{"id":334,"date":"2015-06-27T20:00:25","date_gmt":"2015-06-27T20:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/?page_id=334"},"modified":"2017-06-15T13:28:40","modified_gmt":"2017-06-15T13:28:40","slug":"do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need a Plumber in Grand Rapids MI?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do I Need a Plumber?<\/h1>\n

Plumbing issues can range\u00a0from minor annoyances to major headaches. But when you have a water issue, is it time to call a professional, or can you tackle the job yourself? Here is a quick guide for when you might (or might not) want to call a plumber in Grand Rapids.<\/p>\n

General Tips<\/strong>
\nFirst, there a few good rules of thumb to remember when considering doing anything to do with water in your home.<\/p>\n

\"Tools\"<\/a>1. \u00a0Dress comfortably, and be prepared to get wet!
\n2. \u00a0Shut off the water main or appropriate valve before attempting any work.
\n3. \u00a0Keep a good Grand Rapids plumber’s number close by. \u00a0If your kitchen suddenly turns into Niagara\u00a0Falls, you’ll be happy you did.
\n4. \u00a0Be careful with your fixtures. \u00a0Know where everything goes, and if possible, bring the broken part to the hardware store with you. \u00a0This will stop you from having to make multiple trips.<\/p>\n

Let’s look at a few common issues.<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Low Water Pressure<\/strong><\/p>\n

Low water pressure can happen anywhere, but you’ll usually notice it in a sink or shower. \u00a0It is possible that there is an issue with the water main or well, but often it is a problem with built-up sediment in your plumbing fixture.<\/p>\n

In Grand Rapids and other parts of Michigan, it’s very common to get buildup of minerals and sediment in water. \u00a0Sometimes you can smell the iron, or see the white calcium deposits. \u00a0Often, even if it’s not obvious, this buildup is creating your low water pressure.<\/p>\n

An easy fix is to remove the sink aerator or shower head, and clear out any visible sediment. \u00a0Then, let it soak in vinegar or CLR for 5-10 minutes. \u00a0Once you re-attach the newly-cleaned piece, your water pressure should be noticeably better.<\/p>\n

If this does not fix the issue, or you are noticing decreased water pressure throughout your house or apartment,\u00a0call the water department to see if there are any issues in your area. \u00a0If not, call a plumber. \u00a0You may have a leak or breach in your pipes, which can be very damaging if left alone.<\/p>\n

2. \u00a0Slowly Draining Water<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Inspection\"<\/a>Tubs, toilets, sinks, and showers can drain slowly. \u00a0Fortunately, this is one of the easier fixes on our list!<\/p>\n

Typically, slowly draining water is a result of a clog in the\u00a0drain. \u00a0Depending on the situation, your best tools to fix the situation are:<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Plunger
\n2. \u00a0Zip-It Tool (cheap tool available at most hardware stores)
\n3. \u00a0Needle-nose pliers
\n4. \u00a0Chemical drain cleaners (such as Drano and Liquid Plumr)<\/p>\n

First, remove the pop up or any other attached portion of the drain. \u00a0This can usually be done with a screwdriver and\/or pliers. \u00a0If appropriate, try the plunger. \u00a0Next, try the Zip-it Tool or Pliers to remove any hair, sediment, or other debris in the drain. \u00a0Finally, if it is still draining slowly, use the chemical drain cleaners according to the instructions. \u00a0Troubleshooting in this order is better for the environment and easier on your plumbing system.<\/p>\n

3. \u00a0Leaky Pipes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pipe leaks usually happen at the worst times. \u00a0A busy morning in the bathroom, the day before you\u00a0were going to clean your basement, or a cold winter day. \u00a0Here in Michigan, the constant weather changes create even more challenges.<\/p>\n

Pipe leaks often occur\u00a0at the joints. \u00a0As a result, hardware stores have a lot of joint fillers and fitting compounds in their plumbing section. \u00a0But remember… these are temporary fixes. \u00a0Based on the complexity of the job, it may be possible for you to change out the damaged pipe, or replace the faulty connector. \u00a0There are many good guides online. \u00a0However, if the work seems too complicated, or you’ve unsuccessfully tried to fix it yourself, it’s probably a good time to call a local Grand Rapids plumber.<\/p>\n

\"Inspector\"<\/a>4. \u00a0Running Toilet<\/strong><\/p>\n

Usually, a toilet will run\u00a0based on problems with one of four elements:<\/p>\n

1. Flapper Valve
\n2. Fill Valve\/Fill Tube
\n3. Float Apparatus
\n4. Flush Valve<\/p>\n

Fortunately, these are all relatively easy repairs. \u00a0A simple toilet repair kit (and the accompanying instructions) from your local hardware store makes this a good do-it-yourself\u00a0project.<\/p>\n

