Any uncontrolled water or gas leak, sewage overflow, or system failure that poses risks to health and safety should be considered a plumbing emergency. Other red flags requiring emergency plumbers include burst pipes, overflowing toilets, lack of hot water, and strange smells indicating a potential gas leak.
Why Do You Need Emergency Plumber Services?
Did you know the average household water leaks amount to 10,000 gallons of wasted water yearly? That’s around 1 trillion gallons nationwide, enough to provide water to more than 11 million homes. Leaks are usually easy to fix; all it takes is one call to the plumber. But how do we identify the actual plumbing emergency? Here are the top plumbing emergencies you can face in a common household.
- Water Leak
Not all water leakages are emergencies, but serious ones need immediate attention. Leaks can damage your home’s structure, promote mold growth that harms health, and even pose fire risks by affecting electrical wiring. They can also lead to costly repairs if left unnoticed. Watch for signs of major leaks, and call an emergency plumber immediately to avoid severe problems.
- Water Stains
Water stains on the ceiling don’t typically appear until after the leak has been there for some time. That means water has already been soaking the roof and/or the floor simultaneously. If you are worried about the extent of the water damage, feel free to call a plumber immediately.
- Damaged or Burst Pipes
If not fixed quickly, bursts or damaged pipes can lead to severe flooding. Flooding can harm your home’s structure, including the walls, floors, ceiling, and furniture, putting your family’s safety at risk. A single burst pipe can waste gallons of water in minutes, causing costly damage.
If this happens, shut off the main water supply immediately and call a plumber. Trying to fix it yourself could worsen things and cost you more in the long run. While waiting, move furniture and belongings to prevent further damage.
Burst pipes are especially common in winter when freezing temperatures can cause them to break.
- Sagging Ceiling
Sometimes, the discoloration of the ceiling can come with sagging. This is a serious problem as it can cause a total collapse of the building. If you wait longer, things will get even more chaotic, and repair will become more expensive. As such, this is an emergency. Turn off the main water valve immediately and call 24/7 plumbing services.
- Low Water Pressure
Another effect of damaged pipes is low water pressure. If you’re experiencing this in multiple faucets, having your pipes inspected is a good starting point. A clogged tap or aerator can also cause low water pressure. However, this should only affect one sink unless all aerators are clogged. Try cleaning it using household cleaners to see if it solves the issue.
Most homes have a pressure-regulating valve installed. This valve helps regulate the water pressure between the street and the house. Pressure can drop or rise when this valve fails, depending on how the unit fails. Call an immediate plumbing repair service to fix this problem professionally.
- Overflowing Toilet
An overflowing toilet can happen due to clogged pipes or a broken float mechanism, and it’s a stressful problem to face. If it happens, turn off the water valve behind the toilet by twisting it clockwise. You can try using a plunger first, but it’s an emergency if that doesn’t work and the overflow continues.
In some cases, you may need to shut off the water supply for the whole house, which leaves you without water until the problem is fixed. Call an urgent plumber help to avoid water and other messes spilling onto your floor.
- Clogged Drains
Drain clogging is unavoidable in all homes, but you should try preventing it. Wipes, paper towels, and hair in the pipes can clog the system. Don’t throw these down the toilet; try to remove hair and sebum from the drain as much as possible. Tree branches and roots can grow through the cracks and create blockages, for example.
Such cases are also hard to identify, so you’ll need an emergency plumber. Some common signs of clogged drains are slow drainage, puddles of water, bubbling water, and more. If you notice these, call an effective local plumber because they might find and fix more severe issues efficiently.
- Water Heater Failure
Hot water might seem like a luxury to some, but for others, it’s essential. Without it, a cold shower might just be an inconvenience—or a severe problem, especially in winter. Freezing water can harm young children or the elderly, and a chilly home with a broken water heater can be dangerous.
Even outside of winter, a lack of hot water can become an emergency, especially if you notice a gas smell. In such cases, don’t wait—call for emergency water heater repair.
- Gas Leaks
Leaking gas is a hazardous plumbing disaster and requires an immediate call to an emergency plumber. Natural gas is odorless, but companies add chemicals like mercaptans to give it a distinct smell, often resembling sulfur or rotten eggs, so that you can detect leaks. Other signs include hissing or whistling sounds near gas lines, clouds forming around the area, or unusual stove or furnace flames turning orange instead of blue, which indicates poor ventilation.
Gas leaks can also lead to health problems like:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Breathing problems
- Nosebleeds
- Irritated eyes or skin
- General discomfort
These symptoms may start mild but can become severe with prolonged exposure, potentially leading to serious health issues or even death. Pets, children, and plants are especially vulnerable. If you notice any of these signs, don’t delay—call a plumber immediately. Your safety is far more important than saving on repair costs.
- Backed-Up Sewage
You must also rely on your sense of smell to locate this symptom. If the sewer line backs up, you will know because your house will smell like sewage. Another signal of a sewage backup is water backup in the other drains. For instance, you will notice water coming up the kitchen sink whenever you flush the toilet.
When you take a shower, water might gather in another location. Like a gas leak, sewer backup is a severe health hazard, so it qualifies as an emergency. It releases air-borne contaminants, leading to symptoms like vomiting, fever, and gastroenteritis. Knowing why local plumbers are more effective in such situations can help address the issue quickly and efficiently.
Fix The Problem Before It’s Too Late!
All the above-discussed problems are considered plumbing emergencies. A single problem can cause severe health hazards and put the safety of your loved ones at stake. Call your nearest emergency plumber and repair the plumbing malfunction so you can have a safe and pleasant life for a long time.
Speaking of trusted local plumbers, Priscillas Plumbing Company has always won the public’s hearts with its durable services. We are available 24/7 with our most proficient team on call so you can get an effective solution immediately. We provide all kinds of plumbing services at the most affordable rates, making us the perfect choice whenever you face plumbing emergencies.
To book an appointment or for a detailed consultation, visit us now!
