It is a story we hear every week – a plumbing emergency at the worst possible time. There have been situations where toilets have been blocked while you are hosting Christmas Lunch, and hoses have burst in the wee hours of the night.
When a plumbing emergency occurs, the goal is to restore water, prevent water damage, unclog a blocked drain, or restore a wastewater line in order to avoid injury or damage to public safety, health, or property.
If any of the above issues affect your home, it is your responsibility to call a plumbers in Houston to fix the issue straight away before it turns into a bigger problem.
Plumbing issues may occur over the weekend or late at night when you least expect them. Imagine a blocked toilet while hosting Christmas or a burst flexible hose at midnight, and all your furniture floating around.
Under stressful times, it is often hard to decide what an emergency is that cannot wait until the following morning and who to contact.
Table of contents
What is a plumbing emergency?
- An unrecoverable rupture of a water supply line or serious leak from a water supply line
- Blocked or damaged toilets
- A leak of gas
- or serious roofing damage as a result of a storm, fire, or impact
- Water damage from burst pipes
- Flooding
- Malfunctioning water heater
- sewage overflow
It is a well-known fact that plumbing repairs and maintenance are often expensive.
Therefore, you will want to ensure that you are getting the services of the best plumbers available. Nevertheless, you must first identify the type of plumbing problem you have.
Determine which of these needs immediate attention. Failing to do so may only exacerbate the problem.
Kristian, from Ironclad Plumbing Blue Mountains, explains some of the most common plumbing issues that can quickly turn into emergency situations if not addressed quickly. Emergency plumbing problems can vary greatly in nature, and while faulty parts may cause some, others may occur due to external factors. However, the most important thing is identifying the issues requiring immediate attention.
You should definitely call a licensed plumber if you are experiencing any of the following problems:
Leaking pipes
Plumbing leaks can be difficult to detect, since they often start out small and result from a wide range of factors. However, it is crucial that you are able to identify a potential plumbing leak early on in order to prevent serious damage to your property and save on costly repairs. Some signs to look out for include drips or puddles around drains or fixtures, unusual sounds coming from plumbing fixtures such as toilets or faucets, changes in water pressure within the plumbing system, and unusually high-water bills.
Additionally, you may also want to consult with a professional plumbing service if you suspect there is an issue so that they can assess the problem and provide you with the necessary repairs or maintenance work. Taking these steps will help ensure that your plumbing system stays functioning properly, keeping your property safe and your costs under control.
Tightening the pipe’s joint with a wrench may resolve the problem if the leak originates from one of its joints. This may be only a temporary solution, though and leaving the pipe to leak may cause all sorts of headaches. First of all, those tiny drops of water will add up to a considerable amount of water consumption. Secondly, the dripping water can attract insects and roaches.
Gas leak
A gas leak is a serious plumbing emergency. If you smell gas, it’s important to act quickly and safely. First, try to determine the source of the leak. If you can’t locate it, turn off the gas at the main shut-off valve. Once the gas is turned off, open all the doors and windows to ventilate the area.
If you suspect a gas leak, don’t turn on any lights, electrical appliances, or switches, as this could create a spark that ignites the gas. Instead, call your gas company or a licensed plumber right away. A gas leak is not something that you should try to fix yourself. Leave it to the professionals to ensure that your home is safe and sound.
Blockages in drains
In all homes, clogged drains are among the most common plumbing issues. Most commonly, it occurs in the kitchen sink. It may be possible to DIY your clogged drains, but not everyone possesses the necessary tools and time.
When it comes to plumbing, it is important to be mindful of how we treat our drains. While many people might think that flushing solid materials such as coffee grounds and grease down the sink is a harmless act, these items can accumulate in pipes over time, leading to serious clogs. If this pluming issue goes unaddressed, it can quickly become a major disruption to your daily activities and routines. Without access to water, you may struggle to wash your dishes or shower properly, which can greatly reduce the functionality of your kitchen or bathroom.
If you find yourself with a blocked drain or other plumbing issue at home, it is best to take action right away, rather than trying to manage the situation on your own. With professional plumbing help, you can ensure that your plumbing system is restored quickly and effectively without turning into an emergency situation.
Pipe bursts
If your pipes burst, you must immediately contact an emergency plumber.
One of the most frustrating and costly things that can happen to a homeowner is frozen or burst pipes. When water freezes, it expands and exerts a tremendous amount of pressure on the pipes that contain it. This can cause the pipes to crack, leak, or even burst. While frozen pipes are often blamed on cold weather, they can actually occur in any climate if the pipes are not properly insulated. If you live in an area where temperatures drop significantly, it is important to take steps to protect your pipes from freezing.
In regions where the temperature drops significantly, such as the Blue Mountains, frozen pipes are a common problem. When water freezes, it expands, and this can cause pipes to burst. The repair bill for frozen or burst pipes can be quite costly, so it’s important to take measures to prevent them.
One way to do this is to insulate your pipes, especially those that are exposed to the cold. You can also let your faucets drip during very cold weather, as this will help to prevent pipes from freezing. By taking these simple steps, you can help to protect your home from the damage caused by frozen or burst pipes.
Problems with the water heater
It is important to note that a malfunctioning water heater may cause many problems during the winter months. When it comes to heaters, it is often only discovered after entering the shower that the problem exists.
A heater may malfunction for several reasons, and a malfunctioning pilot light could cause it. To resolve this, it must be manually re-lit.
Sediment build-up in the tank may also be responsible for the problem. The thermostat may also be to blame.
Weeping is one of the signs of a malfunctioning heater because it is characterized by the formation of moisture similar to tears or sweat. Usually, that takes place when there is an occasional leak.
A sign of an issue with the heater is a foul odor, if the water has a strange color, or if strange sounds are coming from it.
Plumbing issues can strike at any time, without warning. That’s why it’s so important to take care of them right away, before they have a chance to cause even more damage. Ignoring a plumbing issue will only make it worse, and can eventually lead to an emergency situation. Not only will this disrupt your daily activities, but it can also be very costly to fix. That’s why it’s always best to call a professional plumber as soon as you notice a problem.