Plumbing issues are no fun for anyone, but when they occur, it’s important to know what you should do. Some plumbing emergencies can be a result of a simple mistake, while other emergencies can indicate that a much bigger problem is on the horizon.
Here at Coastal Mechanical Contractors, we want to help homeowners be proactive about plumbing emergencies that can occur in their homes. With that said, read on to learn the 5 most common plumbing emergencies and how to fix them.
5 Common Plumbing Emergencies
Plumbing emergencies can certainly be a nuisance for homeowners. This is because many homeowners are not prepared to deal with the impact of a plumbing emergency. But the first step is to understand the types of plumbing emergencies that can happen and what to do if your home is affected. Let’s take a closer look at these 5 common plumbing emergencies.
Overflowing Toilet
Your toilet is one of the most used aspects of the home, so an overflowing toilet can certainly cause great disturbance. If your toilet is overflowing, a clog is one of the most likely culprits. It’s important not to delay fixing a clogged toilet to avoid wastewater damage and even more costly repairs.
Fix: A plunger may be able to quickly alleviate the clog, but it won’t take care of the underlying issue. It’s best to stop using plumbing fixtures in your home and allow a plumber to check out the source of the clog.
Clogged Sink Drain
Have you ever noticed that your sinks are always clogged? A clogged sink drain can be due to a variety of issues, such as grease, hair, or a foreign object.
A sink that is clogged will prevent the flow of water and can really be a nuisance for homeowners. But a clogged drain won’t just go away on its own, some type of intervention will be necessary to remove the clog.
Fix: Minor clogs can be removed with a plunger or drain snake. But if this doesn’t work, you will need to call a professional with the right tools to remove it. Never resort to chemical drain cleaners as this can cause further damage.
Burst Pipes
A burst pipe can occur when significant water pressure builds up in a weak joint or pipe. When a pipe does burst, there’s a loud popping noise that many homeowners often don’t hear. However, you may notice that your plumbing fixtures are failing.
Fix: A burst pipe isn’t something that homeowners can handle on their own. You will need to call a plumbing professional with the right skills and experience who can fix the problem.
Leaky Fixtures and Rust
A leaky faucet can easily go unnoticed, but it can also be the result of a much higher water bill. Even more, a leaky faucet leads to standing water, which can lead to rust in your pipes as well as mold.
Fix: Using epoxy putty or pipe putty can be a temporary fix to a leaky pipe, but you will need to call a professional for plumbing services for a permanent fix.
Sewer Backup
All homes have incoming and outgoing sewer lines, which are used to move waste away from the home. Sewer backups are most commonly caused by clogged pipes, which can come from a variety of things like toilet paper, hair, and grease.
Fix: Sewer backups are not an issue that homeowners can handle on their own. The best way to avoid sewer backups is with an annual inspection by a professional. If you do experience a backup, call a plumber immediately to avoid any further issues.
No one wants to experience a plumbing emergency, but these emergencies can occur. If you notice that your home is experiencing a plumbing issue, it’s best to contact a professional to accurately diagnose the problem and offer a quick solution.
Here at Contact Coastal Mechanical Contractors, we want to help you live comfortably. Contact us to learn more about how we can help service your home.