A plumbing emergency can be a dangerous situation, and it can also mean disaster if you are not able to fix it as soon as possible. A major plumbing problem can cause a large amount of damage to the pipes and to the building itself, including other equipment that rely on them, like the hot water heater, dryer, and dishwasher.
What Is A Plumbing Emergency?
As the term implies, a plumbing emergency is any plumbing condition or event that would warrant immediate services of a professional plumber. Taking the do-it-yourself route may result in more problems and compromise the household’s health and safety. That is why homeowners are advised to contact a plumbing company promptly or an emergency plumber who knows your area if plumbing warning signs are observed.
However, it is often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of minor problems, and it is almost impossible to diagnose major problems. Therefore, the best thing to do when a minor problem happens is to call your local plumber, who can help you figure out what is wrong.
Here’s how to handle a plumbing emergency:
- Step 1: Assess the other warning signs, while ensuring your family’s health and safety.
- Step 2: Check the possible source of the problem.
- Step 3: Shut off main lines, like water, power, or gas lines.
- Step 4: Call a 24/7 plumbing company or plumber immediately.
5 Reasons To Call The Plumber
- Leaking, Broken, Or Burst Pipe
One of the most common examples of plumbing emergency is when there is a pipe break. You should never attempt to fix any problem yourself if you do not have any previous experience in plumbing.
One of the most basic and simple things you can do if you suspect a leaking pipe is to turn off the main water supply in the house. If you are reading this and don’t know where your home’s main shut off is, find out! If shutting off the main doesn’t solve the problem and a leaky pipe or a faulty drain has caused a house to flood, calling a professional plumber immediately. They can even tell you how long it may take for the damage to subside and, then, assess the damage so that they can determine the best course of action for repair.
- Overflowing Toilet
If you notice that there’s no water in the bowl, then, there’s a possibility that the toilet is leaking. You may hear running water even when the toilet is not in use. There’s also a possibility that the tank could break or burst. It’s rare, but it happens. If the water pressure changes dramatically for some reason internal part of the toilet can become damaged. A problem like this can lead to flooding and damage to any part of the home.
The last thing that you want to do is have to call an expert for an estimate because this will cost you money. However, fixing it yourself could result in worse problems, not only in your bathroom or restroom, but also in your entire home. Repairing or replacing floors or ceilings from a leaking toilet can be very costly.
- Stubborn Clogged Toilet
What causes a clogged toilet? A clogged toilet is usually due to excess waste, hard water deposits, baby oil, feminine products, a toy, but there are other causes as well. It could also be a result of a clogged drain or poor installation.
While you may attempt to remove the object that’s clogging your toilet using a plunger or plumber’s snake, or by flushing the toilet using a huge amount of water, the results are not always successful, unless you have some expert knowledge. Forcefully repairing a clogged toilet may only cause damage that you might result in even more necessary repairs.
- Clogged Sewer Line
Another plumbing emergency that is more common than you may think among homeowners is a clogged sewer line, wherein your pipes may not be draining properly. A clogged sewer line may lead to broken pipes, which can also affect water quality if you depend on a well for your clean drinking water.
- Gas Leaks
One of the most dangerous leaks are gas leaks. Handling gas leaks should be left to the hands of experienced professional plumbers. Shutting off the main valve is a priority if you suspect a gas leak, and contact a plumber right away. Never attempt to fix a gas leak because it’s very dangerous and may cause physical injuries and fire. If you smell gas, get out of the home/building and call a professional from outside. Do not attempt to correct this yourself.
Conclusion
Even though one may only seem like a minor plumbing issue, still, it can put the whole household’s safety and health in very serious risks. So, calling a plumber can actually be worth it regardless of the magnitude of the plumbing problem. Also, be careful when choosing a contractor so you’ll end up with a skilled and licensed professional.
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