Plumbing emergencies are likely something you prefer to avoid thinking about. That’s understandable since they can be a bit messy. You can avoid dwelling on a potential plumbing emergency, but the more you know, the better prepared you’ll be when one does happen. Here, we will go over the most common types of plumbing emergencies so you can be better equipped to handle them.
Clogged or Overflowing Toilet
Let’s get one of the nastiest plumbing emergencies out of the way first. A clogged or overflowing toilet isn’t pleasant, and unfortunately, it’s also a common occurrence. Your toilet is the most hardworking (and most important) fixture in your home. A clogged toilet can cause overflowing, which in turn can lead to serious wastewater damage if not addressed.
The solution to a clogged toilet is to always have a plunger handy, as this can fix the issue before overflowing occurs. However, if you have a toilet that is constantly clogging, there could be a more problematic underlying issue with the pipes. In this case, it’s best to call a plumber to come and take a look.
Burst Pipes
A burst pipe has the potential to cause serious damage to your home. Depending on the severity, a burst pipe can quickly cause flooding that could require extensive and expensive repairs. There are a couple of things you can do to better prepare yourself in case a pipe bursts. First and foremost, ensure you know the location of your main water shut-off valve. If you spot a burst or even leaky pipe, shut off your main water supply and call a professional before the situation worsens.
To better prevent a burst pipe from occurring in the first place, you can leave a small drip of water running from faucets during the colder months. It’s also a good idea to disconnect all outdoor hoses during wintertime.
Sewage Backup
This is another plumbing emergency that you can keep your fingers crossed never happens. Sewage isn’t just disgusting, it can also carry bacteria and disease. Any home with a basement, particularly those in low-lying areas or flood zones, is the most likely to suffer from a backup.
If this sounds like your house, your best sewage offense is a good defense. Install a backwater valve in your mainline, which will stop fluids from backing up through your drains. A professional plumber will easily be able to install a backwater valve. Sewer and water line failures are the source of some of the most serious plumbing problems. Pipes may burst due to cold temperatures or deterioration of old materials.
Clogged Sink
A clogged sink is likely something we’ve all had to deal with, and it’s more of an inconvenience than anything. It can be a bit more problematic, however, if your clog causes overflowing to occur. Unfortunately, if a plunger or other DIY method doesn’t prevail, your best bet is to call a plumber. A severely clogged sink can be a little bit tricky to take care of yourself.
Broken Water
If you notice foul-smelling or dirty-looking water, or you just don’t have any hot water at all, it’s likely your water heater is damaged. Going without running hot water isn’t an option, and unfortunately, there isn’t really a DIY fix for this one. If your water heater is on the fritz, call out a plumber to take a look. The best way to prevent a broken hot water heater is to ensure professional annual maintenance.
Plumbing is important. In fact, most people don’t realize how heavily they depend on it until something breaks. Sure, you can fix a lot of common plumbing emergencies yourself, but it’s always a good idea to have the number of a professional handy for those more serious cases.
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