Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, and it’s easy to feel like you need to act quickly to avoid further damage. But before you call a plumber on an emergency basis, it’s helpful to assess your situation carefully and decide whether or not the problem should wait until regular business hours or if it’s actually an emergency that requires immediate attention.
The most common residential plumbing issues include clogged drains, broken pipes, and gas leaks, but other things can cause problems too. One of the most important things you can do to keep plumbing problems at bay is to regularly schedule routine maintenance and inspections. This will help you keep your fixtures, drainage systems, and pipes in good condition so you can avoid costly plumbing repairs in the future.
It’s also a good idea to make sure you have the right plumbers on your emergency list, as there are a lot of sub-par operators out there. Always choose a company with a solid reputation and plenty of positive online reviews, and you’ll be in good hands when it comes to your plumbing needs.
1. Clogged Toilet
A clogged toilet is another common emergency that needs to be handled immediately to minimize the amount of mess you have to clean up later. There are a few ways to deal with this if you can’t wait until a plumber arrives: 1. Turn off the water at your home’s main shut-off valve or plunge the toilet to clear out the blockage. This will prevent further water from entering your home, and it will also reduce the amount of time you have to deal with the problem.
2. Plumbing Blockages
If the blockage isn’t too big, you can usually do it yourself using a plunger and boiling water, but if it’s a large, complex issue then we recommend calling an emergency plumber as soon as possible to save you from more costly repair costs down the track.
3. Burst Pipes are a Real Plumbing Emergency
A burst pipe is one of the most serious plumbing problems. It can saturate your home with water and cause major structural damage. It’s crucial to stop the flow of water before the plumber arrives, as this will reduce the damage and lessen the amount of mold you may have to clean up later.
4. Flooding is a Plumbing Emergency
When your house floods, it can be very scary and a huge problem to deal with. Typically this is the result of a sewer backup, a burst pipe, or a water shut-off valve that has failed.
5. Not having Hot Water is an Emergency
Having no hot water can be especially troublesome during winter, and it’s not something that most people take the time to think about until they have to. Not having access to warm water can be particularly dangerous if you have young children or elderly family members in your household, and it’s important to call an emergency plumber as soon as you notice the issue.