Having an emergency plumber on call can be extremely helpful if you’re dealing with burst pipes or other plumbing issues in your home or business. However, not all problems are emergencies; waiting until the situation gets worse can end up costing you more money and cause more damage in the long run. Here are six signs to look out for to help determine when it’s time to call an emergency plumber right away.
This information was put together by our plumbers in Princeton NJ. Please read on or visit our website for additional resources on plumbing.
Burst Pipes
When a pipe bursts, it’s important to call the emergency plumber immediately. You can tell if you have a burst pipe by noticing that water is coming out of the faucet or toilet in large quantities and there is no pressure on the faucet or in the toilet.
Ignoring a burst pipe will only do more damage than good as water will continue to leak out of the pipe until it has been repaired. The longer water leaks from a pipe, the more likely that it will create corrosion and rust which can lead to further problems such as clogged pipes. In addition, those living around the leaky pipe may also experience low-quality drinking water due to high levels of chlorine and minerals in their tap water. If left unchecked, bursting pipes may also cause mold growth which can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma.
Severe Drain Clogs
When a drain is clogged, water will not go down the pipe. Sitting water poses a risk for flooding, which can be disastrous in any home. In this instance, call a plumber immediately for emergency help. They’ll be able to assess the problem and fix it quickly before there’s too much damage done to your property. If you have children or pets in your home, then you should definitely get a plumber right away as they may become injured by the floodwaters.
Sewage Backup
This one should be obvious. When there is a sewage backup, it’s important to clean up the mess as quickly as possible and get help from a professional immediately. The longer you wait, the worse it will get. It may also lead to mold growth in your home, which can cause more health problems for you and your family.
A basic faucet leak is one thing, but sewage backup is another story altogether. To make matters worse, this kind of issue can easily spread through a property and worsen over time if not taken care of quickly. If you suspect that your plumbing system has been damaged by flooding or other water damage, call an emergency plumber right away to take care of the problem before it worsens any further.
Water Leaks
Water leaks can be an early sign to a massive problem brewing up. If you see water leaking from your home, call for help immediately. Keep in mind that flooding and water seepage are both issues that should be addressed by a professional plumber as soon as possible. Ignoring a water leak may quickly turn bad as it can lead to pipe corrosion and eventually costly repairs.
No Hot Water
If you don’t have hot water, there could be a major problem with the boiler. The most common cause of this is too much sediment on the bottom of your tank and it’s not filtering properly. You should call an emergency plumber before using any other kind of hot water until they can diagnose and fix the issue. Going without hot water is not something that you want to live with for very long, especially if this happens when you are in the middle of cooking dinner or showering in order to keep yourself clean.
Strange Noises
If you notice strange noises coming from your pipes or toilet, it may be time to call the emergency plumber. This is one of the first warning signs that something may be wrong with your plumbing system. You can also turn on your sink and listen for gurgling or squeaking sounds. If you hear either of these, it may be a sign that something is clogged in your pipes and needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
Strange noises may be from things like corrosion in copper piping and water hammering are all reasons for strange noise when nothing else seems to be amiss. It’s best to have a professional take a look at the problem right away before more damage is done.
Let the Pros Take a Look
A plumber’s rates range from $45 to $200 per hour. However, your actual price will depend largely on the job, timing, and location. While it may seem like a lot, if emergencies are ignored, you may end up with a much larger bill in damages. Ignored plumbing problems can affect more than just your plumbing. Flooding may create mold, ruin your property, and much more. Don’t wait to get any plumbing problems looked at before it’s too late!
