If you own a home in Concord, then you’d likely agree that plumbing emergencies are among the most frustrating things you can deal with at any time. Such issues don’t pick a schedule or place; they can happen anywhere from early morning to late at night, whether you’re at home or not.
But how can you tell if something is an emergency in the first place? If you can fix it with the tools you have and a little DIY knowledge, there’s no emergency and no need to call a plumber. If, however, there’s a leak involved or you think there’s a possibility of a sewer backup, or some other problem that requires special equipment to fix, then it’s an emergency and you’re going to need a professional.
To further eliminate any confusion, here are a few of the more common plumbing emergencies you might face.
An Overflowing Toilet
When people see their toilet is overflowing, most may end up panicking because that’s water and waste material coming back up. However, this isn’t unexpected because toilets are among the most often used plumbing fixtures, so a clog can pop up at any time.
Since there’s overflowing water, fixing this problem isn’t as simple as using an auger to break up the clog. Shut off the water leading to that part of the house, and avoid using any other plumbing fixtures while you wait for your plumber to pinpoint what’s causing the back-up and overflow.
A Malfunctioning Water Heater
A faulty water heater can lead to leaks, which can then steadily worsen until the heater fails completely. In extreme cases, the water in its tank can all spill out, leading to flooding and possible water damage in addition to your household needing a replacement water heater. Whether you let things get that bad or not, you’re still going to need emergency plumbing services.
Signs of a malfunctioning water heater include discoloured water, a persistent lack of hot water, and a funny smell when you use any of your faucets. If you notice any of those, you’ll want to stop using your water heater, turning off the water leading to it for good measure. Then call a professional to look it over and determine if your heater needs repair or replacement.
Burst Pipes
There are a few things that can lead to a burst pipe, including but not limited to frozen pipes and a sudden increase in the water pressure in or near the weak spot in the plumbing system. You can usually tell there’s a burst pipe because you’ll hear a loud popping sound. Failing that, you might notice a damp spot where there wasn’t one before. In the worst-case scenario, part of the ceiling could start sagging and show signs of water pooling in that area.
No matter what signs you happen to hear or see, shut off the water leading to your house or to the part of your plumbing system where the burst pipe is located, then call a plumber. Turning off the water won’t fix the pipe, but it could lessen any flooding in the affected area.
As you can see, it doesn’t matter what plumbing emergency you’re facing; the key is to stay calm and act quickly. For more information on the best emergency plumber in Concord, or to find one in your area, visit this page to get started.
