Plumbing problems can rear their head at any time and should always be taken care of promptly. However, there are some situations where you should immediately call an emergency plumbing service, such as if the problem could lead to severe water damage. Today, we’re going to look at some of the most common plumbing emergencies so that you know when to call for immediate help.
Sewer Line Clogs and Sewage Backups
A severe clog in your sewer line is definitely considered an emergency since you won’t be able to safely use your toilets, sinks, or other plumbing fixtures until the clog is cleared. If you do continue to put water or waste into your sewer system when your main sewer line is clogged, it will eventually result in sewage backing up in all of your showers and floor drains or even overflowing out of your toilets.
If you notice your sewer line is fully clogged or have sewage backing up inside your home, it is important to have the problem fixed as soon as possible. Not only will you not be able to go to the bathroom until the clog is cleared, but severe clogs can also potentially damage your sewer line and cause it to start leaking. In some cases, your sewer line could even rupture and force you to have it replaced.
Water Leaking From or Pooling Around Your Water Heater
Tank-type water heaters are often prone to leaking as they age. A small amount of water dripping down the side of the tank is a sign that the unit needs to be repaired. This is still an issue you’ll want to have fixed, but it usually isn’t a true emergency. In most cases, this type of leak is related to the pressure-relief valve as it will open and allow a bit of water out if the temperature or pressure inside the tank ever gets too high. The valve can also sometimes get stuck partially open and allow some water to constantly drip out.
What is an emergency is if there is water dripping from the bottom of the tank or lots of water pooling up around the unit. In this situation, it usually indicates that the steel tank has started to rust. When this happens, it may only be a matter of time before the tank ruptures and sends its entire contents rushing out and flooding the surrounding area. This has the potential to cause serious water damage and lead to mold issues. As such, a leaky water heater is definitely not something you should ignore.
Sudden Flooding in Your Yard
If your yard is suddenly flooded or has lots of standing water, you should also immediately call a plumber. This issue almost always indicates that there is a major leak in either the main water line leading into your home or the main sewer line leading out of the house. A major leak in your home’s main water or sewer line is a serious problem and could cause structural damage to your home and lead to your basement or crawlspace flooding. It is also a good idea to contact a plumber immediately if you notice a strong sewage odor in your yard as this is also a fairly good indication that your sewer line is damaged and leaking.
Leaking Water Line
A dripping faucet or a toilet that constantly runs are both issues you should have repaired as soon as possible. If not, you may be in for a shock when you get your water bill as both of these issues can waste lots of water. Still, there is really no need to pay the extra fees for an emergency service call since these issues won’t damage your home or your plumbing. Water pooling up around your toilet is a slightly more serious issue as it can eventually damage your flooring or even the floor joists. Nonetheless, you can always shut off the water supply to the toilet until you can have it inspected.
When you do want to call for an emergency plumbing service is if one of your water lines starts to leak. Wet spots on your walls, floors, or ceilings are a fairly obvious sign that you have a leaky water line. The same is true if you have paint that suddenly starts bubbling or wallpaper that starts peeling away from the wall. A leaking water line has the potential to cause serious structural damage and can lead to very costly repairs. In warm climates like Florida, leaks can also quickly cause mold to start growing in your home
Overflowing Toilet
A clogged toilet that starts overflowing is also a time when you need emergency plumbing services as all of the wastewater can cause serious damage and potentially lead to health issues. If you have a toilet that is clogged to the point where it starts to overflow, there is little chance that you can clear the clog with a plunger or by using a drain cleaner. As such, it is essential that you contact a professional plumbing service immediately.
Sump Pump Failure
Having a working sump pump in your home is important for preventing your basement or crawlspace from potentially flooding during or after heavy rains. It is always a good idea to monitor your sump pump during any major rainstorm to ensure it’s still working and pumping water away from your home effectively. A sump pump that won’t turn on or stops pumping water is definitely an emergency since it could lead to your basement or crawlspace quickly filling with inches or even feet of water.
Gas Leaks
One thing that many people may not know is that plumbers don’t just work on water and sewer systems, but they are also generally the only professionals that are certified to install and repair gas lines. A gas leak is obviously an incredibly serious problem since it could lead to a catastrophic explosion that destroys your home.
Natural gas is odorless, but all gas companies add a special chemical to it that smells similar to rotten eggs. If you do ever notice this odor or suspect you have a gas leak inside or outside your home, you should immediately vacate the property and move to a safe distance down the street. As you’re leaving, you should try to quickly open up a few windows and leave your doors open. Doing so will help the gas to dissipate and lessen the risk of explosion.
As soon as you, your family, and your pets are safely away from the home, you should then call the fire department and your gas company’s emergency line to report the leak. The gas company should then immediately send someone out to shut off the gas supply to your home. Once the gas is shut off, you should then call a plumber so that they can find and repair the gas leak as you won’t be able to safely go in your home until the leak is fixed.
If you do ever find yourself facing a plumbing emergency, you can count on Paradise Home Services for help. Our expert team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we’re always ready to handle any of your emergency plumbing or emergency HVAC needs. We specialize in a full range of plumbing, sewer, and drain repair services, and we can also take care of your plumbing installation or heating and cooling needs. Contact us today if you need emergency repairs or any other plumbing or HVAC service in the Destin, Pensacola, Panama Beach City, and Navarre areas.
