subject: Quick Guide To Residential Plumbing Repairs [print this page] Burst Pipes Burst Pipes
Fort Worth plumbing services deal with burst pipes all the time. A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency, and you need to call a plumber even if it means an emergency call-out charge. The damage that a burst pipe can cause can lead to major repairs and expenses. You should locate the main shutoff valve for your house and close it. Most water meters have a shutoff valve next to the meter. Shut off the valve on the house side of the meter. You'll generally have to turn it several turns to turn it all the way off. This closes water supply to fixtures to stop the flooding. Turn on cold water taps to drain trapped water while you wait for the plumber to arrive.
Blocked Drains
Fixing blocked drains is a very common Fort Worth residential plumbing repair. Sometimes you can unblock drains with a plunger or a plumber's snake (available at hardware stores). If you're unable to unblock a drain, or if a drain repeatedly clogs, the blockage may be located farther down the line and you'll need to call a plumber to find the blockage and clear it. Sometimes repeated blockages occur due to a food waste disposal that is inadequate for the task. In these cases, you will need to either stop using the disposal or install a more powerful one to prevent future blockages.
Leaky Fixtures
When a plumbing fixture leaks, you can close the shutoff valve that goes to that fixture. Check the trap for hair, grease, food particles, and other debris that may be obstructing its opening and causing an overflow. When you check underneath cabinets in your bathroom or kitchen, examine the stops and supply lines going to the faucets, because these are common places for leaks to occur. You will probably need to feel for water, since small leaks can be difficult to locate visually. If your water bill suddenly increases but you can't find a leaking fixture, you could have a leak under your house and you need to call a plumber right away to avoid damaging your home's foundation.
Broken Water Heater
It's no fun to find out your water heater isn't working when you take a shower. But water heaters eventually wear out, and Fort Worth plumbing services can get you taken care of promptly. You may want to consider replacing your old tank-style water heater with a tankless water heater which gives you hot water on demand.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes aren't too big a problem in the Fort Worth area due to the climate, but an unexpected cold snap can catch homeowners unaware. When water freezes, it expands, and if it freezes in your pipes, it can rupture them, necessitating replacement of the ruptured pipe. If the temperature is forecast to drop below about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you can leave faucets on a slow drip to keep water moving through pipes, making freeze-ups less likely. If you wake up on a cold morning and nothing comes out of your tap, you could well have a frozen pipe and should call your Fort Worth plumber promptly.