5. \u00a0Dripping Faucet<\/strong><\/p>\n

Water pressure through your house drives the water through the pipes. \u00a0When you have your faucets off, rubber or silicone-based washers create water-tight seals which prevent those annoying drips. \u00a0Unfortunately, these wear out over time, and can break, become brittle, or get loose, which causes leaks.<\/p>\n

This seems like a very simple fix. \u00a0Unfortunately, it can be tough to handle without specialized tools. \u00a0In addition to worn-out washers, the valve seat can be damaged, or you may have ceramic taps that require more intricate work. \u00a0In this case, it’s best to call a plumber.<\/p>\n

As always, feel free to contact us at Honeybee Homes at (616) 606-3390 for additional help regarding your home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Do I Need a Plumber? Plumbing issues can range\u00a0from minor annoyances to major headaches. But when you have a water issue, is it time to call a professional, or can you tackle the job yourself? Here is a quick guide for when you might (or might not) want to call a plumber in Grand Rapids. Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":445,"menu_order":110,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-334","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nDo I Need a Plumber in Grand Rapids MI? | Honeybee Homes, LLC | We Buy and Sell Grand Rapids Real Estate<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Do I Need a Plumber in Grand Rapids MI? | Honeybee Homes, LLC | We Buy and Sell Grand Rapids Real Estate\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Do I Need a Plumber? Plumbing issues can range\u00a0from minor annoyances to major headaches. But when you have a water issue, is it time to call a professional, or can you tackle the job yourself? Here is a quick guide for when you might (or might not) want to call a plumber in Grand Rapids. Read More\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Honeybee Homes, LLC | We Buy and Sell Grand Rapids Real Estate\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HoneybeeHomes\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2017-06-15T13:28:40+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/500-500-Honeybee-Logo.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@HoneybeeHomes\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi\/\",\"name\":\"Do I Need a Plumber in Grand Rapids MI? | Honeybee Homes, LLC | We Buy and Sell Grand Rapids Real Estate\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2015-06-27T20:00:25+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2017-06-15T13:28:40+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Learning Center\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Do I Need a Plumber in Grand Rapids MI?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/\",\"name\":\"Honeybee Homes, LLC | We Buy and Sell Grand Rapids Real Estate\",\"description\":\"We Buy and Sell Grand Rapids Real Estate\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Honeybee Homes, LLC\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/150-150-Honeybee-Logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/150-150-Honeybee-Logo.png\",\"width\":150,\"height\":150,\"caption\":\"Honeybee Homes, LLC\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HoneybeeHomes\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/HoneybeeHomes\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/10096890\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/thehoneybeehomesllc\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Do I Need a Plumber in Grand Rapids MI? | Honeybee Homes, LLC | We Buy and Sell Grand Rapids Real Estate","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Do I Need a Plumber in Grand Rapids MI? | Honeybee Homes, LLC | We Buy and Sell Grand Rapids Real Estate","og_description":"Do I Need a Plumber? Plumbing issues can range\u00a0from minor annoyances to major headaches. But when you have a water issue, is it time to call a professional, or can you tackle the job yourself? Here is a quick guide for when you might (or might not) want to call a plumber in Grand Rapids. Read More","og_url":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi\/","og_site_name":"Honeybee Homes, LLC | We Buy and Sell Grand Rapids Real Estate","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HoneybeeHomes","article_modified_time":"2017-06-15T13:28:40+00:00","og_image":[{"width":500,"height":500,"url":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/500-500-Honeybee-Logo.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@HoneybeeHomes","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi\/","url":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi\/","name":"Do I Need a Plumber in Grand Rapids MI? | Honeybee Homes, LLC | We Buy and Sell Grand Rapids Real Estate","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/#website"},"datePublished":"2015-06-27T20:00:25+00:00","dateModified":"2017-06-15T13:28:40+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/do-i-need-a-plumber-in-grand-rapids-mi\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Learning Center","item":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/learning-center\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Do I Need a Plumber in Grand Rapids MI?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/#website","url":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/","name":"Honeybee Homes, LLC | We Buy and Sell Grand Rapids Real Estate","description":"We Buy and Sell Grand Rapids Real Estate","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/#organization","name":"Honeybee Homes, LLC","url":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/150-150-Honeybee-Logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/150-150-Honeybee-Logo.png","width":150,"height":150,"caption":"Honeybee Homes, LLC"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HoneybeeHomes","https:\/\/x.com\/HoneybeeHomes","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/10096890","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/thehoneybeehomesllc"]}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/334","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=334"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/334\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3008,"href":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/334\/revisions\/3008"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/445"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=334"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}