Is It An Plumbing Emergency? Ask Yourself These Questions
Plumbing problems happen, and yes, they can occur in the middle of the night or on off-hours. When a plumbing problem occurs during off-hours, how do you determine if you should call a 24/7 emergency plumber?
Here are some tips to help you decide if it can wait or if you need to shell out the extra money for an emergency plumber visit.
Can You Shut Off The Water?
Some things like leaky pipes or toilets can seem like an emergency when the floors or other surfaces of the home are threatened by flooding and water damage. And it can be an emergency unless you can shut the water off at the source until a plumber can look at it.
Any time you can simply shut off water flow and still use water in other areas of the home, the leak or burst pipe is probably not an emergency. You can wait until regular hours to call and get help.
If you are unable to stop the water from a burst pipe or leak or you have to leave the home due to the problem, you need an emergency plumber.
Is The Sewer Line Backed Up?
Sewage lines get clogged or drain slowly. Sometimes they eventually clear out without intervention. These lines often have damage or blockages and don't require prompt attention unless they are not draining at all or multiple fixtures are backing up.
Anytime plumbing fixtures are backed up and sewage is coming up into your living space, this is an emergency. This is a health and safety risk for your family.
Has Your Sump Pump Failed?
When the sump pump fails it can lead to flooding, and this is a plumbing emergency. Without a functional sump pump, stormwater can collect in the basement. It must be fixed right away to avoid damage to the foundation, basement, and crawlspace.
No matter where the water settles, it can lead to mold growth and warping of wooden surfaces. The quicker you act on it, the less you have to clean up and restore.
Some Tips To Remember
Any plumbing issue can be an emergency if you have to leave the home or other issues arise.
- Any time you are without water
- Sewage is entering home
- Pipes are frozen and may burst
- There is a risk of flooding
It's also important to note that proper maintenance and taking care of minor issues when they occur can go a long way in preventing emergency plumbing situations.
For more information, contact a 24/7 emergency plumber.
