Plumbing system issues are scary and can develop at any time, but before you pick up your phone and dial an emergency plumber, assess the situation to determine if it can wait. So what is considered a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency is any plumbing issue that compromises the safety of the property occupants, can cause property damage, originates from a source you cannot identify, and there is nothing you can do to control it before a plumber arrives.
Once you identify that a plumbing issue needs urgent attention, you should call a plumbing emergency immediately. Good and professional local plumbing pros in your area will answer your call and rush to where you are, irrespective of the time or day.
If you have an emergency plumbing problem, be sure to call the Emergency Plumbing Squad Our team of skilled emergency plumbers will come prepared with all the needed tools to solve the problem. Our emergency plumbers are available for both residential and commercial customers throughout the entire day and every day of the year.
What Is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?
Here are five questions you should answer to help you decide during plumbing emergencies whether or not to call an emergency plumber.
Can You Use the Affected Plumbing Fixtures or Facilities?
If you can still use the fixture or area affected by the plumbing problem, then there is no need to call an emergency plumber immediately. For instance, a flooded basement cannot be assessed and causes property damage, so you should call a plumber immediately.
However, if your toilet gets clogged at night, you can wait for regular business hours to call the plumber as long as there is an alternative toilet for the night.
Can You Turn Off the Fixture?
If your toilet, sink, or shower leaks but you can turn off the water supply to the fixtures, then you do not need to call an emergency plumber.
As you wait for a general plumber to arrive, switch off the main water supply to the house to prevent further damage.
On the other hand, you should call an emergency plumber immediately if you cannot identify the source of the leak or if it does not stop even after turning off the water supply.
What Is the Weather Season?
The weather is a factor in determining if plumbing issues are emergencies or not. If your water heater breaks down when it is freezing, it is considered an emergency. On the other hand, you can wait for normal business hours to call a plumber if your water heater refuses to turn on during the summer.
Will the Plumbing Problem Cause More Damage if It Waits?
If you are experiencing a small leak at night whose water can be collected in a bucket, you can wait until morning to call a plumber. However, you should consider whether the water is causing more damage. A leak from the ceiling, walls, or floor might seem small, but it causes significant damage, and this is definitely a situation when you should call an emergency plumber.
Can You Fix the Plumbing Problem on Your Own?
You can try to fix some issues before calling a plumber, but there is nothing you can do in some cases, like issues with the main sewer line or main water line. In that line, call an emergency plumber or the company responsible. Do not try to solve any complicated plumbing issues because you might make things worse.
Most Common Plumbing Emergencies
Emergency plumbing problems cause havoc and damage if they are not solved immediately. The good news is that our emergency plumbers are on call 24/7 to answer your call and rush to your place to save the situation. Many of our customers get stuck wondering how to handle plumbing emergencies, and we’d like to give some tips. Here are plumbing emergencies that require you to call a plumbing emergency service:
Leaking Water
Leaking water pipes are an example of a plumbing emergency that can lead to water wastage, increased water bills, and damage to your property.
A leaking shower or kitchen faucet can wait until morning, but you should be worried if you see water leaking from the ceiling, walls, or floor. Leakages in these areas are mostly silent, meaning that the damage is already done by the time you notice them.
If left untreated, leaking water can result in the growth of mold and mildew, which causes respiratory issues and asthma.
The water can also spread to electrical outlets, and as we know, the combination of water and electricity is hazardous.
If you spot any of these leaks in your house, contact your emergency plumber as soon as possible. Detecting and solving the leak soon saves you money and protects your family from potential accidents and health issues.
Overflowing Toilet
Toilets can overflow for different reasons, including clogged drains, blocked pipes, or if the floating mechanism is damaged. Whatever the cause, an overflowing toilet can cause immeasurable damage and spread infections if it is not contained in time.
Before calling an emergency plumber, turn off the water valve supplying water to the toilet to prevent the situation from worsening. If the overflow does not stop after turning off the water supply to the toilet, turn off the switch supplying water to the whole house.
