When it comes to your plumbing needs, you may be tempted to go with someone based on price. Sure you may have a tight budget, everyone does, but this is not always the best way to go. You know the old saying, you get what you pay for? Well this holds true when it comes to a quality plumber. Let’s start with workmanship. Hiring just some guy may not be the right idea, especially if it’s a big job, like clearing out a drain. Sure he may be able to get a pipe snake down there and get it cleared, temporarily, but what if you have roots in your pipes? They probably won’t have the tools or equipment to inspect the pipes properly, such as a remote camera that travels down the drain pipes, identifying problems along the way. Will they have the tools to completely clear the pipes and correct the underlying problem permanently? Probably not. In fact, many of these low budget plumbers will more than likely refer you to a professional like A Plumber.

Another reason to choose a professional company is that you will get faster, better service. A professional company is going to have the tools and equipment to get the job done right the first time, and within a short amount of time. If there are problems that take longer, they are going to tell you before they start, so you know there is going to be a delay.

It is important that you have someone on hand to help you out in an emergency. Problems don’t always happen during the day, at regular business hours. Usually these emergencies happen at 2 in the morning, on a weekend, even on a holiday. Sure a regular plumber may be able to help you in an emergency in most cases, but now you are at their mercy, they can charge you just about anything and you are going to pay it, because you have to. A professional company is going to be on call, keeping the same emergency hours, but a good company isn’t going to rake you over the coals to come out in an emergency. If you have used them before, in many cases you may even get a discount. In addition, a professional company may even offer a maintenance program, where they come out and maintain your plumbing, preventing problems from happening in the first place.

So now you know some of the reasons to hire a professional when it comes to plumbing and drains, but who should you call? Well if you live in Melbourne, the first company you should call is A Plumber.

The five most common causes of blockages are:

Strange objects or debris

Choked or blocked drainage can occur when foreign objects or materials such as hair or soaps, fats or food build up and become caught between the drainpipe and the pipes that flow underneath the home. At first the material may not fully block the drain, but over time materials will continue to collect which will prevent water from flowing freely and could eventually cause a blockage. Toilets regularly block up due to too much toilet paper, sanitary items and even nappies being flushed down the pipes. Young children are often the culprits for blocked toilets and drains. They have been known to flush a full roll of toilet paper, a kid’s toy and even the toilet brush. A blocked toilet is very unpleasant and requires immediate action.

Big rains or storms

Outside drains may become blocked after storms or heavy rain downpours collecting leaves, dirt and other matter that can build up and block drains. Blocked drains during heavy storms are very common as they are generally not designed to manage huge volumes of water. Blocked outside drains can cause flooding and damage to homes and businesses.

Damaged pipes

Another cause of blocked drains can be a damaged pipe. If a pipe is broken the water cannot flow freely and it may collapse, causing the drain to have a blockage. The most usual causes of broken pipes are poor installation, age and tree roots. Tree roots cause huge damage underground and these types of blockages may require detailed investigation of underground pipes to identify where the problem is occurring. Underground pipe repairs can be disruptive and expensive depending on how difficult it is to access the problem area.

Incorrect pipe installation

With the dramatic rise in popularity of do-it-yourself (DIY) repairs and home renovations, there has been a large increase in poorly installed plumbing and drainage pipes. Pipes may become misaligned or completely collapse if not properly installed. Choosing the right pipes is an integral part of any plumbing job and so it is vital that you have a full understanding of the pipe work required to do the job. Incorrect installation is not only dangerous but could also damage other parts of your or your neighbours’ property, causing great expense to you and them.

Water flow problems

Water does not flow uphill and drainage is all about gravity. Incorrect pipe installation with inadequate falls could contribute to the build up of particles and debris and could eventually result in a blocked drain. It is important that pipes are installed correctly to ensure adequate water flows. Drains become blocked for a wide variety of reasons, so it is important to understand what the underlying cause of blocked drainage is. Blockages can build up over a period of time and you may get some early warning signs that there are some obstructions to the water flow. These include gurgling sounds after you flush a toilet, the water level in your sink or bath draining very slowly, and bad smells from sinks or drains.

Some blockages can be easily cleared using a plunger; however treating the symptom may not address the underlying causes of the drain blockage. If you have ongoing drainage problems or need to repair or lay drains, the best practice is to call a professional plumber. Using a professional plumbing service will ensure the job is done properly and save you money in the future.