Having to experience a plumbing emergency is not only inconvenient, but it can prove to be very costly as well.
For this reason, you need to exert an extra effort to ensure that your home will be free from these unfortunate scenarios.
This article lists down some of the most common types of plumbing emergencies and what you can do to avoid them.
Burst Pipes
One of the most common plumbing emergencies that can be avoided is burst pipes. This can lead to major flooding that can cause significant structural damage to your home.
For this reason, the seasoned contractors rendering 24 hour emergency plumbing suggest that you invest in pipe insulation in case you live in an area that experiences extremely cold weather conditions.
The reason behind this is that burst pipes are often caused by pipes freezing in the winter.
Overflowing Toilet
Another plumbing emergency that can be avoided is an overflowing toilet. While this can be caused by a malfunctioning toilet, more often than not, this is caused by a block in your pipes.
An overflowing toilet occurs when the block is already too large such that the water can no longer flow no matter how slow.
For this reason, as soon as you notice that your toilet seems to be slow in flushing, get in touch with a plumber immediately.
In this way, the clog can be addressed accordingly before it becomes a major plumbing emergency.
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Leaking Pipes
You can also avoid a plumbing emergency that is caused by leaking pipes. But this is if you take the time to have your plumbing system routinely maintained.
In this case, it is a good idea to get in touch with seasoned plumbers who will be able to inspect your pipes thoroughly.
They will also be able to notify you in case your pipes need cleaning to ensure that there are no clogs in them.
Keep in mind that a clogged pipe can lead to a leak which can then result in a plumbing emergency.
Fortunately, there are certain things that you can do to immediately address any leaks in your pipes.
For instance, if the leak comes from a joint, then you may need to tighten this with your wrench. However, you have to be careful.
This is because tightening one of the joints in your plumbing system may cause another joint to loosen.
On the other hand, in case the leak comes from the pipe itself, putting a rubber patch may help solve the problem.
There is also the option for you to consider using waterproof tape or getting in touch with a seasoned plumber instead.
Sump Pump Failure
Having your sump pump fail is another plumbing emergency that you can avoid with the proper maintenance of your plumbing system.
In case you already encountered a sump pump that is no longer working, try to remove the screen. From there, make sure that no debris is preventing its impeller from moving freely.
Conversely, if the impeller is clear, then you may need to check your pump. In this case, it may not be receiving sufficient electricity. Otherwise, it may have a faulty switch that needs to be replaced.
Water Heater Malfunction
Finally, there are instances wherein a water heater malfunction also warrants a plumbing emergency. In this case, you may experience having water that is too hot or too cold.
You may even hear unusual sounds coming from your water heater. Worse, you may notice that the water coming from your heater already has a different colour and strange odour.
There are also cases wherein your water heater tank may leak. All these issues need to be addressed as soon as possible, which is why you need to make sure to get in touch with a seasoned emergency plumber at the first signs of these problems.
Final Word
The plumbing emergencies mentioned above are only some of the plumbing issues that can be avoided.
The key is in exerting the extra effort to have your plumbing system inspected and routinely maintained for you to avoid these emergencies.
Rest assured that there will always be a seasoned and reliable emergency plumber who will be able to render their services when you need them to.
