When Do You Need to Hire a Bathroom Plumber?

Know when it's time to call in a pro to fix your tub, shower, toilet, or sink

By Vickie Ferguson

Photo by iStockphoto.com

Plumbing problems can be as minor as replacing a leaky faucet or dripping shower head to such serious issues as a broken water line or clogged toilet. Whatever the situation, hiring an experienced plumber with the knowledge to pinpoint issues accurately is critical. Professional plumbers have the necessary tools and expertise to complete almost any bathroom job properly and efficiently, saving you time and money in the long run.

Identification

Identifying the plumbing problem or laying out project plans can help determine when you'll need a master-level or general-level plumber to address the job. Planning an addition or scheduling remodeling and upgrading plumbing projects that involve extensive work to the structure or that need to conform to state plumbing codes, requires a licensed and insured master plumber. Hire a general plumber who is also licensed and insured for less complicated plumbing projects that do not require extensive or intrusive plumbing repairs.

Types

Severely clogged bathroom drains, low water pressure when showering or flushing, limited hot water and standing water are common plumbing issues. These problems may indicate a disruption to the lines caused by tree roots, broken pipes or debris in the lines. Older frame homes not supported by concrete foundations experience sagging support beams causing pipes to become uneven, affecting water flow. Adjusting or repairing these lines may require cutting through flooring or accessing the lines through the crawl space under the home. Ruptured septic tank lines cause slow drainage in the bathroom along with a strong, unpleasant odor. This type of repair requires a plumber and septic system specialist.

Considerations

Simple plumbing jobs such as replacing bathroom faucets or outdoor spigot fixtures, installing a new shower head or replacing the plunger kit in a toilet require minimal experience and tools and is an option for a homeowner to do on his own. Do-it-yourself plumbing repair is a less expensive alternative to hiring a plumber, but even simple repairs may require an assortment of tools as well as the knowledge of materials needed to address the particular plumbing repair. Hire the services of a qualified plumber whenever situations arise that go beyond the scope and capability of a do-it-yourself bathroom plumbing repair project.

Benefits

A certified and licensed plumber will offer expert service, will provide a written estimate and contract, and backs up all work with a warranty. He may also offer yearly checkup and maintenance service for the home's plumbing system. Establishing an account with an independent contractor or local plumbing business provides the assurance of having a plumber on-call should an emergency arise. Many plumbing companies provide emergency service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Warning

Plumbing repairs and labor charges can be expensive depending on the extent of the repair and length of time it takes to complete the job. Hiring an experienced plumber, whether at the master or general level, ensures quality of the work. Hiring someone who advertises as a plumber but who has no license, may be cheaper upfront, but may cost more in the long run. If problems arise -- pipes break and your home is flooded, for example -- you'll have little recourse if you've hired someone without a license or insurance, or without a contract or warranty.