Between water where it’s not supposed to be or water that won’t go where you want it to - plumbing problems can be messy, frustrating, and downright disgusting. It might be tempting to roll up your sleeves and try to fix it yourself, but hear us out. Homemade methods can put a Bandaid on plumbing problems, but without a plumber’s help, you are likely to deal with your issue again soon. And, some DIY plumbing solutions can actually make the problem worse or cause bigger issues down the road.
While it’s never convenient to deal with a clog or leak, doesn’t it always seem like plumbing problems pop up at the worst time? To keep common plumbing problems from ruining your day and wreaking havoc on your home, learn more about these five common plumbing emergencies - and why you should keep your plumber’s number handy.
Recognizing Five Common Plumbing Emergencies
Sometimes, plumbing problems that seem small may be a sign that something bigger is going on. And, when you try to fix them yourself, you could be doing deeper damage to your entire plumbing system. Here are some of the most common plumbing emergencies that homeowners deal with.
1. Clogs
You might not want to spend a lot of time thinking about what your toilet is for, but it is undoubtedly one of the hardest-working fixtures in your home. Everyone knows that feeling of dread when you flush and instead of the water going down, it rises...and rises...and rises. Plunging can offer a temporary solution, but clogs are often deeper into your plumbing than you think. A clogged toilet that struggles to keep up with demand is sometimes a sign of a bigger problem. A plumber can figure out why it happens - and keep you from feeling panicked after flushing.
A clogged sink is a frequent, annoying, and sometimes gross plumbing problem that needs professional help. You might be able to snake the drain so it flows for a while, but clogs usually are not isolated to the section of pipes that you can reach. Grease, hair, and food can build up deep down and need to be removed without damaging your plumbing. Reaching for that bottle of chemical drain cleaner? Don’t even think about it. Most of those bottles contain caustic chemicals that can lead to big, expensive plumbing problems down the road.
2. Leaks
The sight of a puddle under the sink or gushing water from a pipe in the basement can cause your blood pressure to rise. Leaks are messy, can cause spikes in your water bill, and can cause mold or rust that lead to bigger issues down the line. They are also one of the most common plumbing emergencies. Whenever there’s water where it’s not supposed to be, it is a health hazard. There are some temporary solutions that can keep water from spilling out for a bit, but you need a plumber to figure out what is going on and fix it for good.
3. Backups
When water can’t move smoothly through pipes and out of your home, sometimes it flows back into your home. You’ll notice a bad smell or even see dirty water around drains. This is a sign that there is a blockage in the sewer line or that the line is partially clogged with hair, toilet paper, and grease. To keep this stinky sewage flowing in the right direction, you need to get your local plumber in ASAP.
4. Burst Pipes
Whether or not you hear the pipe explode, the popping sound that happens when a pipes burst is the result of tons of pressure building up. The result? Lots and lots of water spilling into your wall, ceiling, or other places it just shouldn’t be, or fixtures like your faucet or toilet refusing to work. Burst pipes can cause significant damage to your home and require big, expensive fixes and renovations. If your sink or toilet doesn’t work, or you see water coming from the wall or ceiling, call your plumber immediately to avoid the worst of the damage.
5. Water Heater Failure
Water heater repair calls are common for most plumbers, and there’s a good reason for that. When water heaters fail, people don’t have access to hot water--and nobody likes a cold shower. You might also notice that your water looks dirty or even smells terrible. These signs could point to water heater issues. Your plumber can get your water heater fixed in no time and you can get back into that hot shower.
Call Sam Jolley Plumbing for All Your Plumbing Emergencies
If you’re sick of plumbing problems ruining your day, call Sam Jolley’s Plumbing for quick, high-quality plumbing solutions that will put an end to your worry. Whether you’ve got a burst pipe, pesky dripping faucet, or a toilet that just won’t behave, we have the solutions to get your plumbing in tip-top shape. Avoid messes, damage, mold, and other plumbing problems by taking quick action when these common plumbing emergencies pop up.
We love your plumbing and you’ll love knowing that it works. Call us today.
