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It's normal for unexpected or unplanned issues to come up in plumbing systems. You may experience a plumbing emergency such as burst pipes or gas leaks. While it is possible to call an emergency plumber, knowing what to do in a plumbing emergency is helpful.
This post discusses the signs of a plumbing emergency, examples of common plumbing emergencies, and steps to take in a plumbing emergency. You can also learn why you should call emergency plumbers. Read on to learn more!
Signs you have a plumbing emergency
- If you notice water pooling in unexpected areas, it is a likely sign of a plumbing emergency.
- Lack of water supply may indicate an emergency plumbing issue with your main water line.
- A strong sewer smell or odour may indicate a septic system problem or a broken sewer line.
- Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains may indicate blocked drains that require immediate attention.
Examples of common plumbing emergencies
Burst pipes
You should immediately take steps to fix burst pipes. This is because they can cause water damage, which may deteriorate further.
Blocked drains
You should also pay immediate attention to blocked drains. They can cause sewage or water backups. This can ultimately lead to property damage and pose health risks.
Overflowing toilets
Toilet issues, such as overflowing toilets, can lead to water damage and unsanitary conditions. It is best to make prompt toilet repairs for such emergency plumbing issues.
Faulty hot water systems
You may get little or no hot water, or your hot water system may be very slow at heating the water. These emergency plumbing problems may require a professional plumber's service.
Steps to take in a plumbing emergency
Things can sometimes go wrong, and plumbing emergencies may occur in plumbing systems. For example, you may have leaking or burst pipes, blocked drains, gas leaks, and running toilets.
These emergency plumbing issues can cause additional expenses, such as high water bills if you do not take some steps. Here are some steps to take before your emergency plumber arrives after a plumbing emergency.
Turn off the water supply
Turning off your main water valve is an excellent preventive measure for plumbing issues such as burst pipes. Shutting off the water supply can prevent your home from flooding with excess water. You can check your water meter, which is usually outside your main water valve.
Protect your water heater
You may want to turn off your water heater in an emergency. Switching it off can help prevent overheating and bursting, and this, in turn, protects your water heater from damage.
Turn off the gas supply and perform leak checks
This precautionary step helps reduce the risk of fire during gas leaks. Simply head to the gas bottle or your gas meter and isolate them. Open doors and windows for proper ventilation after turning off your gas supply and appliances. You may need to relocate your family and pets from the leak area. After that, your emergency plumber can perform gas leak detection and repair.
Call your emergency plumber
You must call an emergency plumber immediately after a plumbing emergency. Give detailed information to the plumber and listen to any control measures the emergency plumber may advise.
Prepare your emergency plumbing kit
You should be able to perform minor plumbing emergency fixes with some know-how. Your plumber may provide repair tips that you can use before they arrive. To implement those tips, you will likely need your emergency plumbing kit.
Your plumbing emergency kit will likely include the following:
- Plungers for clearing clogs from sinks and toilets.
- Flashlight for plumbing inspections and possible drain and toilet repairs.
- Tools such as adjustable wrenches and screwdrivers.
Take emergency plumbing precautions
- A helpful precaution is not to attempt DIY fixes if you do not know how to use a particular plumbing emergency tool.
- Use a calm approach even when you smell gas leaks and leave complex fixes to a professional plumber.
- You may use a tarp or large plastic to protect your items from water damage that can result from burst pipes and pipe leaks.
- Again, do not hesitate to call your after-business-hours plumber. A 24/7 emergency plumber should be able to give you a quick response to fix plumbing issues in your home or business.
Attempting minor DIY toilet repairs
A typical emergency plumbing issue in plumbing systems is leaking toilets. Dirty water may collect on the subfloor and spread through the ceiling. It may also pool around the toilet.
In addition, toilet leaks at the base of toilets can cause water build-up and possible water damage. For a start, try to find out the source of the leak and the reason for the toilet leak.
To fix a leaking toilet base:
- Avoid using the toilet if that is possible. This can help stop further damage to the floor and fixtures.
- Disinfect and clean the area of mould build-up.
- Shut off the toilet by turning off your main shutoff valves.
- You may attempt to tighten toilet tee bolts, replace gaskets, and caulk the toilet base if you can.
- Otherwise, you can call a professional plumber for effective toilet repairs.
What to do in emergency water leaks
Emergency water leaks may cause damage to your flooring and furniture. You can use the following top tips to address the issue before a professional plumber arrives.
Turn off your main water valve
Turning off the main valve can help prevent further water leakage. Apart from water pipe leaks, you can take this step if you have toilet flush tank leaks or sink tap leaks. Shutting off the water meter will help reduce water damage, and you can thus save on water and repair costs. Your main valve will likely be located outside your house beside the water meter. Turn it in a clockwise direction to shut the water off.
Turn off your water heater
This is a necessary step after turning off the water supply. The water heater that does not get water from the inlet may overheat and become damaged. This is because the heating process is continuous, and cold water needs to be brought in for heating.
This is why you need to turn off the water heater. It may also be safer to turn off hot water systems too.
What to do in emergency sewer blockages
Your best bet with sewer blockages is to call an emergency plumber. Seriously, blocked sewers can pose a significant problem. It can even cause a sewer overflow. Attempting DIY drain repairs and using drain chemicals can worsen the situation.
You should not leave soiled work clothes unchanged before leaving the work site. After changing out of dirty work clothes, you need to seal them in a plastic back and launder them separately from other clothing.
Why you should call emergency plumbers
- You may not know what to do next if isolating your water stops the water leak but does not resolve the puddle in your yard caused by sewer problems.
- Quickly calling a reliable plumbing professional can help reduce further damage.
- They can also advise you on how to stay safe while you wait.
- Otherwise, an inexperienced attempt at DIY plumbing fixes may very well lead to serious injury to you or your household members.
- For example, you may sustain injuries from hot water heaters, toxic drain cleaners, viruses from raw sewage, or HVAC system injuries.
- While at it, your emergency plumber may implement preventive measures and perform pipe inspections.
- Local plumbers are usually familiar with local building codes and local regulations to do a safe and efficient job.
- Expert plumbers are equipped with the proper tools to fix plumbing heating systems.
- They can quickly and conveniently change your water filters and perform shower repairs at a flexible or fixed price.
Get a contractor to help with plumbing
This article teaches you more about what to do in a plumbing emergency. You also know the signs and examples of common plumbing emergencies. It is preferable to get help with most plumbing issues.
This way, you will avoid further worsening the problem or doing an unsafe job. Professional plumbing contractors are experienced at performing heating repairs, toilet repairs, and providing gas fitting services for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
