We tend to forget about our plumbing systems until something goes wrong. A blocked toilet or leaking pipe can quickly add to our stress levels. But how do you know which issues are plumbing emergencies and which ones aren’t? Here’s a look at the main plumbing problems that you should get immediate help for. Oh, and if you’re in the middle of a potential plumbing crisis, scroll to the bottom and call the emergency hotline right away
Have you ever been going about your daily activities, and suddenly you hear gushing water? If so, you’ll know the stress a burst pipe can create. The issue with a burst pipe is that gallons of water can be released in a matter of minutes. If the burst pipe is inside your home, you could be at risk of flooding out your home. Even if your burst pipe has occurred outside, you can rack up a hefty water bill and possibly flood your garden
What should you do if you have a burst pipe? Shut off the water immediately. Once you’ve got the water off, call an emergency plumber. While you’re waiting for them to arrive, you may want to remove any furniture or appliances that may be in harm’s way. Water interacting with electrical appliances can cause a whole new set of problems.
Overflowing toilets can occur for several reasons. The main causes are either a toilet clog or a damaged float mechanism.
An overflowing toilet is an emergency because your home can be flooded out before you know it. Remember to immediately turn off your toilet’s water supply. There should be a water supply valve behind your toilet. Be sure to turn this counterclockwise as fast as you can
Once the water supply is turned off, you can take a deep breath. You may have just prevented your house from being flooded. Next, you should call in a plumber to assess your toilet trouble and fix it for you.
Leaky pipes are a big problem in the US. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, almost 10% of American homes account for around 90 gallons of water loss each day. 90 gallons is a big deal for a household. Fixing a leaky pipe can save you on your water bill, but can also prevent more damage to your home
You might be wondering how a leaky pipe is a plumbing emergency. Well, pipes generally start out with a small leak. If left untreated, a small leak can very quickly become a big leak that becomes hard to control. In a matter of minutes, you could be facing water damage. Don’t forget that electrical outlets are a risk to water leaks. A shorting outlet could cause a fire or a complete power outage
Ever smelled that unsavory smell of sewerage around your property? You could be experiencing a sewer line blockage. Remember that whatever you flush down your sewer may find its way back to your home through your pipes. Yup, if not dealt with, sewerage can actually back up into your home! Talk about a plumbing emergency
Tree roots can also be the culprit by causing cracks in sewer lines. If you suspect you may have a clogged sewer, this is something you definitely want to rely on a plumber to fix. But be sure to get in a professional who will do a comprehensive assessment of your sewer. If there are stray roots causing an issue, these need to be addressed pronto
Prevention Is First Prize: First things first, make sure you’re careful what you flush down your toilet. Items such as wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products can cause clogs. If you have a doubt about flushing it down, it’s best to follow your gut and dispose of it another way. A proactive step is to call in a plumber to conduct a home plumbing inspection. This way, any pressing issues will be detected and dealt with.
If you’re in a plumbing pickle, you can rely on Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric. We understand how inconvenient a plumbing emergency can be. By calling our emergency hotline 1-800-475-1504, you’ll get immediate help. One of our response teams will be there, whatever the emergency, you can trust your plumbing professionals. Be sure to save our emergency number. Or if you’re in the middle of a plumbing emergency, call us right now!