When to call an expert plumber

When to call an expert plumber

If you’re a handy DIYer, you may be used to tackling some plumbing repairs yourself. For minor issues, like stopping a running toilet, cleaning the aerator on a dripping faucet, swapping out a showerhead, or unclogging a sink, it makes sense. But many plumbing problems require specialized tools and knowledge for accurate diagnosis, and some seemingly simple fixes may uncover unexpected issues that need immediate repair.

Emergency calls

Sometimes it’s obvious an issue needs professional expertise. If you’re faced with one of the problems below, call us immediately; one of our technicians can deal with it quickly and efficiently to limit potential damage to your home.

• Frozen or burst pipes. If you’ve been hit with a cold snap and you have no water, hear odd clanking noises, or see frost on your pipes, your pipes are probably frozen. Frozen pipes need to be warmed slowly and carefully in order to keep them from bursting. And if you can see one frozen pipe, there may be others you can’t.

• No water, or suddenly low water pressure throughout the house. This is often caused by a broken pipe deep in your system, a severe blockage, or a water main break under your house.

• Sewage odors, or water pooling in your yard. This is a sign of major problems that may be damaging to the environment, your home’s foundation, and your health.

Warning signs

Minor annoyances may indicate underlying issues that could develop into a major problem. If you observe any of the following, call us.

• Slow drains or clogs in more than one fixture

• Frequent or stubborn clogs

• Sudden spike in water bills

• Delays in getting hot water; large temperature variations

• Strange noises or rattling pipes

• Mildewy smells

• Ceiling stains

• Pooled water beneath pipes, plumbing fixtures, or around appliances

Our technicians will come armed with sewer cameras to diagnose the issue and with specialized tools to fix them. If there’s a crack or break in one of your pipes, it could be inside a wall or floor, and not visible to the eye. Larger issues, like a break in the sewer line or intruding tree roots, are not something you can fix and should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Other issues

There are other areas that may tempt you to stretch your DIY muscles, but are best left to the experts:

• Installing new appliances. Letting our professional technicians do the work when installing new fixtures is the best way to make sure your system is up to code and the existing piping is sound. It’s especially important to call us if the floor around an existing sink or toilet shows signs of leaks or damage. Older installations are more likely to have hidden damage that will need to be repaired.

• Garbage disposal fixes. If you’ve been keeping your disposal clean and you’re still getting persistent odors, clogging, or leaks, let our technicians diagnose the problem.

• Water heater issues. Maintaining and repairing water heaters requires knowledge of both water lines and gas lines, and can involve safety issues.

Give us a call!

Whether for an emergency, to check into warning signs, or to provide expert service, Martens Plumbing & Heating is here to help. Give us a call at (262) 363-7146 — our skilled, licensed technicians will ensure that problems are diagnosed accurately and solutions are offered quickly and efficiently.