Is It Time to Call a Plumber?

by Kevin Smith Author

The Odor

Is there an odd smell coming from your sink? The trap under your sink isn’t just for catching wedding rings. Its primary function is to hold water, which in turn blocks foul odors and gasses emanating from waste pipes. If your sink is the source of a strong odor, you may need help with your plumbing near Athens, GA.

The Leak

Whether it is a steady drip or a sudden gush, leaks in the plumbing can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Water leaking from a line that brings water to a fixture such as a sink or a toilet will do plenty of damage. A positive is the fact that at least water on its way in, is clean. The alternative is leaking drains. Water that has been used for dishes, cleaning, laundry or the toilet is far more likely to harbor harmful bacteria.

The Back-Up

Water that is supposed to go away and doesn’t can leave a homeowner feeling helpless. Sometimes a plunger doesn’t do the trick and the clog needs to be addressed by a professional. Occasionally, tree roots growing through pipes under homes are to blame for major clogs. The fix is usually an expensive endeavor, but pales in comparison to upgrading and replacing an entire septic system.

Fixture Installation

Nothing is ever as easy as it seems. Replacing a toilet can seem like two or three bolts and the job is done, but professionals know better. Uneven, rotted floors, corroded hardware, and cracked porcelain are all common issues with toilet removal and installation. Installed incorrectly, the new unit could rock back and forth, develop a leak, or even crack. Water feeds need functional shut-off valves for a plumber to properly install most fixtures, including faucets. Often these valves are not present and need to be installed.

Hard Water

People that live away from cities and water treatment plants tap into the ground for water. Wells pump fresh, clean water into homes through pressurized systems. This water is highly mineralized and is commonly referred to as hard water. Through osmosis, water softeners are installed in-line close to the source to “soften” the water and make it easier to blend with soaps and detergents. Soft water also removes rust staining that causes people to suffer hair color change form blonde to orange. Some well water can even smell offensive. If your water smells like sulfur, seek a professional for plumbing near Athens, GA.