Plumbing emergencies, whether big or small, can instantly turn a routine day into a stressful ordeal. But you don’t need to be a licensed plumber to begin returning your life back to normal. By familiarizing yourself with the most common plumbing emergencies, you can feel confident in knowing the best way to move forward.
- Overflowing toilet – An overflowing toilet can be an unsettling sight. It is usually caused by a clogged or malfunctioning float mechanism. The first step to take is shutting off the water flow. The water valve is located at the bottom of the water line behind the toilet and should be turned completely counterclockwise. Once the water flow into the toilet has stopped, the clog or mechanism failure can be addressed. Minor clogs can often be taken care of with a plunger, but major clogs or deep clogs should be handled by a licensed plumber.
- Burst Pipes – A burst pipe is one of the most critical plumbing emergencies with the potential for extensive repair costs. A burst pipe usually happens when old pipes become corroded, tree roots break into the pipe, or during winter when water freezing inside the pipes expands and causes the pipe to crack. If you experience a pipe bursting, your first plan of action should be to immediately shut off the water supply. It is critical to stop the flow of water. If there is standing water inside the home, there is also the danger of electrical shock, and if possible, the main electricity should be turned off. Call us right away if you need help determining the risk level and begin the repair process.
- Leaky Plumbing Fixtures – Worn-out fixtures are the most common cause of leaky faucets. Over time, different parts of your fixture can wear out or loosen. A leaky faucet can significantly increase water bills over time. In addition, a leaky faucet can lead to the formation of rust and mold around the area of the faucet.
- Running toilet –Running toilets are typically caused by a worn-out flapper valve. The faulty valve allows water to flow freely from the tank into the toilet. Less commonly, running toilets may also be caused by sediment buildup that interferes with the flushing and filling. This is more likely if you live in an area that has hard water. Even though this is a fairly straightforward repair with a toilet repair kit from your local hardware store, you can save time and effort by contacting a plumber to inspect your toilet and identify the underlying cause.
Preventing common plumbing emergencies
Plumbing emergencies are among the most dreaded problems that homeowners face. But most often than not, they can be prevented with proper maintenance. That is why it is important to learn how to prevent plumbing disasters before they happen, and to avoid the inconvenience and surprise expense.
Plumbing emergencies are among the most dreaded problems that homeowners face. But most often than not, they can be prevented with proper maintenance. That is why it is important to learn how to prevent plumbing disasters before they happen, and to avoid the inconvenience and surprise expense.
- Inspect your pipes for leaks – Keep an eye out for signs of leaks under your sinks or around the pipes that enter your home. This can include early signs of moisture, rust, or mold.
- Test faucets and water pressure – Your local plumber will be able to test the water pressure throughout your home. The seals, valves, and rings in your faucet can deteriorate over time, so if they are starting to leak, have them replaced.
- Prevent clogs – Preventing clogs begins with knowing what can and what shouldn’t be flushed down the drain or toilet. Some items like grease, fats, and oils, paper towels, sanitary napkins, and many other waste items are not flushable and should never be tossed down the drain. You can also prevent clogs by addressing slow draining as soon as you notice it.
When you need assistance with water-related issues, contact your local plumbers to help you. No matter what plumbing problem you are experiencing, if you need a plumber, make sure you choose a certified professional with years of experience.