Now that you have the plumbing emergency under control, dial your emergency plumber for fixation. You need an emergency plumber who will respond immediately because you have dirt all over the floor, you cannot access the toilet (if you only have one toilet in the house), and you do not have a water supply in the house if you had to turn off the main water supply.
Ruptured Pipes
There is no doubt that a burst pipe is a plumbing emergency because it gushes out large amounts of water, causing massive damage. The water from burst pipes has adverse effects on your furniture, floor, and ceiling and poses electrical risks.
Other than turning off the water supply in the house, there is nothing else you can do about burst pipes, so you should call an emergency plumber immediately.
While you wait for the plumber to arrive, move the affected items outside or to a different room to avoid further damage.
Water Stains
Water stains on the ceiling or walls are a sign of internal leakage that has been going on for a while, and you should call emergency services at first sight.
By the time the stains appear, water has been soaked, and damage has already been done. Waiting further leads to mold growth, cracked walls, and electrical accidents. Therefore, call our emergency plumbing company to determine the damage’s extent and possible solutions.
Sump Pump Failure
Sump pumps protect properties from flooding after heavy rainfall. They remove water from the basement or other spaces in your home. If it rains heavily and the sump pump is not in good condition, your house will risk flooding and water damage. The stagnant water can encourage mold and mildew growth.
Signs to indicate that the sump file is not working include wet spots on dry walls, strange vibrations and noises, irregular cycling, and if it runs continuously.
If you notice any of these signs, contact your emergency plumber ASAP.
Gas Leaks
You should not think twice about calling an emergency plumber if you smell gas in your house. Natural gas is odorless, but manufacturers add chemicals that give it a smell for easy detection in case of leakage.
Immediately, you smell rotten eggs, try to find out where the smell is coming from by locating a hissing sound or where the smell is highly concentrated.
Continuous exposure to the gas can cause hazardous effects on you and your family, like headaches, dizziness, breathing difficulties, eye irritation, nose bleeding, and irritated skin. In severe cases, it can lead to death.
Therefore, call emergency plumbing services as soon as you smell gas.
Damaged Water Heater
A damaged water heater is a plumbing emergency during the height of winter. If no hot water comes out, you will not be able to wash dishes, do laundry, or even take a shower, which is a disaster.
For proper functioning of the heater, ensure maintenance from time to time. Issues with your heater can be solved by repairing or changing the system.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Emergency Plumber
Selecting an emergency plumber for your plumbing problems can be a challenging task. Here are the qualities of a reliable emergency plumber:
Available 24/7
An emergency plumber should be available to answer your call and come to your rescue 24/7. Emergency plumbing services require immediate action to prevent further damage. The services of an emergency plumbing company should not be limited to time or holidays.
Local Plumber
The best emergency plumber should be from your local area. An emergency plumber should arrive at your house as soon as possible, which is only possible if they are from your local area.
Offers All Emergency Plumbing Services
You never know the kind of emergency plumbing problem you will experience; therefore, you should choose a plumber with the skills and tools to handle all plumbing problems, including clogged pipes, water pressure issues, water leaks, clogged sewer lines, and leaking gas, among others.
Experienced and Qualified Staff
A good emergency plumbing company should hire qualified and skilled personnel. Choose a company that employs its staff instead of subcontracting for accountability. Also, ensure that the employees are insured. You do not want to be held liable for injuries suffered on your property.
Get Connected to the Best Emergency Plumbing Services
Many people don’t know what a plumbing emergency is, and as a result, they wait too long to call a professional. This can often lead to further damage and an even bigger repair bill. So, what is considered a plumbing emergency? A good rule of thumb is that if water is involved and there’s the potential for serious damage, it’s an emergency.
When you are faced with emergency plumbing problems, you need a plumbing company that can get the job done right within the shortest time. At Emergency Plumbing Squad we understand the stress you are going through, and we will respond quickly. Therefore, do not wait any further. Give us a call and we will connect you with our emergency plumbers in your area.