When you own property, there are many aspects that need to be maintained on a regular basis. One of the most important parts of owning a home is plumbing. Without working plumbing, you can’t flush the toilet, turn on the faucet or even take a shower without worrying about what might happen if something goes wrong. However, that doesn’t mean that plumbing is always easy to get to or repair when it breaks down. There are many different types of plumbing repair that can occur at any time and require specialized knowledge to resolve properly. Here are some of the most common types of plumbing repair:

Water Heater Repair

One of the most common types of plumbing repair is water heater repair. There are many different types of water heaters that can break down, but they usually fall into one of two categories: gas or electric. Gas water heaters typically consist of a large metal cylinder that sits in the basement of the home. Electric water heaters are typically found in the garage and consist of a large metal box that is attached to the wall.

Basement Drain Repair

Basement drains are the pipes that are found in the floor of the basement. These pipes are designed to carry away excess water that has collected in the basement from things like your washing machine or water heater. However, these pipes can sometimes break or develop clogs that prevent the water from flowing properly. If this happens, it can lead to serious problems in the home. If you notice that your basement drains are slow or completely clogged, it’s a good idea to call a plumber. They can use special tools to check the pipes and clear out any clogs, making sure that the drains are working properly again.

Basement Waterproofing

Basement waterproofing is a specialized type of plumbing repair that is often used to repair faulty basements that have been damaged by water. If your basement has been damaged by water, it can be expensive to fix since you’ll likely have to tear out the drywall and install new waterproofing materials. If your home has been damaged by water, it’s a good idea to hire a professional plumber who can use special materials to repair the damage. These materials are often designed to withstand extreme water pressure and can help to protect your home from future damage.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most common types of plumbing repair. Frozen pipes are a serious problem that can be difficult to resolve. If your pipes are frozen, they are likely full of ice and are extremely difficult to thaw. If you live in a climate that gets extremely cold, you may have to deal with frozen pipes on a regular basis. If you notice that your pipes are frozen, it’s a good idea to turn off the main water valve to the house. You can also try to thaw the pipes by placing a container of hot water next to them.

Hot Water Heater Repair

Hot water heaters are found in the home of almost every American. However, they are notoriously difficult to repair. If your hot water heater breaks down, you’ll likely need to call a plumber to repair it. These types of repairs typically require special tools and training that most people don’t have. If you notice that your hot water heater is leaking or not producing enough hot water, it’s a good idea to contact a plumber as soon as possible. They can come out and repair the water heater, or replace it completely.

Conclusion

Plumbing is an important part of any home or business. When something goes wrong with your plumbing, you may not know what to do. Fortunately, we have outlined the most common types of plumbing repair. If you ever experience issues with your plumbing, it is important to contact a plumber right away. If you ignore the problem, it could lead to major damage to your home or business. With that said, it's important to note that not all plumbing issues require an expert. If you notice that your water bill is higher than normal, or you notice that water is coming out of your faucets with a funny smell, it’s a good idea to contact a plumber. They can come out and inspect your plumbing and provide you with recommendations on how to fix the problem.

Frequently Asked Question

When researching plumbing companies, use the word reviews or customer comments to find their review profile. Google reviews are found in the maps profile of each company. In there you can easily see what customers think of the service they got from each contractor.

Typical hourly rates for plumbers cost between $45 and $200. A journeyperson charges about $70 to $120 per hour, but they are only licensed to handle the most common household repairs. Complex problems or installations will require the help of a master plumber.
Most plumbers charge an average of $70 to $120 per hour before trip fees and materials. Rates can range as high as $200 or as low as $45.
Open ALL hot water sink fixtures, hot water bathtub or shower fixtures. Next, open all other hot water fixtures, such as in the kitchens, wet bars, etc. Run all of these hot water fixtures for 15 minutes, then shut the water off. This is also a good time to flush the hot water tank to remove sediment.
If your drain is clogged with ice cubes — then yes, boiling water can unclog a drain. But if your drain is clogged with the things that normally clog drains — grease, oil, dirt, hair, etc. — then no, boiling water isn't likely to help.
A smelly sink is usually caused by bacteria build up from grease, fat and food which have been flushed down the drain. These will then get stuck in the pipes causing the familiar rotten egg smell.
Cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX, is the new standard when it comes to repiping your house. Since it is made of plastic it is a more cost-effective alternative to copper. Pex is easier to install and lighter in weight, reducing shipping costs too.
A complete repipe can take anywhere from a few days up to a week. Smaller homes can be repiped in as little as two days, while large homes with multiple bathrooms can take much longer. However, it's important to note that you won't necessarily be unable to use your plumbing during that entire time.
If just a pipe or a section of your copper plumbing is leaking, you could just replace it with PEX piping. But if you have an old copper plumbing system that leaks frequently in different areas of your home, you may want to consider a whole-house repipe
Turn off the water supply to the leaking pipes and clean the area around the hole to be patched. Use a metal file to smooth any sharp edges that might cut through the patch. Apply the patch and repair clamp so it evenly overlaps the damaged section of pipe. Tighten the clamps to seal the leak.