A kitchen fire or a power outage isn’t the only emergency that requires prompt action. Your home plumbing system could also pose a risk. A minor water leak can flood your bathroom and, in the worst-case scenario, your entire home.
Generally, plumbing service providers operate during normal business hours. Plumbing emergencies, however, require assistance at odd hours. Nonetheless, you must know what qualifies as an emergency to be wise about calling them over. Here’s a quick guide addressing common plumbing emergencies and cautioning against non-emergency situations.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an average household water leaks around 10,000 gallons of water annually. That equals 1 trillion gallons nationwide - enough to provide water to 11 million properties. To conserve water and protect your property, you must learn about plumbing emergencies. Here are a few examples that require immediate action.
Water Leaks
Minor water leaks are usually not an emergency and can wait a day or two for repairs. However, the moment you spot extensive leakage, it’s time to reach out to an emergency plumber. Water leaks can take a toll on your building’s integrity.
Even worse, small leaks are often unnoticeable. Meaning you may spot them only after they’ve done considerable damage to the property. Water leaks also pose a fire hazard upon reaching electrical wiring. Immediate action is better than procrastinating treatment and escalating the problem.
Burst Pipes
Burst pipes can flood your property quickly. A single burst pipe has the potential to release gallons of water in your home. This can wreak havoc on your walls, furniture, flooring, and other prized possessions.
Not calling a plumber immediately means exacerbating the damage and losing more money. However, before you do that, consider shutting off the main water supply to prevent further damage.
Water Stains
Water stains on walls and ceiling do not appear immediately after the leak. So, if you spot any stains, it indicates a leak has been affecting your home’s integrity for quite a while now.
Sagging Ceiling
A discolored or sagging ceiling is yet another indication of a plumbing problem. This is relatively serious and requires prompt action because the ceiling can collapse. Delaying the work will only make things more expensive and risk the safety of those in the building. Consider turning off the main water supply and contacting a round-the-clock plumbing company.
Damaged Water Heater
A failing water heater means showering with cold water. This risks your well-being and can be a serious issue in the winter. Cold weather and no water heater are a dangerous combination. Seek help from 24/7 emergency plumbing services for immediate repairs.
Gas LeaksA gas leak can be incredibly dangerous and requires a call to an emergency plumber. Natural gas is odorless, so companies add chemicals to help us detect it. If you smell rotten egg odor around your property, it signifies a gas leak.
Whistling or hissing sounds also point toward a gas leak. Finally, you may observe the flames on your furnace or stove. They must appear blue, but if they’re orange, it signifies a ventilation problem.
Gas leaks can also lead to physical symptoms, including:
Note that these are only minor issues. Continuous exposure to the gas can lead to severe health symptoms or death. If you notice any tell-tale signs, contact a plumber right away.
Sewage Back-Up
This plumbing problem also requires you to rely on your sense of smell. If a nasty sewage odor lingers around your property and refuses to go away even after adequate ventilation, you might have a sewage backup.
Water backup in drains also indicates a sewage backup problem. For instance, you may observe water returning when you flush the toilet or open the sink faucet. Alternatively, water may pool as you take a shower.
Sewage backup releases contaminants indoors and may lead to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Blocked Drain
Paper towels, soap residue, wipes, and hair that enter the pipes can clog the plumbing system. To prevent this, avoid throwing paper towels down the drain and clean the hair after every shower. Clogs may also appear in the form of water puddles and slow drainage. This means you require professional help to unclog the drain and allow the water to move through the pipes seamlessly.
Low Water Pressure
If the water pressure is low in any faucets around your home, getting the pipes inspected by a professional is a good idea. Generally, a clogged aerator reduces the water pressure. However, there could be a larger problem, such as a failing pressure regulating valve. This will require help from an experienced plumber.
You can easily reach out to any plumber. However, a few cases can wait until the next business day. This will keep you from paying for emergencies. Inspecting the issue and seeing if it requires an immediate fix.
When you encounter a plumbing emergency, the key is to remain calm and turn off the water supply when necessary. If you spot a minor issue requiring a temporary fix, do not hesitate to give it a go. Serious plumbing problems require professional help, and getting in touch with a company that offers round-the-clock services may be your best option.