What services do plumbers offer?

Plumbers can help with home maintenance

Home maintenance is often a larger task than we think. Whether your home was built recently or long ago, there will be maintenance to complete and problems to solve. Though, of course, the newer your home is, the less maintenance you’ll need to do.

Plumbing issues can be particularly difficult to solve if they’re not immediately addressed. They often develop gradually- clogs in the pipes, for example, do not happen overnight. Sometimes the issues are so small we might not even notice them- such as sinks draining slower or the toilet running.

While some plumbing issues are obviously straightforward, such as those above, it’s not always clear whether you should be calling a plumber or another service. Read on to find out what a plumber can help you with.

Flooding cleanup services

Not only can emergency plumbers help you with flooding, but they may also be able to help you clean up the water damage, too. Water damage can cause serious problems if left untreated. It is more than just an ugly stain on the wall- though that’s a pretty good reason to prevent it as well.

Water damage can threaten the structural integrity of your home, electrical, and piping systems. It can also lead to mold, which can cause serious health problems including respiratory illness.

Sanitizing & disinfection services

With the advent of the Coronavirus, some plumbers are offering sanitizing & disinfection services. Some may even be offering COVID office cleanings. It should be noted that these services are often separate from cleaning services. Your home will need to be cleaned prior to hiring a sanitizing and disinfection service.

Mold removal services

In many cases, mold can be toxic. Certain types can produce dangerous mycotoxins in the wall areas that are transmitted through the air. Mycotoxins cause many adverse health effects. They are considered a serious health threat by the World Health Organization. The effects range from short-term acute poisoning to longer-term effects, such as immune deficiency and cancer.

Mold growth is extremely common in homes. It can, however, be controlled with a few easy steps. Mold often develops because of improper ventilation and uncontrolled humidity. Quality ventilation (and frequent venting) is important as it helps to control humidity. A setup called cross ventilation is most effective at controlling humidity and preventing mold growth.

Anything above 60% of humidity is considered a high humidity level and will provide ideal conditions for mold to grow. Different factors can lead to a high humidity level in the home, including:

• If the house is often heated in Winter

• If long showers are often taken with the windows shut

Condensation can also be a factor, especially in Winter. The difference between the temperature indoors and outdoors can sometimes cause condensation. The moisture will rise the humidity in the home if not wiped away. Eventually, the condensation can also cause mildew.

Mildew is a precursor to mold- it is an organic substance upon which mold can grow. A small amount of mold or mildew – such as in the shower- should not be a great concern, so long as it is removed quickly.

Technology can help you monitor and prevent mold growth. Hygrometers, devices that measure humidity, can be easily ordered online. Specialty devices called ‘mold alarms’ are also available, should you experience a problem with frequent mold growth.

A plumber can help you remove mold safely.

Emergency plumbing services

Plumbing emergencies are probably one of the least fun things in the world. While you’re likely already dealing with water damage, you may be looking at further property damage as well, depending on the severity.

Some commonly occurring plumbing emergencies include:

• An overflowing sink, drain, toilet, or bathtub

• Pipes that are burst or leaking

• Unpleasant smells

You might be asking yourself whether there is a need to call an emergency plumber. The answer to that question is “yes” if there is a risk of water damage, or if there are potentially unsafe conditions.