
A plumbing emergency is going to be a big issue around your home or business. When you realize that you have one of these emergencies, you will need to get a licensed professional in the area right away to get it fixed. Plumbing problems can have immediate consequences, so it is important for you to know when the issue is an emergency or not. Some of the situations that are considered an emergency when it comes to plumbing include:
Burst Pipes
When a pipe burst into your home, it can release gallons of water into the home, leaving a lot of damage in the wake as well. If you find that one of the pipes in the home has burst, then it is important that you turn off the main water supply as soon as possible and then call for an emergency plumber to take control.
With the water turned off, you can quickly remove any of your furniture or belongings from the area to ensure that your damage is kept to a minimum. Keep in mind that a burst pipe can happen at any time, though they are more likely to happen in the winter because the risk of freezing pipes will be higher. Do not let the water continue running once you realize this has happened or the damage is going to be much higher.
Leaking Pipes
It is estimated by the EP that 10% of American homes will lose 90 gallons of water each day from the leaky pipes. Almost all of these occur in a home where the owner does not realize there is even a leaking pipe. Leaking pipes are going to waste money and can cause a good deal of lasting damage to the home. If you do not handle it, the pipe can cause water to spread rapidly, meaning that the water could come into contact with power outlets and other issues as well.
But how will you tell if there is a leaking pipe that you need to be worried about? Some of the signs to consider here to determine whether you have a hidden leak pipe in your home includes:
- Stains that show up on the ceiling
- Discolored wallpaper or paint
- A musty smell in some of the rooms of the home
- Warped hardwood floors or loose tiles around the home.
It doesn’t really matter how long the leak has been going on for. If you suspect that there is a leak, it is always best to call in an emergency plumber to take a look at the issue and help you stop the leak before it becomes a big problem and makes a huge mess.
Water Heater Problems
If you turn on the hot water and it is not coming out warm at all, then you would need to call in an emergency plumbing company. However, if you notice that there is some dripping or bubbling from the main tank, this is a sign that your water heater has a leak and you need someone right away. Look for a strange smell or color to the water before calling in the professionals to take a look as well.
Overflowing Toilet
This is not a nice situation for anyone to have to deal with and it will require you to get emergency assistance as fast as possible. Make sure that you switch off the water supply to the toilet first to ensure the issue will not get worse. You can do this by looking behind the toilet and checking for the water supply valve on the wall. Turn this valve all the way counter-clockwise to switch the water off.
Once this supply of water is switched off, you can call in an emergency plumber to come and help. They will be able to diagnose and address the problem that is causing the overflowing toilet and can then get the water back on for you.
Clogged Sewer Line
A clog that occurs in the sewer line can turn into a serious problem and even a major health concern that can turn into a plumbing emergency. You could end up with wastewater working back into the home and the floor drains. If you notice that this is happening, do not use any of the plumbing fixtures, appliances, bathtub, faucets, or toilet. There are a number of signs you can look for to help figure out there is a sewer line clog includes:
- Several clogs or sounds, especially if they are at ground level. The lowest plumbing fixtures are often the ones that are affected first.
- The toilet isn’t flushing properly
- Your tub, shower, or toilet will back up when you have the washing machine drain.
- Water will pool around the drains in the basement floor.
- You will hear a gurgling sound out of the plumbing
A block in the main sewer line, if not handled quickly, can have some serious consequences and needs to be handled quickly. You need to work with a professional plumber to get the problem fixed.
Sump Pump Failure
Sump pumps are going to be relied on to remove any water that finds its way into the basement or even the crawl space of the home. They can be relied upon in some flood-prone areas, or areas that will receive heavy rainfall and storms. If the sump pump has a fault and then there is a storm, possibly your home is at risk of some water damage.
The first signs you will notice of sump pump failure will often be found in your crawlspace or the basement. Some of the signs that may appear include:
- Wet spots that show up on the drywall
- The sump pump has an irregular cycle
- The sump pump sounds like it is running all the time.
- There are some strange vibrations or noises
When one or more of these signs show up with your sump pump, then you need to work with a professional to get it under control.
When an emergency happens with your plumbing, you need to make sure that you find the right professionals to come in and get the work done for you. Our team will provide you with the very best, coming to your home and getting the problem fixed in a quick and timely manner. When you need an emergency plumber San Francisco, trust our team to come take a look at your plumbing issue and get it fixed for you.