Most homeowners are not strangers to maintenance and repairs. While modern homes are mostly self-sufficient, homeowners occasionally need to step in and make repairs.
However, some repairs are beyond our means. For example, most of us don’t have the experience, tools, or expertise to handle plumbing emergencies.
Yet, if we fail to act quickly, our homes might sustain serious damage. The question is, what plumbing issues qualify as an emergency?
Great question. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about when to call a plumber ASAP.
Clogged Drains
You might not think that a clogged drain is anything to panic over. However, clogged drains might be indicative of a much bigger problem.
If your kitchen sink is backed up, you might think the problem is a localized issue. However, it could be that your entire drainage pipe is clogged up with oil, grease, and food particles. In this case, sending clog removers down the drain and snaking the pipe won’t be enough to clear the blockage.
Leaking Appliances
If you’ve ever had an appliance spring a leak, you know all about common plumbing emergencies. If you keep your wits about you, you can cut off the flow of water at the source. If that’s not an option, you can cut off water to the entire home.
However, without running water, your household will come screeching to a halt. This means no toilet, no showers, no drinking water, no dishes, no laundry, no cooking, etc.
Call an emergency plumber as soon as possible to get things back in working order.
Backed Up Toilets
Clogged toilets can become serious plumbing problems. Most of the time, we can remedy the situation with the skillful use of a plunger.
If that doesn’t do the trick, however, you’re stuck without a toilet. This is a definite plumbing emergency if you only have one toilet in the house. It’s also a major problem if your toilet is backing up and spilling onto the bathroom floor.
Broken Water Lines
Burst, frozen, and broken waterlines easily qualify as plumbing emergencies. If the water is turned on, these compromised lines will spray water all over the place.
No matter where the broken water line is located, this is bad news. Excess water can damage carpets, drywall, wood, and most other materials in the home.
No Hot Water
Finally, if you’re preparing to take a shower or wash dishes and notice the water isn’t getting warm, you might have a problem. It could be something simple, like a tripped breaker.
Unfortunately, failure to get hot water might indicate a bigger issue with your water heater. It might not be receiving power. It could also be caused by a faulty heating element.
Are You Dealing With Plumbing Emergencies?
Do you know when to call a plumber? We hope this guide helps you avoid expensive damages and serious plumbing problems. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you’re experiencing plumbing emergencies.
And if you want more homeowner tips, DIY advice, and home maintenance guidance, don’t go anywhere. Our blog was created to help people like you master the art of homeownership. Check out some of our other articles while you’re here.
