Whether you own a home or a commercial property, you will likely face plumbing issues at some point. Some plumbing issues can be dealt with over time while others need to be dealt with promptly. This is especially true for emergencies such as broken pipes, large leaks, or toilets that overflow or don’t flush properly. If issues like these occur and aren’t resolved immediately, they’re going to cause huge headaches and potentially lots of money. Understanding when a plumbing issue moves from a smaller problem to an emergency situation will help you prevent costly repairs and extensive damage.
Here are the most common plumbing emergencies and when it is time to call in an emergency plumbing service for commercial and residential plumbing service for help.
Plumbing Emergencies That Require Immediate Professional Attention
Plumbing problems can happen anytime, and many of them require professional intervention. You will need the help of experts to avoid more damage. Here, we are going to discuss some plumbing problems that require the immediate attention of a 24/7 plumbing service.
1. Burst Pipes
It may be the most dangerous of all plumbing emergencies; a burst pipe can flood your home in minutes. This usually occurs in colder regions, but can occur anywhere. Freezing temperatures, old pipes, or high pressure of water usually cause this issue.
Burst pipes may damage electrical systems and ruin floors and furniture. When you see a burst pipe, your immediate action should be to shut down your main water supply and call a 24/7 plumbing service. A professional plumber can fix your damaged pipes and also check for hidden leaks. Taking immediate action can save your home from further damage.
2. Water Leaks
Not all leaks can be considered emergencies, but there are some leaks that need immediate help. These leaks can weaken your home’s structure significantly if they are flowing out at a quicker rate. Leaks inside walls or ceilings can go unnoticed until major damage appears. Wet spots and peeling paint are signs of hidden leaks.
Call leak detection experts for major leaks. Leak detection experts use certain types of equipment like thermal cameras and moisture detectors to locate the source of a leak and fix it without causing unnecessary damage. Avoiding immediate repair of major leaks can lead to mold, rot, and costly damage.
3. Overflowing Toilets
A single clogged toilet can be managed with the help of a plumber, however, a toilet that won’t stop overflowing is an urgent issue that needs toilet repair services. It can cause water damage, poses serious health hazards, and expose your home to bacteria. Clogs, broken floats, or sewer line problems are common causes of an overflowing toilet. The first and immediate step is turning off the toilet’s water supply.
Plumbers unclog toilets using professional tools like augers or hydro jets. They may also need to totally clear out the blockages in the pipes if the issue is deeper in the sewer line.
4. Clogged Drains
Drain blockages in sinks, showers, toilets, or main sewer lines will, of course, prevent proper drainage and slow it down. More importantly, if the backup is surfacing in an unoccupied space (such as a basement), damage can occur before you’re even aware you have a clogged drain or pipe.
In this case, contacting a drain pipe cleaning service provider becomes necessary as they can be your best bet. They will not only check your clogged drain, but also fix it accordingly.
5. Sewer Line Backups
Sewer backup is one of the worst plumbing emergencies and can be quite dangerous. Wastewater can flow back to your home through toilets, tubs, and sinks when it has nowhere to go or can’t drain properly. This creates a smelly, unsanitary mess that’s hazardous to your health.
Sewer line systems have problems that may be caused by tree root intrusion, collapsed pipes, or blockages from grease and debris. Warning signs include multiple drain clogs, foul odors, and gurgling noises. A sewer line backup requires a vital professional plumbing intervention because of the various types of health risks & the potential property damage.
6. No Running Water
If water suddenly stops running from your taps, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it may indicate a serious plumbing issue such as frozen pipes, blockages, or a problem with the main water line. In multi-unit buildings, it could point to a larger issue affecting multiple units. It’s important to contact a licensed plumber or emergency plumbing service promptly to diagnose and resolve the problem. Whether it’s a hidden leak, a burst pipe, or frozen or clogged lines, a professional can quickly identify the cause and restore your water supply, ensuring your home remains safe and functional.
7. Water Heater Failure
A broken water heater can be dangerous. A lack of hot water affects daily activities like bathing, cooking, and cleaning. In more serious cases, water heaters can leak or even explode due to pressure buildup. Other signs of trouble include strange noises, discolored water, or pooling water around the base of the heater. Don’t wait for a full breakdown; call a plumber as soon as you feel an issue with your water heater. Water heater replacement is also the solution to water heater failure. If it is needed, contact water heater experts to handle these problems for better results.
What To Do When You’re Experiencing a Plumbing Emergency
Plumbing emergencies can be stressful, but you can take steps to mitigate the damage and expense of experiencing one.
Here are some immediate steps to take in case of plumbing emergency:
1. Shut Off The Water Supply
The main water supply for your home or business could be located in different places depending on where you live or work. For many single family homes in the US, it’s located near the street or sidewalk in front of your home. If you live in an apartment, condo, or townhome, it may be located in a utility closet somewhere in the building. Commercial buildings usually have the water shutoff in a utility space dedicated to your leased area.
2. Shut Off The Electricity
If your plumbing emergency threatens to put water into contact with electrical lines in your home or business, you’ll want to shut off the electrical supply. This is usually done at a breaker box located on the interior or exterior of your home or office.
3. Call a Professional Plumber
Once the water is off, it’s time to get the professionals out ASAP. Professional plumbers will be able to diagnose the cause of the emergency and offer you an immediate solution.
4. Clean Up Standing Water
If your plumbing emergency has resulted in standing water or soaked carpet in your home or workplace, you’ll want to clear it out and dry areas affected as soon as possible.
How To Prepare for a Plumbing Emergency
While plumbing emergencies are never easy to fix and can be quite chaotic, having to make a rapid series of decisions to mitigate any damages, being calm, informed, and prepared can give you a good chance in protecting your home. It is always useful to know where you can find any shut off valves and keep emergency contact information and tools where you can grab them quickly. Regular maintenance and inspections can reduce the chances of an unexpected failure, but during an emergency, having to act quickly is sometimes the only thing you can do to reduce your risk and the costs associated with it.
While facing a plumbing emergency that requires urgent attention, you should not delay taking quick action. Don’t wait for extensive damage to occur, because even a small clog can quickly lead to extensive damage and costly repairs. Knowing the warning signs of some plumbing problems and knowing when to call home plumber services or a plumber professional can help you save your home, your electricity bills and your family’s health and safety.
If you’re encountering plumbing issues and require immediate or emergency help, Larkin Plumbing is your trusted solution in Las Vegas. With over 85 years of experience, we are proud to be the leading plumbing and drain cleaning company for Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Spring Valley and surrounding areas. Our licensed, insured and very experienced plumbers can provide you with the full range of plumbing services, from tankless water heaters to low-flow fixtures. Call us today to make sure that your home or commercial property remains safe and secure with our emergency plumbing solutions.
