Disregarding seemingly minor problems can lead to serious health and plumbing issues. There are occasions, when you should seek professional help, even if your dwelling isn’t flooded already. Here in this post, we will discuss the top six occasions when you should call an emergency plumber as soon as possible. Read on.
1. Clogged Drain
Drains used in the kitchen, toilets, showers, and sinks in your home usually function well, and you rarely think of them.
A clogged drain issue isn’t always a big deal. Often, you can get rid of a clog by applying light to medium force.
But, if your drains begin to overflow or back up to the sink, it’s time you call an emergency plumber.
You may feel tempted to fix a clog or blockage on your own but you will be taking a big risk.
Don’t use harsh drain cleaners as they can corrode your drain pipes. Such products do work in the short-term but cause more serious plumbing emergencies in the long-term.
Experienced plumbers can accurately identify the clog spots and offer a long-term solution.
Plumbers often use tools such as drain snakes, plungers, wire brushes, cable augers, angled shafts, etc. to unclog a drain. Such tools are not available in most households.
2. Blocked Toilet
When you suspect your toilet is blocked, don’t just sit back and hope the problem would go away on its own. It won’t. If left untreated, the problem can cause serious health consequences and ruin your bathroom and home.
Some of the common signs of a blocked toilet include:
- Slow draining of water from the toilet bowl
- Toilet bowl fills up when you flush
- Gurgling sound from the toilet or other plumbing fixtures around it
- Foul smell coming from the toilet drain
You don’t want to deal with an overflowing or blocked toilet. To prevent further damage, call in plumbing specialists immediately.
Chances are that plumbing companies in your area offer 24×7 emergency plumbing services. Do not wait until the next day to get an overflowing or blocked toilet fixed.
3. Burst Pipe
A burst pipe can wreak havoc on your home. You may have to deal with serious water damage if you fail to call in professionals to fix a burst pipe in time.
Be on alert for these signs:
- Fluctuations in water pressure
- Formation of puddles under a sink
- Gurgling or hissing sound (of water) between the walls
- Grinding noises behind the walls
- Alarming spike in monthly water bill
- Discolored water running out of faucets
Locating the burst pipe isn’t exactly straightforward. You can’t simply turn off the water supply and hope to pinpoint the problem.
An experienced plumber, on the other hand, can identify the root cause of your problem in about 30-60 minutes.
4. Sewage Odors
If you notice an obnoxious odor in the water running out of a faucet, don’t ignore it. It can be a sewage odor.
It’s possible there’s something wrong with your septic system or sump pump. In either case, it’s a cause of concern.
In case your sewer is backing up, know that it’s only a matter of time before the excess, stinky water with all sorts of pollutants finds its way into your living areas.
Besides having to pay for reversing water damages, you may not be able to use sinks, showers, or toilets until an expert arrives.
So, make sure to contact a plumber as soon as possible.
5. Hot Water Heater Issues
You may have a plumbing emergency on your hands if you notice that the water from your hot water heater smells like rotten eggs.
It is possible that your water heating system has been developing corrosion for sometime on the inside.
Corrosion is also indicated by rusty water.
As a precautionary measure, you can clean your water tank or call in a plumber to get the anode replaced.
Even slight fractures in the water tank can lead to leaks. A small leak can damage your ceiling, walls, basement, or utility closet. In case you notice any tank leaks, be sure to contact a plumber right away. If you want to do it by yourself, there is a guide on how to fix basement wall leaks at home, but it will not be easy.” Link on the phrase “a guide on how to fix basement wall leaks at home
Keep in mind that a water heating system has a limited life span. With time, corrosion eats through the metal, resulting in leaks. If this is the case, you may need to replace your hot water heater.
6. Frozen Pipes
The water pipes outside your property begin to freeze when subzero temperatures hit. The water turns into ice and as a result of expansion, the pipe can burst in no time.
Frozen pipes can also stop the water flow into your home. This means you cannot use the shower, flush the toilet, or even get a glass of water.
Do not try to thaw a frozen pipe on your own with the help of a hair dryer, heat lamp, hot towel, or space heater. You may end up causing more damage. Contact an emergency plumber instead.
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