When you discover an issue with your home’s plumbing, it can feel incredibly stressful. For example, you don’t know why water is dripping from the ceiling or why the toilet simply will not flush. But you are also not sure that there is not some simple explanation that would save you the cost of an emergency plumber’s visit. You might even be a little ashamed that you have not learned even the most basic plumbing skills to handle this issue independently. But in the end, you have no idea how severe or costly this issue might be and if you need a pro to get it corrected.
To help homeowners decide if a plumber is a necessity, we have compiled a list of the five most common plumbing emergencies that really do require a call to a licensed plumber. The small fee you pay to a plumber will pale compared to the cost of repairing the damage these plumbing issues could cause.
- LEAKING PIPES- Even a small leak can create tens of thousands of dollars in water damage if left uncorrected. The force of the water is sure to increase the size of the leak and the amount of water flooding your home. In only 24 hours, you can be facing a huge mess and the potential of toxic black mold growth. So never wait to call your plumber the moment you discover a water leak in your home.
- CLOGGED TOILETS AND DRAINS- A single clogged sink or tub is not as big an issue as all your sink, tub, and shower drains being clogged. A plunger or baking soda and vinegar mixture could remove the local clog when the problem is at a single fixture. However, when all your drains are slow to clear, that is a significant clog that could result in a severe flood in your home. And if that clog is located in the sewer line, you could suffer a flood of raw sewage. Try plunging for a single fixture, but call in a pro quickly if all your drains and toilets are acting up.
- FROZEN PIPES- When water freezes in a pipe, it expands and will crack the pipe. But because the water is now ice, you might not see all the damage until the line begins to thaw. And by then, there could be numerous leaks hidden throughout your home. At the first sign of a frozen water line, call in a professional to help mitigate the damage and cost of the necessary repairs.
- BURST PIPES- Typically, you will see a burst pipe because of the flood of water. However, if the burst line is outside your home or in your basement, your only clue could be no water pressure. When you have no water pressure or a severe flood, turn off the water to your home and call in a professional immediately. Depending on the location, that burst pipe could contaminate your entire home’s plumbing system.
- GAS LEAK- If you even think you could have a gas leak, evacuate your home and call 911 and a licensed plumber. The smell of rotten eggs is an indication of leaking natural gas, which will become life-threatening as it permeates the air that you are breathing. Remain a safe distance from your home until help arrives. Never go back into your home for any reason. Even a tiny spark can ignite the gas.
If you discover any of these common but serious plumbing issues in your home, call (818) 639-9433. The licensed plumbers at Viking Plumbing will arrive quickly to evaluate the problem and provide you with solutions.