Most people think about calling a plumber when a pipe leaks, a toilet stops working or a drain becomes clogged. While repairs are an important part of plumbing, a professional plumber works on much more than emergency problems.
Plumbers install, repair, maintain and inspect many of the systems responsible for moving water into a building and wastewater out of it. Depending on their qualifications and services, they may also work with water heaters, heating equipment and gas systems.
Understanding what plumbers do can help homeowners know who to call when something in their home needs attention.
Plumbing Repairs
Repair work is one of the most familiar parts of a plumber’s job.
Common repairs can include:
- Leaking pipes
- Dripping faucets
- Running toilets
- Damaged plumbing connections
- Fixture problems
- Drainage issues
- Water-pressure problems
The visible symptom is not always the actual cause. Part of the plumber’s job is diagnosing where the problem originates before determining how it should be repaired.
If you’re unsure whether a problem has reached the point where professional help is appropriate, our guide explains when you should call a plumber and some of the warning signs worth paying attention to.
Water Supply Systems
A home’s water supply system distributes water to faucets, toilets, showers, appliances and other fixtures.
Plumbers work with the pipes, fittings, valves and connections that make up this system.
Problems with water supply plumbing may show up as:
- Low water pressure
- Leaking pipes
- Unusual noises
- Discoloured water
- Unexpected increases in water use
- Water appearing in walls, ceilings or cabinets
A plumber can investigate these symptoms and determine whether the problem is associated with a fixture, pipe, valve or another part of the system.
Drainage and Sewer Systems
Getting wastewater out of a home is just as important as bringing clean water into it.
Plumbers work with drains, waste pipes and sewer connections.
A single slow sink may indicate a localized blockage. When several fixtures are affected, however, the problem may be farther along the drainage system.
Recurring backups, slow drains and unusual gurgling sounds can all justify further investigation.
Fixture Installation and Repair
Plumbers also install and repair household plumbing fixtures.
These can include:
- Faucets
- Sinks
- Toilets
- Showers
- Bathtubs
Fixture installation involves more than simply attaching the visible fixture. Water connections, drainage, seals and fittings all need to work correctly.
Improper installation can result in leaks or poor performance even when the fixture itself is new.
Water Heaters
Hot water is another major part of residential plumbing.
Plumbers may work with traditional hot water tanks and tankless water heaters, depending on the system and required work.
Water heater services can include diagnosis, repair, replacement and installation.
Problems such as insufficient hot water, leaking equipment or inconsistent temperatures may indicate that the system needs attention.
Renovations
Plumbing becomes particularly important during kitchen and bathroom renovations.
Moving a sink, toilet, shower or appliance may require changes to water supply and drainage lines.
A plumber can help determine what is practical before walls, cabinets and finishes are installed.
Planning the plumbing correctly at the beginning of a renovation can prevent costly changes later.
Plumbing Inspections and Maintenance
Plumbers do not only work on systems after something has failed.
An inspection may identify developing leaks, deteriorating components or other issues before they become more disruptive.
This can be especially useful when:
- A home is older
- Plumbing problems keep recurring
- A renovation is planned
- You are purchasing a property
- You have noticed unexplained changes in plumbing performance
Gas and Heating Work
Some plumbers have additional qualifications that allow them to work with gas and heating systems.
This type of work requires the appropriate training and certification.
Stillwater Plumbing & Heating provides plumbing, heating and gas fitting services in Kamloops.
When Do You Need a Plumber?
You may need a plumber when something leaks, stops draining or stops working, but those are not the only reasons.
A plumber can also help when you’re installing new fixtures, renovating a home, replacing plumbing equipment or investigating changes in the way the system operates.
Stillwater Plumbing & Heating provides Kamloops plumbing services for homeowners who need help diagnosing, repairing or updating their plumbing systems.
Call (250) 819-8247 to discuss your plumbing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Plumbers also install fixtures and piping, work on drainage systems, diagnose plumbing problems and perform maintenance and inspections.
Yes. Fixture installation is a common plumbing service and can include toilets, faucets, sinks, showers and other plumbing fixtures.
Many plumbing contractors install, repair and replace water heaters. The exact services depend on the contractor and the type of equipment.
Yes. Plumbing is an important part of kitchen and bathroom renovations, particularly when fixtures or water and drain lines are being moved.
Some plumbers also hold gas fitting qualifications. Gas work should be performed by someone with the appropriate certification for the work being completed.
Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners
