common plumbing emergencies Archives

Plumbing is one of the most important systems in any home, but unfortunately, it also has some of the most common emergency issues. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common emergency plumbing issues, their causes, and what you can do to prevent them from happening.

Leaking Pipes

Leaking pipes are one of the most common plumbing emergencies. They can cause water damage to your home, damage to your valuables, and even increase your water bill dramatically. The most common causes of leaking pipes include corrosion, high water pressure, and temperature changes. To prevent leaking pipes, regular inspections, and maintenance are necessary.

If you notice a leak in your home, it is essential to turn off your water supply immediately and call a local plumber to fix the issue as soon as possible. Do not attempt to fix the leak yourself unless you have the necessary skills and tools.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are another common emergency plumbing issue. They can be caused by various factors such as hair, food particles, soap scum, and grease. Clogged drains can cause water to back up and overflow, resulting in water damage to your home.

To prevent clogged drains, avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Do not pour grease or oil down the drain, and use a strainer to catch food particles when washing dishes.

If you have a clogged drain, try using a plunger or drain snake to remove the blockage. If these methods do not work, call a professional plumber to fix the issue.

a burst pipe is a major plumbing emergency.

If you suspect a burst pipe in your home, turn off your water supply immediately and call an emergency plumber.

Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are one of the most severe plumbing emergencies. They can cause significant water damage to your home and even lead to mold growth if not fixed immediately. Burst pipes can be caused by various factors such as freezing temperatures, corrosion, and high water pressure.

To prevent burst pipes, make sure your pipes are adequately insulated, especially during the winter months. Also, it is crucial to monitor your water pressure and keep it at a safe level.

If you suspect a burst pipe in your home, turn off your water supply immediately and call an emergency plumber. Do not attempt to fix the issue yourself as it can be dangerous.

Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are one of the most dangerous plumbing emergencies. They can cause fires, explosions, and even death if not detected and fixed immediately. Gas leaks can be caused by various factors such as faulty appliances, damaged gas lines, and poor ventilation.

To prevent gas leaks, make sure your appliances are properly installed and maintained. Also, ensure your gas lines are in good condition and have them checked regularly by a professional plumber.

If you suspect a gas leak in your home, turn off your gas supply immediately and evacuate your home. Call a professional plumber or a gas company to fix the issue and do not re-enter your home until you are given the clear to do so.

To prevent hot water issues, make sure your water heater is properly installed and maintained.

Hot Water Issues

Hot water issues such as no hot water or insufficient hot water are common plumbing emergencies. They can be caused by various factors such as a faulty water heater, sediment buildup, or a broken pipe.

To prevent hot water issues, make sure your water heater is properly installed and maintained. Also, flush your water heater regularly to remove sediment buildup.

If you are experiencing hot water issues, call an emergency plumber to fix the issue. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself as it can be dangerous.

Summing it Up

Plumbing emergencies can be stressful and costly to fix, but with proper maintenance and regular inspections, you can prevent them from happening. It is essential to act quickly when you notice any plumbing issue and call an emergency plumber to fix the issue before it becomes a more severe problem. Remember, do not attempt to fix any plumbing emergencies yourself unless you have the necessary skills and tools. With proper care and attention, you can keep your plumbing in excellent condition and avoid any future emergencies.

A home’s plumbing system is critical to the comfort and safety of its inhabitants. But like most essential things in life, good plumbing is only valued when it malfunctions.

Plumbing is all about managing water. But because water moves, it is not always easy to control. This is why water related issues top the list of things homeowners have to contend with.

They can result in widespread damage and are notoriously expensive to fix, warns Peak Residential.com. That’s why today we look at the most common plumbing emergencies homeowners face and how to deal with them.

The most common plumbing emergencies:

Clogged Drains and Toilets

Description and causes: If water backs up when you empty a sink, take a shower or flush the toilet, then you have a clogged drain. This problem is caused by something lodging inside the pipes, blocking them, and preventing water passage. Blockages are often caused by hair or small objects that slip into the drain. For the same reason, you should be careful about what you put in your garbage disposal.

Solutions and how to avoid it: Depending on what is blocking the drain, you can remove it with a plunger or call in your plumber. Use a hair catcher in the shower and avoid trying to flush small objects that fall into the drain. Find a way to remove them instead.

Dripping Faucets and Leaky Pipes

Description and causes: Dripping faucets never shut off completely, while leaks occur mostly at pipe joints. Together, they will dramatically increase the water bill. Drips are easy to spot since you can see and hear them. Leaks are often hidden and may cause major damage before they are detected. A dripping faucet is caused by damage to the washer that seals the faucet. Leaks occur when pipes wear out, shift or burst due to water pressure.

Solutions and how to avoid it: You can fix a dripping faucet by simply replacing the washer. Fixing leaky pipes, however, depends on the cause and extent of the problem. It is usually better to have a professional plumber deal with it. These two problems are almost unavoidable because they are the result of normal wear and tear. The best way to avoid them is through regular inspections and maintenance.

Low Water Pressure

Description and causes: This results in a general loss of water pressure that makes it hard to shower or rinse things. The source of the problem may be that the main water supply is broken. Or it can result from a pipe leak inside the house. It may also be caused by the build-up of sediments and minerals inside pipes, faucet aerators, and showerheads. In this case, the problem will occur gradually.

Solutions and how to avoid it: If the problem is caused by a build-up, the faucet tap or showerhead should be cleaned. Soaking them in vinegar for a few hours will solve the problem. If it is not a problem of sediment or mineral build-up, get a plumber to look at your pipes.

Water Heater Issues

Description and causes: If a shower dumps cold water on you when you are expecting warm water, you have a water heater malfunction. Other signs of the problem are drips, discolored water, puddles, and noise from the heater. The usual cause of the problem is a leak or insufficient water. A build-up of lime scale may also cause the heater to fail.

Solutions and how to avoid it: Check whether the pilot light is on and if the temperature setting is right. Drain the water heater tank to discard sediments. But if there is water pooling beneath the heater, shut off its power/gas supply, as well as, its water supply. After you do this, get a plumber to inspect the apparatus.

Running Toilet

Description and causes: You have a running toilet if the fill valve in the tank can never shut-off. The result is that the toilet keeps running, pushing up your water bill in the process. A running toilet still works, even though it wastes water. This problem is caused by an ill fitting flapper valve, imbalanced float, loose-fill tube, or a leak in the system.

Solutions and how to avoid it: Each component of the system needs to be inspected to detect the source of the problem. This emergency is easy to fix if it is caused by displaced components. But if the toilet components are damaged, you may need a plumber.

Frozen Pipes

Description and causes: If the water inside a pipe freezes, the home is deprived of water and the pipes will be more likely to burst. Frozen pipes are caused by exposing them to the cold during the winter.

Solutions and how to avoid it: This problem is best avoided by wrapping exposed pipes with heater tapes and disconnecting outdoor water hoses. If pipes freeze, contact an emergency plumber immediately.

Sewer System Issues

Description and causes: Sewer system issues are varied. The system may backup, be blocked, or burst. These are caused by clogging in the system, as well as, tree roots blocking pipes. It could also result when something other than human waste or toilet paper is flushed down the toilet.

Solutions and how to avoid it: in almost all cases, sewer issues are best solved by professional plumbers.

Tag Archives: common plumbing emergencies

The Most Common Emergency Plumbing Issues