The Most Common Plumbing Emergencies

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Originally Posted On: https://www.edwardsplumbingllcpa.com/the-most-common-plumbing-emergencies

Plumbing emergencies can range from frustrating annoyances to serious emergencies that need to be handled right away. It is important to have a local plumbing company that you trust, especially with your plumbing emergencies. So, what are the most common types of plumbing emergencies that homeowners will face? The following are the most common plumbing emergencies that homeowners will come up against at one time or another.

Clogged Toilets

Clogged toilets are among the most common plumbing emergencies. Clogged toilets are toilets which are severely clogged; meaning, the issue can’t be resolved by using a home plunger to take care of the occasional flush with too much toilet paper or waste inside. Clogged toilets are often the result of clogged or damaged pipes. When a toilet is clogged, it can even cause sewage water to back up into the tub or sink, a situation no homeowner wants.

Hot Water Problems

Hot water heaters are an essential in any home, but they unfortunately can suffer from several different plumbing emergency problems. Hot water heaters may not be working, thus depriving your household of hot water; they might be leaking; or they could even be damaged or disconnected. If your hot water heater runs on gas, then a damaged hot water heater could potentially cause carbon monoxide build-up in your home. Make sure that you have carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout your home and if you suspect your water heater is damaged, call a professional right away.

Clogged Sinks

Clogged sinks are another common plumbing emergency. Clogged sinks can be caused by improper disposal of certain liquids or foods, such as fatty oils or grease; they can also be caused by disposing of food scraps in bathroom sinks that are not intended for anything but certain liquids. A clogged sink could also be caused by a foreign object finding its way down the sink, such as jewelry or other items. Treat your drains with care. They can become clogged, so be mindful of what is being washed down the drains of your home.

Frozen/Burst Pipes

Frozen pipes occur when the temperatures drop below freezing and the pipes underneath a home get so cold that the water inside freezes. Frozen pipes often occur when the weather is particularly cold and when there is something wrong with the home’s insulation or with the heat tape that should be protecting the pipe. When pipes are frozen, they might eventually burst. A burst pipe is a sudden emergency that needs immediate resolution, as it can cause serious damage to a home.

Sewer System Backed Up

Sewer system back ups can be caused by clogged toilets as well as blockages in the sewer line itself. Sewer system backups can also be caused by damage caused by roots from trees or large bushes near a sewer line, although this is considerably rarer than sewer system problems caused by clogs and blockages. Treating your sewage system with care is vital to its optimal functioning. Paying attention to what is being flushed and ensuring no non flushable products are going down the toilet is very important. Sewage system back ups cause sewage water to flow back into the toilets and sinks, and possibly overflow into your home, a very unsanitary and smelly situation.

Leaking Faucets

Leaking faucets are often caused by worn out faucet components. The most common components that wear out and cause leaks are gaskets/washers, O rings and the valve seat. While leaking faucets are not typically an immediate plumbing emergency like a backed up sewer system or burst pipe, it is recommended you get them checked out as soon as possible.  Leaking faucets could be caused by something more serious than a worn out faucet parts and they really should be checked by a professional.

When plumbing problems arise, a homeowner is instantly struck with worry. The severity of the problem and the cost to resolve the issue is unknown. If you ever experience one of the above plumbing emergencies, don’t panic: call a professional and let them handle it for you. Edwards Plumbing is a reliable and trustworthy plumbing company that will do the plumbing job right the first time.