Many people may not know that there’s a difference between plumbing and drain problems and we often equate them to the same thing. So what is the difference between plumbing and drain issues?
There is an easy way to remember the difference between Drain and Plumbing problems.
Plumbing = Fresh Water In
Plumbing problems involve fresh water coming into your home and water running through your pipes.
Drain = Waste Water Out
Think of drain issues as water going out of your home, like when you flush the toilet or water going down your sink, for example.
Plumbing Problems vs. Drain Problems
Common Drain Problems
- Slow or clogged drains for your sink, toilet, shower, kitchen, or washing machine (this often includes standing water in your bathtub/shower, or when your kitchen sink or washing machine won’t drain).
- Sewer line break or leak
- Septic tank break or leak
- Lift Station Pump/Grinder Pump
Common Plumbing Problems
- Dripping faucet
- Low water pressure
- You have no water at all
- Sprinkler System Leaking
- Water heater issues
- Shower Leaking
- Running toilet
- Overflowing toilet
- Pipe breaks that cause wet spots on your carpet or floor
Why Expertise and Specialization Matters
Depending on the company you hire, many plumbers may also take care of drain issues – but know that not every plumber works on drains. TLC has individuals who specialize in drains, and because we run drain calls daily, our technicians are experts in their field. Their drain machines are up to date and functioning at the highest level. Conversely, a plumber who does drain work in addition to their regular plumbing duties may not have the same level of expertise or equipment.
Drains often require special equipment to fix a problem and not every company has this specialized equipment on hand. For example, sometimes a drain issue may require a jetting machine (high pressure water), which is used to clear a drain of soft blockages. If a plumber cannot solve your drain problem, you may have to find a company that also does drain work.
Additionally, it’s beneficial if the company has a drain inspection camera on hand. Here at TLC, those cameras come standard on all of our trucks. This technology is used to inspect your pipes and to help us visually diagnose the problem. Some companies will actually have camera technicians, like TLC, who are highly skilled at identifying drain problems. It is beneficial to have a professional who can appropriately recognize these issues, saving you time and money.
Knowing the Difference Will Save You Time, Money, and Headaches
Knowing the difference between plumbing and drain issues will save you time and money because you’ll know the right questions to ask. Because not every plumber performs drain work, you wouldn’t want to call a plumber out to your house thinking it was an plumbing issue, only to find that plumber doesn’t perform drain work and that you’ll have to begin the whole process again of finding someone to fix your problem. Drain issues aren’t the sort of thing that you want to have to deal with for several days…if you know what we mean. Plus, when you use a company that specializes in both plumbing and drains, you’ll know that you’re not only getting the right person for the job, but someone who is skilled enough to diagnose the problem and get the job done quickly and efficiently.
TLC Plumbing is an Albuquerque Plumbing Company. If you are in need of service in New Mexico, give us a call!