You may not realize it, but plumbing emergencies can happen any time of the day or night. Whether you have a clogged toilet, a burst pipe, or an overflowing sink, these issues need to be addressed ASAP to avoid further damage and inconvenience. In this blog post we will discuss what constitutes as a plumbing emergency and common plumbing emergencies that we see. If you find yourself with a plumbing emergency of your own, especially if it’s outside regular business hours, be sure to call a local plumber who accepts emergency calls.
Reasons to Call an Emergency Plumbing Service
There are a number of reasons why you may need to call an emergency plumbing service. Some of the most common plumbing problems are:
A clogged toilet that will not flush
When you attempt to flush your toilet and it just won’t go down, there is a blockage. The first thing that should come to mind is whether or not the “issue” can be resolved on your own by plunging the toilet. If plunging does not work, you have a clog and will need to call a professional plumber.
A burst pipe or water leak
A pipe that has burst due to freezing temperatures or a leaky faucet can cause significant water damage. If you notice this kind of issue, turn off the main valve as soon as possible and avoid causing any further damage by ceasing all use of water in your home.
Sewage backup
When the sewage system backs up in your home, it can cause a serious mess. The best thing to do is call for emergency service so that they may come out and clear the blockage which should resolve any further issues with raw sewage backing into your home.
An overflowing sink, bathtub or toilet
If you have a sink, bathtub or toilet that is continually overflowing no matter what you do, it’s time to call in the professionals. This could be indicative of a more serious problem like a clogged drain or clogged mainline. Don’t try to fix this kind of issue on your own as it could only make matters worse.
What Might Escalate a Standard Plumbing Problem to a Plumbing Emergency?
What’s the Weather Like?
The weather can take an otherwise benign plumbing situation and turn it into a plumbing emergency. The weather in North Carolina can exacerbate certain plumbing issues. For example, frozen burst pipes. A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency on its own, but can become an escalated plumbing issue when your home begins filling with freezing water and starts to affect your heating source. Another example of weather impacting a plumbing emergency is if you find yourself needing a sump pump repair during a heavy rainstorm that starts flooding your basement. While discovering your sump pump needs repair during routine maintenance may be a standard plumbing procedure, the urgency is escalated when it impacts your home during a storm.
Will There Be More Damage If I Leave the Problem Alone?
In some cases, it is safe to wait until morning if the issue is not an emergency. For example, a clogged sink can be cleared with a plunger and you’ll typically have more than one sink in your house for handwashing. However, there are other issues that should not be waited out. A gas leak, for example, will only get worse as time goes on. If you have an overflowing toilet, you may be able to use another bathroom. If the overflowing toilet is the only bathroom in your house, it should be handled by an emergency plumber otherwise it would be made worse by continuing to use the toilet. If you are unsure whether or not to call an emergency plumbing service, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Can You Turn the Appliance or Fixture Off?
In some cases, you may be able to stop the flow of water to the appliance or fixture by turning it off. If you can safely do so, this is a good first step in trying to mitigate the emergency. For example, if you have a burst pipe under your sink, turn off the water at the valve nearest to the burst pipe.
Do You Need to Use this Plumbing System Soon?
If you need to use the plumbing system soon, for example, if your shower head has no water flow and you only have one bathroom in your home, this would be considered a plumbing emergency.
Is There Any Danger of Anyone Getting Hurt?
You should always err on the side of caution when dealing with a potentially hazardous situation. If someone might get hurt by staying put for another night, don’t hesitate to call an emergency plumber immediately!
If You Can’t Handle It, Call an Emergency Plumber
Some plumbing emergencies are just too big for homeowners to handle on their own. That’s where a professional plumber comes in. We have years of experience dealing with all sorts of plumbing emergencies and know how to get the job done right – fast. Bodenheimer Plumbing Services, Inc. has proudly served the Winston-Salem area for more than 80 years. We offer 24-hour service and repair.
