Plumbing repairs are an unpleasant but necessary part of life in your suburban Chicago home. Whether you have a minor issue like a clogged drain, or a disaster like a sewage backup, plumbing problems are something you can’t overlook. Some issues you may be able to handle yourself, but sometimes you need a professional plumber.
The team of licensed plumbers at TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical has been serving the plumbing repair needs of suburban Chicago residents since 2008. When a plumbing problem strikes your home in the Chicago area, we understand that you’ll want to get the problem fixed fast. Your time is precious, which is why we’ll be on our way quickly and arrive promptly.
Our plumbers have years of experience and will go to great lengths to ensure the best long-term results for your home. You’ll receive upfront pricing with no hidden costs, and we’ll treat you like family from the moment you call to the moment we leave your home.
DIY Plumbing Repairs Vs. Professional Repairs.
You can DIY many minor plumbing issues and save money. A clogged toilet, for example, may be resolved with a plunger. A sewage backup, on the other hand, will require an experienced professional plumber.
Below we’ll discuss many common plumbing issues and some tips on DIY repairs, as well as recommendations about when you need to call a plumber.
Common Plumbing Repairs
Plumbing systems are vulnerable to malfunction from damage or age. Some plumbing problems we hear about nearly every day.
Clogged Drains
Shower drains and sink drains can easily become clogged, whether with hair, food remnants, or other debris. You may be able to clear the clog by using a mix of baking soda and vinegar, and then flushing the drain with hot water. In some cases, you can use a plumbing snake if you’re handy.
If you have clogs in multiple drains at once, however, you likely have a clog in your main line. This is an issue that requires professional assistance.
Sewer Line Blockages
Sewer line blockages can cause back ups into your home that can create a nasty mess and damage your property. If you notice a sewage smell in your home, call us immediately so that we can remedy the problem before it gets worse. Fixing a sewer line blockage is definitely not a DIY project. It’s complex and can expose you to hazardous waste.
Faucet Leaks
You may be able to fix a leak from a faucet or your shower head by replacing an O-ring or with another simple fix. The fix will depend on the type of faucet you have, so look up your specific model to find instructions. If corrosion is present, you may need to replace the faucet, which you can also do yourself.
Of course, if it’s not a project you want to tackle, give us a call.
Running Toilets
A running toilet may be caused by a leaky valve that needs to be replaced, or by a broken flapper chain that needs to be hooked back together. The flapper may also be damaged and need to be replaced. All of these fixes are fairly simple.
Low Water Pressure
The cause of low water pressure can be difficult to diagnose because there are many possible causes. Check your water valve first to make sure it’s fully open, but if that’s not the problem and the low water pressure continues, we can diagnose and repair the issue for you.
No Hot Water
No hot water is clearly as issue with your water heater. Our plumbers are highly skilled at water heater repair or replacement, and would be happy to help. It could need a part replacement, or it may be at the end of its life. If you need a new hot water heater, you might want to consider a tankless water heater which provides greater efficiency and continuous hot water. We can provide options and handle the installation for you.
Leaking Pipes
Pipes that leak are often damaged and need to be replaced, or the issue may have another cause that needs to be located. This generally calls for professional help. Give us a call right away to avoid further damage.
Burst Pipes
Burst pipes can be caused by temperature fluctuations or pressure from tree roots, and create a wet mess. If it happens, shut your water off immediately and give us a call. We’ll get to you quickly to assess the problem and get your plumbing system back up and running as soon as possible. You’ll also likely need to call a water restoration company to ensure that the moisture doesn’t lead to mold.
Sump Pump Not Operating
The most common sump pump issues that our team encounters include:
- Clogs in the pump intake or unit’s discharge line.
- Pump burnout because of a faulty float switch.
- A power outage as the result of a circuit breaker trip.
If it’s not your circuit breaker, give us a call.
Leaking Shower
Unfortunately, showers that are not properly installed can leak and leave you with water coming through the ceiling below. This could be caused by a faulty shower pan, a drain issue, deteriorated grout, or a lack of waterproofing. The remedy can be a simple fix of the drain, or it may be a bigger problem that requires extensive repairs. We will work with you to find the best, most budget friendly-solution.
Plumbing Vent Pipe Blockages
Your vent pipe controls the air pressure in your pipes and keeps water moving through your system. The vent also releases gases and odors that come from wastewater. The opening of the vent stack is on your roof where leaves and debris can get in and cause blockages. To prevent this from happening, you can install a filter or screen on the vent stack on your roof. If you don’t do this and notice signs of a vent line blockage, such as slow drainage, gurgling sounds, or a sewer smell, give TR Miller a call right away.
Maintaining Your Plumbing System
Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to keep your plumbing system running properly and avoid costly issues.
- Don’t flush anything down the toilet except paper and waste.
- Keep an eye out for leaks from your toilet, washing machine, refrigerator, and water heater. The sooner you discover an issue, the less damage the problem will cause.
- Clean your drains regularly with banking soda, vinegar, and hot water. Do not use chemical drain cleaners.
- Have your drain and sewer lines inspected annually. TR Miller can do a camera inspection to detect potential problems. This can save you a lot of money in the long run by preventing costly issues.
- Have your water heater flushed annually. Sediment can build up in your tank over time, which can cause damage to the water heater.
- Shut off your outdoor faucets, disconnect hoses, and insulate your faucets for the winter.
- Let your faucets drip when it’s cold out to prevent freezing pipes.
- Test your sump pump regularly. You might also want to insulate it to prevent it from freezing.
- Clean your showerhead to prevent minerals from becoming trapped inside.
- Check your pipes regularly for leaks and corrosion.
- Insulate your pipes.
- Don’t turn off your heat when you go on vacation so that pipes don’t freeze.
- Watch your water bill. If it’s higher than normal, you may have a plumbing issue that you can’t see.
It’s also a good idea to have an annual plumbing inspection. Our plumbers can detect hidden issues before they become a bigger problem.
Why Choose TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical?
TR Miller has been providing plumbing services to suburban Chicago residents since 2008, and as a family-owned and operated company, we care about our customers and their families.
No matter what you need, we’ll give you our full attention. From plumbing repairs and installation to inspection and maintenance, we are here to assist.
When you need a plumber you can trust in the Chicago area, give TR Miller a call and experience for yourself why we’re a leader in plumbing services in the region.
FAQs
Why Is My Water Bill so High?
A high water bill with no apparent cause, like a running toilet, is usually caused by a hidden leak. Generally, this requires calling a plumber to diagnose and repair the issue.
Why Do I Smell Sewage in My House?
Sewage smells in the home can have several causes, including a clogged drain, leaking sewer lines, a blocked vent, or a dry P-trap. If you can’t locate and fix the cause yourself, call a plumber immediately. The smell could be a sign of a serious problem, and sewage gases can be hazardous.
What Should I Do About a Slow Shower Drain?
You can often fix a clogged shower drain with a snake. If that doesn’t work, you may need a professional drain cleaning. If slow draining occurs often, you may have a more serious problem that needs to be addressed.
Why Are My Pipes Rattling?
Rattling pipes are usually caused by loose pipes or high water pressure, both of which can lead to water damage. It’s not a problem that you should ignore.
Are Tankless Water Heaters a Good Idea?
Tankless water heaters provide continuous hot water and are highly efficient. Many people choose a tankless water heater because of the money they’ll save on their water bill.
Providing the best plumbing services to homeowners in the Greater Chicago area. Proudly serving these cities and surrounding areas:
