Nothing ruins your day like a plumbing problem. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, a blocked drain or a burst pipe, plumbing issues can cause a lot of stress and inconvenience. But not all plumbing problems are created equal, some are minor annoyances that can wait until the next business day, while others are urgent emergencies that need immediate attention. But how do you know which one is which? In this blog post, we’ll help you understand what constitutes as an emergency and what to do when trouble strikes.
Common Plumbing Emergencies
Plumbing emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, and they can cause a lot of damage and disruption. Some of the most common plumbing emergencies include:
Blocked drains: If your sink, shower or toilet is draining slowly or not at all, you may have a blocked drain. This can be caused by a number of reasons and can lead to unpleasant smells, overflowing water and even sewage backup. You will need an emergency plumber to clear the blockage and restore the flow.
You have no hot water: If your hot water system stops working, you may have no hot water at all, or only lukewarm water. This can be very frustrating, especially in winter or when you need to shower or wash dishes. You need an emergency plumber to diagnose and fix the problem, which could be due to a faulty thermostat, a leak or a broken element.
Gas leaks: If you smell gas in your home, you may have a gas leak. This is a very serious and dangerous situation, as gas leaks can cause fires, explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning. You need an emergency plumber to locate and repair the leak, and to ensure your safety. You should also turn off the gas supply, open the windows, and evacuate the premises until the plumber arrives.
Burst pipes: If your pipe bursts, you may have a sudden and large amount of water gushing into your home. This can cause extensive water damage to your property and belongings, and also increase your water bill. You need an emergency plumber to stop the water flow, replace the pipe and to prevent further damage.
Toilet malfunctions: If your toilet is constantly running, overflowing, or not flushing properly, you may have a toilet malfunction. This can be caused by a faulty flapper, a clogged trap or a broken chain. A toilet malfunction can waste water, increase your water bill, or cause a mess. You need an emergency plumber to fix the toilet and restore its function.
Raw sewage overflows: If your sewer line is blocked or damaged, you may have raw sewage overflowing from your drains. This is a very unpleasant and hazardous situation, as raw sewage can contain harmful bacteria, viruses and other such nasties.
Why You Need a Plumber on Speed Dial
If you ever face a plumbing emergency, you don’t want to waste time searching for a reliable plumber. You want to have a trusted plumber on speed dial, ready to help you at any time. Having a plumber on speed dial can save you from a lot of hassle, stress and damage. Even if your plumbing problem turns out to be not an emergency, a plumber can still advise you on what to do until they can come and fix it. There’s no harm in seeking professional help to keep your plumbing in tip top shape.