Plumbers works on plumbing systems that serve the water and sewage needs of homes. They often must pass exams and have extensive training before earning a license.
Finding the right plumber for your home is crucial to avoiding costly repairs and potential health issues. Learn more about the different types of plumbers so you can choose the right one for your needs.
Clogged drains rank near the top of everyone’s list of the things they hate to wake up to in their home. They’re worse than a flat tire or stubbing your toe on the bedpost, and they’re not easily resolved on your own without the right tools and training. Luckily, the plumbing professionals at Nick’s Plumbing and AC have all the right equipment to help you out of this sticky situation.
Clogs aren’t just a nuisance; they can actually put your pipes at risk. If left unchecked, they can cause water and waste to back up into your home, resulting in costly repairs. If you think you have a clogged drain, the first step is to turn off your water so it doesn’t get any worse. This will also keep automatic processes, like running a dishwasher or washing machine, from trying to drain water into the clogged pipe.
Most clogs are caused by the buildup of fat, oil, and grease (FOG) in your drains and pipes. As these substances cool, they solidify and create a barrier that everything else can’t pass through. Over time, this buildup can even damage your pipes and lead to a leak.
Other common causes of clogged drains include a combination of hair and toiletry products, such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, or shaving gel. These ingredients have a tendency to bind together and form a slimy ball that looks like a gross, sticky mess. Finally, clogged drains are often the result of flushing something down the toilet that should have gone down the garbage disposal or sink instead.
A residential plumber may use a wide range of tools to clear a clogged drain. For instance, they may have a professional-grade drain snake that can break up even the most stubborn clogs. Alternatively, they may recommend using a simple at-home solution of baking soda and vinegar to produce a chemical reaction that helps loosen the clog. Regardless of the method, a qualified and experienced plumber will know how to handle the job safely and effectively.
Leaks
Leaks can be one of the most frustrating plumbing problems to deal with. They can cause significant water damage and lead to high water bills. Additionally, the longer a leak goes untreated, the more severe the problem can become. The best way to prevent this is by catching leaks early on and having them fixed promptly. However, it can be difficult to know when there’s a leak somewhere in your home. This is why it’s important to know the signs of a leak, such as puddles or a musty smell around drains.
It’s also helpful to know what can cause leaks so you can avoid them in the future. For example, if you have very high water pressure, it could put strain on your pipes and cause them to leak. In this case, it’s a good idea to have a plumber come in and lower your water pressure.
Many people don’t notice or ignore the early signs of a leak, which can include puddles or a musty odor near a sink or fixture. Other common symptoms of a leak are an unexplained spike in your water bill or sudden water damage. It’s a good idea to check regularly for any signs of leaks, especially in crawl spaces or basements.
A residential plumber can use a variety of tools to detect leaks, including listening discs and ground microphones. These devices amplify the sound of dripping water, making it easier to find the source of the leak. Additionally, a plumber may use a plumbing camera to get a first-hand view of your pipes. This is a great tool for finding hidden leaks in walls or underground, as well as assessing the extent of any damage and creating a repair plan.
Once a plumber has located the source of the leak, they’ll turn off your home’s water supply. This is usually done by turning off the main water valve, which is often located in the basement or outdoors. After that, the plumber can start repairing the leak and fixing any damage caused by it.
Water Pressure
When a home’s water pressure is low, it can make everyday tasks like washing dishes and taking showers difficult. Low water pressure is often caused by a blocked pipe or old plumbing fixtures and fittings that are clogged with rust and other debris. A plumber can fix these problems to restore your home’s water pressure.
A residential plumber will also know how to install and repair a water pressure regulator, which is an important part of maintaining good water pressure in a home. A pressure regulator is a device that limits the amount of water that flows through pipes, and it can be installed in homes of all sizes. A plumber will also be able to tell whether or not the issue is a result of a water heater problem or a local water company problem.
Another common reason for low water pressure is that there is a leaking pipe somewhere in the house. This can be difficult to detect, but a plumber will be able to help. Homeowners can try to identify a leaking pipe by shutting off all of the water in their home and then reading their water meter again. If the meter has a different reading, there is likely a leak somewhere in the house.
Lastly, a plumbing problem that often results in low water pressure is that there is a broken or malfunctioning valve somewhere in the home’s system. There are usually two main shut-off valves in a home: one on the street side of the water meter and one on the homeowner’s side. Sometimes these valves can become partially closed, which can also cause low water pressure. Homeowners should carefully locate all of the shut-off valves in their home and ensure that they are all open. If a valve is broken or leaking, a plumber can replace it.
If you’re looking for a residential plumber, it’s important to choose one with experience and expertise in all aspects of plumbing. This will ensure that your plumber can diagnose and solve all of your plumbing issues correctly. Look for a plumber that offers 24/7 emergency services, as these plumbers will be more likely to be available when you need them most.
Commercial Plumbing
Residential plumbers focus on plumbing work within a home. This includes pipe installation, maintenance, and repair tasks, as well as fixtures such as toilets and faucets. In addition, a residential plumber may install gas lines. This involves interpreting blueprints, working with contractors, and ensuring that all plumbing work meets local building codes.
Commercial plumbers work with larger pipes in a wider variety of buildings. They might have to deal with a greater volume of water usage and may need to meet higher hygiene standards. For example, a commercial plumber who works on sewage systems must be careful to avoid exposure to infectious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. This is because feces from human waste can contain microscopic parasites that cause illnesses including ascariasis, cryptosporidiosis, and schistosomiasis.
Besides the bigger pipes, commercial plumbing can also involve more complex water system installations and maintenance. For instance, a large mall or office building might have multiple sinks, toilets, and urinals, each with its own plumbing system. This makes it difficult to isolate and repair a problem with one fixture because the entire system might be affected. Moreover, large buildings often have more floors, so a plumbing problem on one floor might affect several rooms.
Another challenge is the need to shut off water for certain plumbing repairs and installations. While this is easy enough for residential plumbers in private homes, it can be a major challenge for commercial plumbers in businesses and offices. For instance, a retail store might need to close for several days, while a restaurant or supermarket might have to be partially closed for a few hours.
Consequently, a commercial plumber might have to work outside of regular business hours in order to complete his or her duties. For a plumbing company, this means that they might need to hire additional workers to handle the extra volume of calls. Additionally, it might cost more to rent equipment and supplies for a larger job than for a smaller one. Ultimately, the extra expense can offset any savings that might be gained by working on a larger project.
