Plumbing emergencies are capable of resulting in a substantial amount of damage to a home or building. They often result in flooding and water damage to the building, which can lead to even more extensive problems. Though plumbing emergencies can cause extremely expensive repairs to become necessary, many people don’t take the steps to reduce the likelihood of them occurring. Understanding how to prevent some of the most common plumbing emergencies and what to do when they occur can go a long way toward protecting your property. This can reduce the total damage to the building and even prevent these issues from arising in the first place. Here are some of the things that you need to know about the most common plumbing emergencies.
Common Causes of Plumbing Emergencies
Ultimately, plumbing emergencies tend to occur as a result of plumbing negligence. In fact, many people obtain more regular maintenance for their cars than they do for their home! This negligence is the leading cause of plumbing emergencies because regular maintenance can be implemented to help prevent these emergencies from arising. Preventative maintenance is designed specifically to help reduce the likelihood of these plumbing emergencies. However, if a plumbing emergency arises, it will be critical to obtain fast, effective emergency services to mitigate the total damage to your building. You will also need to know what to do immediately after the emergency to reduce the damage that the emergency will cause to your property.
Burst Pipes
Burst pipes tend to lead to extreme flooding inside of the building. Water can lead to a significant amount of damage, which can be expensive and difficult to repair. It can cause rotting, the development of mold, and many additional issues. If you are experiencing a burst pipe that is causing flooding, first you will need to find the main water shut-off valve. Close this valve to prevent water from circulating to the burst pipe. After you have closed the main water shut-off valve, you will want to turn cold water taps on throughout your building. This will help to drain the trapped water inside of the pipes. Once you have stopped the damage from escalating with these steps, you will need to call an emergency plumber before you will be able to use the water in your building.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are rather common when you experience extremely cold temperatures. Without the proper strategies, the water inside of the pipes may freeze. If the frozen pipe has burst, you will have to follow the steps listed for burst pipes in order to minimize damage, before you focus on the frozen pipe. If the pipe hasn’t burst yet, it is crucial to take some steps to thaw it out before it can burst. You may be able to use hot water bottles to help thaw the pipes. However, it is crucial to never use an open flame in an attempt to thaw the pipe. These flames can simply lead to additional damage to the pipes. Another way to protect your building from frozen pipes is to ensure that you provide appropriate insulation for your pipes. This can help to prevent them from becoming frozen in the first place.
Blocked Toilets and Drains
When a toilet or drain is blocked, it is highly likely that the fixture that is clogged will be unusable. Not only can this be inconvenient, but when not resolved, it can lead to excessive damage to your plumbing system. The first thing you will need to do when you have a blocked toilet or drain is to try to clear the blockage. Using a plumbing snake or plunger may help you to accomplish this. However, if these tools don’t help to clear the blockage inside of your plumbing system, you will likely need to call a plumber. They will be able to identify the problem and remove the clog without causing damage to your plumbing system.
Water Heater Failure
You rely on your water heater much more than you realize. Every time you take a shower, wash your dishes, or do your laundry, you are using the hot water provided by your water heater. However, when your water heater stops to function effectively, it will likely result in a broad array of issues. This can make it extremely difficult to follow your regular operations inside of your building. Water heater failure is incredibly inconvenient. There are many other issues that can arise with the water heater system. For example, if your water heater leaks, you may have water damage in your home. Alternatively, a water heater that functions inefficiently will ultimately raise your energy expenses. When you have an issue with your water heater, it will be important to consult with an experienced plumber to have the situation resolved.
Sewer Line Backup
Sewer line backups are extremely problematic. They often cause flooding and can result in many additional issues and damage to the building. When you have a sewer line backup, it is crucial to have it resolved quickly by an emergency plumber. This will help to prevent damage to your building and ensure that your plumbing system can be restored. A backup in the sewer line may impact your entire plumbing system. It is important to familiarize yourself with the signs of a main sewer line backup.
Here at S & B Plumbing, we are dedicated to providing you with the plumbing services that you need to protect your building and keep your plumbing system in great condition. It is crucial to understand the various common plumbing emergencies and what to do when they occur to your property. Providing regular preventative maintenance for your plumbing system can help to prevent these emergencies from arising in the first place. This goes a long way toward protecting your building and minimizing the likelihood of expensive repairs. To learn more about common plumbing emergencies and how to protect your home when they occur, contact our experienced team at S & B Plumbing today!