Most homeowners will agree that any plumbing problem in their home feels like an emergency or at least carries a huge sense of urgency. The thought of water damage to your home, and the expense to repair it is demoralizing. And when you think about a sewage leak or flood from a drain problem, panic really sets in. But there is a significant difference between what a homeowner and what a licensed plumber see as an emergency. And knowing the difference can save you a chunk of money and even a sleepless night.
What Is A True Plumbing Emergency?
When you are facing a legitimate plumbing emergency, time is a significant factor. In these cases, the longer you wait for a repair, the worse the damage will become. That also translates to increased costs of repairing the plumbing problem and usually the damage to your home.
There are some plumbing emergencies that you can fix yourself. A cracked water supply line to your fridge water and ice dispenser is very time-sensitive. It will continue to leak water onto the floor and damage your home. But you can quickly shut off the valve, install a replacement hose and have the problem fixed for only the cost of a hose from the hardware or local big box store. But then other issues will require professional plumbing service as soon as possible.
5 Common Plumbing Emergencies
Clogged Toilets And Drains
Every drain line in your home is subject to clogs from time to time. Sinks and showers handle a lot of soap scum, tiny debris particles, and hair that can create a nasty clog. The first signs of a blockage are somewhat subtle, but they are essential to avoid a flood of dirty water in your home. As soon as you discover a sink, tub, or shower drain that is becoming slow to clear, it is time to call in the pros for a professional drain cleaning. This process uses a jet of high-pressure water to blast away clogs and the residue that will create future problems. Addressing a slow clearing drain is not an emergency. But if ignored, it will grow into a complete blockage and become a more expensive emergency to eliminate.
Toilet clogs tend to be a bit more concerning because of the potential for contamination from a flood of raw sewage. You can try a plunger. Or make the call for a pro to clean your drains and eliminate the partial blockage in the toilet drain. But if there is no water moving down the drain or you can smell stagnant sewage, it is best to call immediately for emergency plumbing service. There is no reason to take a chance and be forced to deal with the clean-up necessary when the toilet overflows.
Leaking Pipes
Even a small leak can turn into a massive mess and substantial water damage very quickly. These leaks are always a reason for much concern and should be treated as an emergency. Call for a repair as soon as possible.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are just the beginning of your troubles. The water will expand in the lines as it freezes and can create cracks throughout your home. As the pipes thaw, the leaks and damage can be extensive and expensive. It is always better to avoid this issue and insulate exposed pipes. But in the case of a frozen water line, always call a licensed plumber immediately.
Gas Leak
If you notice a sour smell like rotten eggs, call your plumber as soon as you have evacuated your loved ones and pets from your home. A gas leak can be very dangerous and should only be addressed by a licensed plumber.
Burst Pipes
If you live in an area that experiences earthquakes, burst pipes are not unusual. Lines can also be burst or crushed by tree roots or even a construction incident. Burst pipes dump a massive amount of water into your yard and home quickly. Call for emergency service immediately.
The pros at Metroplex Leak & Line are available 24/7 to handle all of your plumbing emergencies. Call (214) 388-4525, and a licensed plumber will arrive quickly to assist you.
