Home Services: When to Call an Emergency Plumber

Homeowners experience a lot of plumbing emergencies, and some can be frustrating if not stressful. A clogged pipe causes the home to flood, smell, or even make it inhabitable. Sometimes the homeowner has no clue what’s happening or, even worse, how to make it stop. Some of these emergencies at home can cause severe damage if not addressed immediately. 

The most common emergencies at home include blocked pipes and spillage. You can avoid minor emergencies from becoming disastrous by fixing them on time or by calling an emergency plumber who comes in to save the day. Let’s dive in to explore the most common emergencies homeowners experience.

Common Home Emergencies Homeowners Experience

Home plumbing issues can be a real headache, but with proper knowledge and preparation, it’s possible to control the damage. Knowing what to do during a plumbing emergency can help fix the issue quickly by recognizing the signs of a problem. Here’s a list of widespread plumbing emergencies and how to manage them. But don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber if you have no idea what to do. 

Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are the most extreme plumbing emergencies in a home. It can occur due to low temperatures that cause pipes to freeze or high-water pressure. A burst pipe can cause severe water damage in your home and needs to be stopped immediately. The signs of a burst pipe are; low water pressure, leaking taps, a surge in the water bill, and water spots on walls or ceiling.

What to do: Once you notice any of the signs above, turn off the water supply from the main supply, then can an emergency plumber. Before the plumber arrives, you can try to locate the source of the problem and manage it by trapping the water in containers. 

Clogged/Blocked Drains

Blocked drains are also common problems that can happen in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. Grease, hair, soap, or foreign object buildup can cause them. The signs of clogged drains are gurgling sounds, slow drainage, and foul odors from the sinks. 

What to do: You can plunge the sink or bathtub to unclog the drain. If it doesn’t work, uses a drain snake to unclog the drainage, and if none of these methods work, call a plumber. 

Overflowing Toilet

When foreign objects enter the toilet, they block it causing an overflow. It can be messy and unpleasant; you must call the plumber immediately. An overflowing toilet results from a blocked sewer, a broken wax ring, or a malfunctioning valve. Your toilet is overflowing if; 

• Water is overflowing from the bowl
• A gurgling sound 
• Foul odor

What to do: Turn off the water supply to the toilet and use a plunger to try unblocking the way. If it doesn’t work, call a plumber. 

Water Heater Failure

Water heater failure problems are common during winter months. It can happen for various reasons, a malfunctioning thermostat, a buildup of sediment, or a broken heating element. A malfunctioning water heater means there’s no hot water, the tank will leak, and you’ll hear strange noises from the tank. 

What to do: Turn off the power to the water heater and call an emergency plumber instantly. 

Leaking Faucets

A leaking faucet is annoying. Although a problem might appear minor, you may be unable to fix it. Remember, as you try to fix the issue, much water might go to waste and cause your water bill to hike. A worn-out washer, loose parts, or corroded valve seat cause it.

What to do: Try to tighten the faucet or replace the washer and if it doesn’t work, call a plumber to fix the issue. 

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Plumbing Service

Hiring a professional plumber is beneficial in various ways to homeowners. Although it may be tempting to try DIY to fix plumbing emergencies, there are some things you can’t fathom and need experts. Here are the major benefits of hiring a professional plumbing service. 

Quality Workmanship

Some issues around the home can be easily fixed using DIY guidelines. However, some issues need a professional plumber’s expertise for quality artistry. A professional plumber has the experience and skills to handle water issues you may not anticipate. They can also diagnose and fix plumbing problems quickly and efficiently. Besides, they also have the right tools needed for the job. 

Access to the Latest Tools and Equipment

A professional plumber has advanced tools for the job. They use pipe cameras, leak detectors, or hydro-jetting machines to detect the problem and fix the problem appropriately. The right tools make work easier, and help plumbers accurately complete the job.

Warranties and Guarantees

Professional plumbers offer warranties for their service. Warranties are a guarantee for further service when a problem recurs, at no further cost. A warrant gives you peace of mind when working with a professional offering because they’ll ensure the job is completed correctly. 

Time and Cost Savings

Working with a professional plumber guarantees timely, quality work and saves you money. You may view the issue as minor and attempt DIY, yet fail to fix the issue or make the problem worse. Some plumbing repairs need more time and effort, and you may not fix the problem. However, once you call an emergency plumber, they know how to approach the issue correctly without wasting time. 

Preventive Maintenance

A skilled plumber can offer advice on preventive measures to help tackle plumbing issues in the future. Regular maintenance like drainage or pipe inspection cleaning can help identify and address potential problems before escalation. Dealing with plumbing problems before they become major problems can save you the cost and time wasted during repairs. 

Conclusion

Sometimes, an emergency plumber can save the day when you have problems like leaking pipes, clogged drainage, or burst pipes. Hiring a professional plumber is beneficial because they know what to do in plumbing emergencies and have the right tools. While you can handle some plumbing emergencies, be careful not to make the problem worse and end up spending more money in the long run. Additionally, you should ensure that the plumber you work with is skilled, reliable, experienced, and available anytime for emergencies.