Plumbing emergencies can happen when you least expect them, causing major disruptions and damage to your home. Having to call emergency plumbers to come and fix burst pipes, clogged drains, or flooded basements is stressful and costly. However, many common plumbing emergencies can be avoided by taking preventative measures and being proactive with maintenance.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the most common causes of plumbing emergencies and provide tips on how to avoid needing emergency plumbers. Being aware of potential problems and addressing them early can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.
Common Causes of Plumbing Emergencies and Solutions
Main Causes of Plumbing Emergencies:
Blocked Drains:
One of the most common reasons emergency plumbers get called is for blocked drains and sewer lines. When drains become completely clogged with hair, grease, and other debris, water cannot properly flow down them. This can lead to dirty water backing up into bathtubs, sinks, and toilets.
The best way to avoid clogged drains is by regularly cleaning them and using drain strainers to catch hair and food particles before they go down. You should also avoid pouring grease and oil down the drain, which can build up and cause blockages. Using a sewer auger or plunger as soon as you notice a drain running slowly can also help clear minor clogs before they become major blockages requiring emergency plumbers.
Broken Pipes or Leaks:
Pipes that have cracked, shifted, or otherwise broken can easily spring major leaks. This can quickly lead to water damage and flooding if not addressed immediately. Frozen pipes that burst in winter are another common culprit.
Routine inspections along water lines, joints, and valves can help catch potential pipe issues early. Providing proper insulation in basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls can also help prevent freezing. Any sign of moisture, damp spots, or mould on walls or ceilings may indicate an underlying leak requiring emergency plumbing repair.
Running Toilets:
Toilets with a flapper valve that doesn’t seal properly after flushing can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day. This both jacks up your water bill and puts excess strain on home plumbing.
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Check for toilets that keep running after flushing, even when not in use. The flapper valve seal may need to be replaced with an inexpensive repair. Adjusting the water level may also help the flapper valve fully close after flushing.
Water Heater Malfunctions:
Faulty water heaters are another common reason emergency plumbing get called to homes. Drained or corroded water heater tanks, broken thermostats, and sediment build-up can all cause problems.
Draining and flushing a water heater annually helps remove mineral deposits and sediment in the tank. Checking that safety valves and exhaust vents are clear is also advised. Consider replacing units over 10 years old.
Sewer Line Clogs:
Tree roots collapsed pipes, and accumulations of grease, soap scum, and other materials can obstruct the main sewer line. This causes backups and flooding in multiple drains at once. Sewer line clogs often require professional drain cleaning, inspection, and excavation services.
You can help avoid sewer clogs by using drain screens and avoiding pouring fats or harsh chemicals down drains. Keeping trees and shrubs pruned away from exterior sewer lines is also recommended. Signs of slowed drains, gurgling sounds, or lingering odours may indicate sewer line troubles.
How Emergency Plumbers Can Help:
While diligent maintenance helps avoid plumbing emergencies, unforeseen problems can still occur. Emergency plumbers are available 24/7 to provide urgent repairs when plumbing emergencies strike.
Emergency plumbers have the skills, tools, parts, and experience to handle any plumbing calamity. They can safely stop flooding disasters, clear fully blocked drains, and fix or replace broken sewer lines. This quickly returns your plumbing system to normal function.
Emergency plumbers also assess the damage done and implement containment procedures. They can remove contaminated water, dry out flooded areas, and prevent mould issues. Their timely response helps minimize damage to your home and belongings.
Many emergency plumbing companies offer warranties on repairs performed by their skilled technicians. Satisfaction is further guaranteed by positive customer reviews. Rates are often discount
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