Ignoring signs that you need emergency plumbing repairs could lead to significant damage and cost you a fortune. It should be dealt with immediately whether the problem is dangerous, as in patches of bubbling paint or drywall, or simply annoying, such as low water pressure in different areas of your home.
Clogged Drains
Regarding a home plumbing problem, few are more annoying than clogged drains. If left unaddressed, a clogged pipe can escalate into a house-wide plumbing issue requiring extensive damage and fixing costs.
Many clogs result from hair, dirt, skin flakes, soap scum, and other debris that collects on the walls of drain pipes. These materials bind with water to form gunky clogs that inhibit flow. This is especially true in bathroom drains, where debris can end up in showers, bathtubs, and sinks.
Anyone with young children will likely have to deal with toys that find their way into toilet and bathtub drains. While cute, toys are often too large to fit down a pipe and can get stuck in u-bends. Objects like cigarette butts and safety pins can also become lodged inside pipes, leading to hard-to-remove obstructions.
Oil, fat, and grease are plumbing’s worst enemies. If poured down drains, they will harden and bind with other substances to create solid clogs. A buildup of these substances can not only hinder flow, but they can also cause pipes to crack and burst. The resulting flood can lead to severe water damage and health concerns. For this reason, it’s best to have a professional like Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter remove these dangerous substances using hydro jet cleaning services.
Frozen Pipes
Keeping your pipes from freezing is a mix of preventative maintenance, like draining outdoor lines before winter weather arrives, and on-the-fly adjustments you make when you know the cold is coming, such as leaving faucets at a trickle. But even the most careful homeowners can fall victim to cold temperatures, and if you suspect your pipes are frozen, it’s critical to act quickly. Frozen pipes are a significant inconvenience, leading to severe water damage and costly repairs.
Some of the most unmistakable signs that your pipes are frozen include reduced or zero water flow from any fixtures in your home, including your water heater. You may also notice a foul odor from your drains, especially when turning on a faucet. This smell is caused by stagnant water and ice trapped in the pipe.
Once you’ve located the frozen section of your pipe, shut off the water to it and start trying to thaw it. You can use a blow dryer, run a faucet next to it with water to keep the liquid moving and heating the area or apply an electric heating pad. However, it’s always best to call a plumber so they can take the appropriate measures and ensure your pipes are adequately thawed. This can minimize the risk of damage and help you save money in the long run.
Sewer Backups
Sewage backups are a significant pain to deal with and can also be hazardous to your health. This is because even a single milliliter of sewage water can harbor millions of bacteria, parasites, and viruses. This is why it’s essential to take preventative measures and watch for the early warning signs of a sewer backup.
A slow-draining toilet, gurgling sounds in the shower or tub, and unusual smells coming from sinks and bathtubs are all signs that you need to call for emergency rooter service immediately. It’s also essential to shut off your home’s main water valve until a plumber can get to the house and assess the situation.
The most common cause of a sewer line blockage is the accumulation of solids and other debris that enters the drain pipes or main sewer lines through floor drains. Items like toilet paper, coffee grounds, and “flushable” personal wipes don’t break down in water and can collect into a significant blockage. Tree roots are another frequent cause of sewer line blockages. They can grow into and through damaged pipes, causing holes or wrapping around the lines, resulting in a clog and sewage backup.
Other causes of a sewer backup include cracked or collapsed pipes from shifting soil, material deterioration, and normal aging of old pipes. If you have insurance coverage for sewers and drains, you must submit proof of the damage, receipts, and a description of the incident to start the claim process.
Pipe Leaks
A leaking pipe is a clear sign that it’s time to call an emergency plumber. If left unaddressed, this could lead to flooding, costly property damage, and dangerous mold growth that requires expensive and invasive cleaning.
Pipes that leak can cause severe damage to your home, typically caused by several factors. Over time, water supply pipes may develop leaks due to worn-out seals or sudden pressure changes. Extreme temperature fluctuations can also cause your metal pipes to expand and contract, causing cracks and leaks.
Leaking drain pipes are often the result of a clogged or blocked line, while leaking water supply lines can be caused by building settlement, construction debris, excavation, or faulty valves. If you have a leaking pipe, turning off the water to that fixture or the entire house is essential. This will slow the water flow and help prevent further damage until a professional plumber arrives.
If you notice a wet spot in your home, it’s likely a sign of a water supply or drainage line leak. If you don’t have a shut-off valve for that pipe, look under sinks and behind toilets to find the main water valve, or check near electrical outlets to determine if it is the city water line or your supply pipe.
