Most Common Plumbing Emergencies
Emergency plumbing problems typically occur when you least expect them. Even something as simple as a drain repair problem can result in costly damages to your home.
Being aware of the most common plumbing emergencies will help you to anticipate problems and deal with them effectively when they do occur.
Blocked Drains
Blocked drains are never fun, but in most cases, drain cleaning (removing hair, etc.) will do the trick. If, after a few attempts, you can’t fix the problem, hire a professional to perform a drain repair before it turns into a bigger issue. Most home remedies for blocked drains simply don’t work. Plumbers have the necessary equipment to fix blocked drains fast.
Clogged Toilets
A clogged toilet can cause significant water damage and unsanitary conditions – never a fun problem to try to resolve. If you do encounter this common plumbing emergency, turn off the water supply valve under the toilet tank to prevent additional water from entering the bowl. If using a plunger doesn’t clear the clog, call a plumber.
Running Toilet
A constantly running toilet will end up costing you a lot of money in water bills and should be considered an emergency and seen to immediately. A plumber can quickly fix the problem.
Broken Water Heater
From water that’s too hot or too cold, to water that emits a strange odour, water heater problems are a pain to deal with. Flushing out the water tank can solve odour and color problems and even improve its efficiency. If the water heater is leaking, you’ll need to call an expert for a water heater repair.
Leaking Faucets
Similar to a running toilet, a leaking faucet wastes a lot of water. The cost of a leaky faucet repair depends on the cause of the leak. The good news is that in most cases, fixing a leaking faucet typically isn’t an expensive repair and they usually don’t take long to fix.
Sewer Backups
When a sewer backup develops, the sewage starts coming back up through the pipes, usually due to a blockage somewhere. This can cause foul odours around your home, together with lots of leakages – a nasty problem and one that you’ll want to address asap.
Burst Pipes
A lot of homes have pipes that are positioned near the surface, and in some cases above ground. When frigid temperatures occur, the water in these pipes freeze, causing them to burst. It is recommended that you cover any above-ground pipes with towels during cold periods to prevent freezing. You should also disconnect water hoses from faucets.
If you do end up with a burst pipe, turn off the main water supply, running cold water until the present supply runs out. Next, call a plumber as soon as possible to have the problem resolved. If you experience any of the above plumbing emergencies, your best bet for getting them fixed quickly and effectively is to hire a reputable plumber that offers 24/7 emergency services.