbers can help with several fixes. First, if your water heater is less than ten years old, an anode rod replacement may be feasible. However, if the corrosion has progressed to the tank walls, we’ll probably recommend, and help you with, a water heater replacement. When it comes to new water heaters, you have options: you can switch to a new standard, tank replacement unit, or upgrade to a tankless water heater. To get an overview of what you should do next, give us a call today!
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Get the help of a professional when you’re in over your head
Arguably the most important thing you can do to prevent a plumbing disaster is to recognize when you’re out of your element. Many homeowners can tackle simple plumbing fixes, such as unclogging a drain. But, anything more complicated than that should be handled by professional, certified plumbers here in Fresno. Trying to fix a complex, tough plumbing issue on your own can ultimately cause more harm than good.
When you’re facing a plumbing problem that needs a fast resolution, call in the professionals here at Allbritten. Our plumbers in Fresno are ready to help with all your home plumbing needs, from faulty water heaters to leaking pipes. Contact us today for fast, reliable service. And be sure to check our specials for digital coupons and ways to save.
