Plumbing emergencies are an inevitable aspect of homeownership. They often strike when you least expect, but they can quickly disrupt your routine. From burst pipes to clogged drains, these emergencies can wreak havoc on your home if you don’t take care of them quickly.
What constitutes a plumbing emergency? How do you know if you need to call a plumber? Here are all your plumbing emergencies explained with your go-to plumbing FAQs from the pros at Swan Denver.
1. What Constitutes a Plumbing Emergency?
Burst PipesPlumbing emergencies are an inevitable aspect of homeownership. They often strike when you least expect, but they can quickly disrupt your routine. From burst pipes to clogged drains, these emergencies can wreak havoc on your home if you don’t take care of them quickly.
What constitutes a plumbing emergency? How do you know if you need to call a plumber? Here are all your plumbing emergencies explained with your go-to plumbing FAQs from the pros at Swan Denver.
1. What Constitutes a Plumbing Emergency?
The signs of a burst pipe are unmistakable. You’ll see rapid water leakage and water damage spreading across the surface near the pipe. If a pipe bursts inside a wall, you may hear strange sounds coming from the wall or floors.
If you have a burst pipe, you have to act quickly. The most important step is turning off the water supply in your home to stop the flow of water. This can prevent damage to your walls and floors. You should also contact a plumber as soon as possible to repair the damage.
Clogged Drains
Whether you have a slow drain, foul odors, or gurgling sounds coming from the pipe, a clogged drain can become more than a nuisance. Left untreated, a clogged drain can lead to a burst pipe and water damage.
Whatever you do, don’t reach for the chemical drain cleaners. These harsh products can damage your pipes, leading to worse problems in the future. Instead of tackling the clog on your own, reach out to a professional plumber to fix the clog using safe and effective methods.
Leaking Water Heater
If you see puddles around your water heater or visible rust, struggle with irregular heating, or notice odd sounds coming from your water heater, you should call a plumber as quickly as possible. Water heaters can be dangerous if they malfunction.
To prevent damage and safety hazards, turn off the power supply to the water heater and the water source. After you secure the area, call a plumber to repair your water heater.
Sewer Line Backup
When you have a sewer line backup, you may hear strange gurgling sounds or smell raw sewage. It’s important to avoid using any water sources in your home if you suspect a sewer line backup.
Call a professional plumber immediately. Sewer line issues are not a DIY job, since there’s risk of extensive damage and contamination.
Toilet Overflow
A toilet overflow is hard to miss. You’ll see water levels rising in the bowl or hear gurgling sounds. A slow flushing toilet is an early warning sign of an impending toilet overflow.
Make sure to act quickly and turn off the water supply to the toilet. Avoid flushing, as this can make the situation worse. Reach out to a plumber to resolve the issue and prevent damage.
Understanding the urgency and appropriate actions for each plumbing emergency ensures that you’re equipped to tackle these situations and minimize damage.
2. How Can I Prevent Plumbing Emergencies?
As the name suggests, plumbing emergencies often strike out of nowhere. Still, you can adopt some preventative measures to reduce the risk of plumbing disasters. Here are some steps to take:
- Check for leaks: Even a minor leak can cause significant water damage over time. Regularly inspect your faucets, pipes, and appliances for signs of leaks. Look for water stains, drips, or puddles around your fixtures.
- Examine your water heater:Water heaters are susceptible to corrosion and leaks, which can cause a lot of damage. Check for rust or corrosion on your water heater tank and look for signs of water pooling around the base.
- Protect your drains:Don’t pour grease down the drain, which is likely to lead to clogs. Allow it to cool and solidify in a container, then dispose of it in the trash. You could also install drain screens to capture hair and other debris.
- Insulate your pipes:Freezing temperatures can lead to burst pipes, which cause extensive damage. Insulate your pipes in unheated or exposed areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
- Disconnect hoses:Leaving hoses connected in winter can lead to frozen pipes and damage. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before winter sets in and store them in indoors.
- Be careful what you flush: Despite the label, “flushable” products often cause clogs in plumbing systems. Refrain from flushing anything but toilet paper and waste.
- Maintain your septic tank: Neglecting your septic tank maintenance can lead to backups and system failures. If your home has a septic tank, schedule inspections and maintenance.
3. How Should I Handle Common Plumbing Issues?
While not every plumbing problem is an emergency, knowing how to address them can go a long way in saving you time and money. Here are some common plumbing problems and how to handle them:
How to Unclog a Drain
Some drain clogs can be handled on your own instead of calling a plumber immediately. You can try plunging, which can effectively dislodge minor clogs. Make sure to keep both a cup plunger and a flange plunger in the house. The former is used for sinks and shower drains while the latter is used for toilets. To plunge, simply create a tight seal around the drain and use a pumping motion to clear the blockage.
Another option is a drain snake, which is a flexible tool designed to navigate through your pipes and reach deep or stubborn clogs. You can pick up a drain snake at your local hardware store. These are simple to use and minimize the risk to your pipes.
If you suspect buildup is the cause of your clog, try baking soda and vinegar. Combining these household items creates a chemical reaction that breaks down and flushes aware minor clogs. Just pour one cup of baking soda in the drain followed by one cup of vinegar. Leave it to sit for 15 or 20 minutes, then flush with hot water.
If all your attempts to dislodge the clog don’t work, it’s best to call a professional plumber. Recurrent drain clogs can indicate bigger problems lurking in your plumbing system.
How to Deal with Low Water Pressure
If you have low water pressure, you will need to troubleshoot the possible causes:
- Inspect pipes and faucets:A reduction in water pressure may be due to leaks. Check your pipes and faucets for visible leaks and address them.
- Clean the aerator:Mineral deposits in the aerator can restrict water flow, leading to low pressure. Remove the aerator from the faucet and clean it thoroughly by soaking in vinegar.
How to Troubleshoot a Running Toilet
A running toilet can cost you a lot of money in wasted water. Here’s how to troubleshoot a running toilet and determine its cause:
- Check the flapper valve:A malfunctioning flapper valve can lead to water continuously running into the bowl. Ensure the valve is sealing properly after each flush. If it’s worn or damaged, replace it.
- Adjust the float:An imbalanced float can cause water to continuously flow into the tank. Adjust the float to correct the water level, preventing overfilling.
How to Fix a Leaking Faucet
A leaking faucet can cause a lot of water waste. Here’s how to fix a leaking faucet:
- Replace the washer:A worn-out washer is a common cause of a leaky faucet. Turn off the water supply, disassemble the faucet, and replace the old washer with a new one.
- Call a professional:If replacing the washer doesn’t work, call a professional plumber.
4. Should I Handle Plumbing Emergencies on My Own?
5. What Happens When You Call an Emergency Plumber?
Emergency plumbing issues are stressful. The most important steps are cutting off the water and power supply to the fixture or appliance, then you can call an emergency plumber near you.
Ideally, you will have a plumbing company you trust on call. If not, call a few local plumbers to inquire about emergency plumbing repairs and explain the situation. Make sure to ask questions, including what the cost estimate may be and how quickly they can come to your home. You should also make sure the plumber is licensed and insured.
Contact Swan Denver for Plumbing Emergencies
Plumbing emergencies are bound to happen from time to time, but being prepared and informed can help you mitigate the damage and get the problem fixed quickly. Regular inspections, preventive measures, and a basic understanding of common plumbing issues can go a long way to helping you stay cool during an emergency.
