5 Common Plumbing Emergencies

There is a reason that many plumbers offer 24-hour emergency service; when you have a plumbing emergency, it can’t always wait until Monday morning. Plumbing emergencies can quickly become very expensive problems, with water damage, mold issues and the inconvenience of being without your water supply. Here are five of the most common reasons plumbers get called in the middle of the night for a plumbing emergency.

  1. Burst pipe. Whether a pipe just gives out or freezing weather causes a burst pipe, one of the most frantic calls plumbers receive is when a pipe bursts. Until it can be fixed, the water to the building must be shut off, so a plumber is needed ASAP.
  2. Clogged toilet. Some clogged toilets can’t be fixed with a plunger. If a toilet is backing up, it can cause a nasty mess that needs professional assistance right away.
  3. Gas leaks. One of the scariest problems that plumbers are called for is a gas leak. Many quality plumbers offer gas leak repair and are to go-to people to call in a gas leak emergency.
  4. Backed-up drains.  A slow drain in a sink isn’t an emergency; however, when all your drains are backing up, you need a plumber – quick! Backed up drains could mean a clogged or broken sewer pipe that needs immediate repair.
  5. Hot water heater problems. Whether you have no hot water or your old tank water heater is leaking gallons of water into your home, water heater problems are a definite plumbing emergency.

If you have a plumbing emergency, find a plumber that offers 365 day, 24-hour service to get the problem resolved right away. To make sure you don’t get charged more than necessary, find a reputable company that offers flat-rate service to make an unexpected plumbing emergency more affordable.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

Plumbing Emergencies

When a plumbing emergency like a broken water line or overflowing toilet happens, it’s important to know how to shut off the water quickly to prevent further damage to your home. Everyone who lives in your home should know how to locate the main shutoff valve for the house, as well as the individual valves for all of the appliances and faucets and where they’re located.  The main water shutoff valve is usually located near the point that the water supply line enters the home.  Some homes do not have a main water shutoff valve.  If your home is one of these, ask your plumber to install a shutoff valve.

If you ever need to turn off a particular fixture, look for the shutoff valve and turn it clockwise. This will shut off the water, but only for that individual appliance. The valve is usually located underneath or behind a fixture at the point where the water supply connects to it through a pipe or pipes.   Make sure to check that the shutoff valve isn’t defective and needs replacing.  Some shutoff valves are not used for years and become stuck or start leaking when they are turned. If so, contact your local plumber and have the shutoff valve replaced.

If the problem is not with a particular fixture or appliance, you may still be experiencing other issues that needed addressed. If your sinks are stopped up or clogged, make sure to shut off the faucet or anything draining into the sink. Avoid using any chemical cleaners if you suspect the entire pipe is clogged – instead, use a plunger or snake to remove the blockage. 

More Basic Plumbing Tips You Should Know

Knowing how your home plumbing system works can be a daunting challenge, but there are plenty of helpful tips and pieces of advice to remember. Having a basic grasp of what to do and what not to do can be the difference between solving simple problems and having a huge job that needs fixing.

During cold months, water can become trapped inside the pipes in your house and can freeze.  Since water expands as it freezes, it can can cause the pipe to burst.  If you think your water pipes might freeze, leaving a faucet running at a trickle can help prevent the problem and prevent your water pipes from being damaged or bursting.

Cold weather can create expensive water line repairs if your pipes do end up freezing. However, there are ways to prevent this from happening. Start by insulating any exposed pipes outside your home. When the temperature drops, make sure that you bring your garden hoses in, and make sure to drain them completely.

If you need to hire a plumber, make sure to have due diligence and research several in your local area. Keep the contact information for your local plumbing service available just in case. Check on the Internet for a plumber’s reviews or talk to people you trust like family or trusted friends about a reliable plumbing professional.

Be cautious if you decide to use toilet tablets that are made of bleach or any tablets that are designed to remove odors. While these can clean the bowl and remove any unpleasant odors, they can also damage any plastic or rubber parts in toilet bowl or tank. Make sure to check any packaging or labeling before you buy, just in case.

Managing a Plumbing Emergency

Few household maintenance issues carry the same level of urgency as a problem with your plumbing. When problems with your plumbing arise, they often require immediate attention. Water flowing unchecked from a damaged pipe or leaking water heater can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your walls, ceilings, floors and personal property, while any problems involving sewage or septic systems should be considered a health emergency.

Being prepared for a plumbing emergency can help you mitigate much of the damage until a professional plumber arrives, so knowing basic information like how to shut off your water supply to a damaged fixture or how to operate the shut-off valve for your entire home is a smart move. It’s also a good idea to establish a relationship with a reputable, licensed plumber in your area so that you know exactly who to call when you’re in need. Many plumbing companies do offer emergency services around the clock, but combing through the phone book or an online directory in search of one when minutes count is a major inconvenience that could increase the level of damage done to your home.

After your plumber has been reached, and you’re sure that someone is en route, make the most of the situation by mopping up as much of a major leak as possible. Not only will this help you to manage cleanup more easily after the repairs are finished, but also to clear the way for your plumber as much as possible. If the leak is one that involves untreated sewage, you’ll need to remember that it should be treated as a biohazard to avoid the health risks associated with waste. Managing a plumbing emergency is never fun, but the process can be simplified greatly by simple emergency preparedness.