What to Tell a Plumber When Reporting a Leak

When water is dripping where it shouldn't be, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, spending two minutes collecting key details before calling Robinhood Plumbing at 313-573-8736 will ensure we understand the urgency, bring the exact fittings required, and give you practical instructions right away.

1. Is the Leak Constant or Occasional? This is the single most informative clue for a plumber: - **Constant dripping or spraying:** This almost always indicates a **pressurized water-supply pipe**. These pipes hold continuous municipal pressure (40–80 psi). - **Intermittent dripping:** If it only drips when someone takes a shower, runs the dishwasher, or flushes a toilet, the leak is likely in a **gravity drain or waste-vent pipe**.

2. Can You Identify the Pipe Material? Look closely at the pipe if it is visible: - **Copper:** Shiny penny-colored metal or weathered greenish-brown with soldered joints. - **PEX:** Flexible red, blue, or white plastic tubing. - **PVC or ABS:** Rigid white or black plastic pipe (typically larger diameter drain lines). - **Cast Iron or Galvanized Steel:** Heavy dark gray, black, or metallic threaded pipe found in older homes.

3. Describe the Exact Location and Accessibility Is the pipe hanging openly from an unfinished basement ceiling? Is it tucked deep in a crawlspace? Is it behind a drywall panel or underneath a vanity cabinet? Knowing how easy or difficult the access is helps us budget the proper service window.

4. Have You Shut Off the Water? If water is spraying or active, locate your main shutoff or the local valve under the fixture and turn it clockwise until snug. Let us know if the valve failed to shut off completely.