What Are The Most Common Plumbing Emergencies?

Plumbing issues are usually caused by debris blocking your drain or sewer line. These blockages can cause a slow flow of sewage, backed-up sewers, and even dangerous flooding if not fixed quickly. Toilets and sinks also need regular cleaning to prevent bacteria growth and other health hazards. Leaky faucets and pipes can waste thousands of gallons of water per year. Low water pressure can lead to headaches and other problems. A clogged toilet can cause you to spend hours every week trying to fix it.

As your house gets older, you may notice that your pipes need a bit of attention. You might even see leaks, rusting fixtures, or other signs of aging. But if you’re not careful, you could spend thousands of dollars fixing your plumbing yourself. That’s why hiring a professional plumber is essential when you need help.

There are many plumbing problems, ranging from minor leaks to major disasters. Some are easy to fix, while others require professional help. Knowing what each situation entails will help you understand whether or not you should tackle it yourself.

Overflowing Toilet

Toilets can become clogged when something is blocking the flow of water through the pipes. If you notice that your toilet is not flushing correctly, then call a licensed plumber right away. He will check if the line is blocked and may recommend cleaning the pipes. If the toilet is still not working after cleaning, your plumber will need to investigate further to see what is causing the blockage.

Water Heater Leak and Flooding

A leaky water heater could lead to severe issues like mold growth and structural damage. Leaks also pose a risk to your family and pets. If you notice any signs of leaks, it’s essential to call a professional immediately. 

If there is water pooling under or around your hot water tank, there may be a serious leak somewhere in your system. This leaking is typically the result of an old water heater. A cracked water heater can cause serious problems like flooding or even fire. A professional plumber will temporarily stop the water supply, drain the water heater, diagnose the problem, and suggest whether repair or replacement is necessary.

Leaky Faucets

Leaking taps are a common plumbing problem, especially in older houses with worn-out plumbing fixtures. These leaks can cause damage to your home, including water damage to floors, walls, ceilings, and furniture. Even a tiny amount of water will eventually cause serious issues. Mold and rust are just two of the many problems caused by plumbing leaks. A leaking pipe can also cost you lots of money if left unattended. You could need to replace your roof, flooring, or other parts of your house because of the water damage caused by a leak.

Sewer Backup

A sewer backup occurs when wastewater flows back into the pipes. This usually happens because something is blocking the pipe, like a tree root, a large rock, or a household item not meant to be flushed down your toilet or drain. You may also notice a strong smell from your drains or bubbling toilet water, especially if you have a septic tank. Call your local plumber immediately if you see any signs of a sewer backup.

A Burst Pipe or a Leaky Pipe

Water leaks can cause serious damage to your house or business. A burst pipe or broken sprinkler system can quickly turn your home or office into a disaster zone. Water damage can result in mold growth, structural damage, and even health problems. 

Water can often drip down the sides of sinks and tubs and can be mistaken for a leak when there isn’t one. If you notice water dripping down the side of your sink or tub, wipe up any excess water and check the drain to ensure there aren’t clogs. 

Another problem often confused with a water leak is condensate buildup on the inside of your toilet tank. Condensation is not uncommon in the summer and is often mistaken for a water leak. If you notice any discoloration or mold growth on the inside of the toilet tank, wipe it down first before calling a plumber.

Gas Line Leaks and Repairs

If you suspect there might be a problem with your gas line, call a professional plumber to check out the situation. If you have a gas leak, you should contact 9/11. Gas leaks can lead to serious health risks or be fatal if left unattended. You may need to evacuate your house until the issue is fixed. Contact a plumber to get your gas line checked out.

Gas leaks are not always easy to spot. You might notice a smell coming from your kitchen, but if you don’t see any signs of damage, it could just be an appliance malfunctioning. When looking at appliances, pay attention to the flue vents. These should be clear and free of obstructions. Call your local utility company immediately if you notice anything out of place.

Plumbing emergencies can become extremely dangerous, especially a gas leak, because of the risk of explosions. If you smell gas, turn off all the gas lines immediately, and if there is any chance that the leak could cause an explosion, call 9/11 and your utility company directly.

Because of the danger of an explosion, this should be treated as an emergency, more than just a plumbing emergency. While fixing gas pipes is a typical plumbing service, the priority is getting the gas shut off as soon as possible. It often makes sense first to call your gas supplier or 911.

Call Drain Terrier For All Your Plumbing Services

Drain Terrier offers 24/7 emergency plumber services to all of our customers. If you need drain cleaning, pipe repair, or other plumbing services, call us today at 720-999-6120! 

 

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