What Constitutes a Plumbing Emergency?
Our plumbing is used every day, so often that we may start to take it for granted. When an issue with your plumbing arises, you may find yourself dismissing it.
Maybe you think it’s not that big of a concern, or perhaps that it will fix itself over time. While small quick fixes, like drain cleaner and boiling water, may help, they likely won’t treat the cause of your problems.
So how do you know when you have a plumbing emergency on your hands?
In this article, we’ll outline what constitutes a plumbing emergency and how you can get help fast. We’ll also uncover issues that may not seem serious, but should probably be checked out sooner rather than later.
Do you need emergency plumbers in Montmorency you can rely on? Our team at Precision Plumbing and Earthworks is here to support you with expert plumbing know-how and fast, quality services.
What is a Plumbing Emergency?
A plumbing emergency is an issue that needs immediate attention. Waiting till you have the time is no longer an option. An emergency plumbing situation usually means your home or family is at risk.
For instance, a leak could cause hazardous mould growth and even structural damage. While this often depends on the leak’s severity, how long the leak has gone undetected is also a cause for concern.
Likewise, if you no longer have access to running water, your entire home can grind to a halt. While these are not the only emergency cases, they are fairly significant.
Common Plumbing Emergencies
Here are just a few of the different types of plumbing emergencies that need immediate attention:
- Burst water pipes
- Severe leaks
- Blocked bathroom drains
- Blocked toilets
- A gas leak
- Broken heating and hot water
- Leaking hot water systems
All of these issues are cause for serious concern as they may be dangerous. If you notice them, reach out to an emergency plumber as soon as you can.
Signs You May Need a Plumber
While an emergency may be self-evident, how do you know if you need a plumber without one? There are several signs you can look out for that may indicate you need expert help.
Noisy Pipes
While you may be familiar with the sounds of your house settling, noisy pipes should still be a cause for concern. Banging, whistling, and clanging noises could indicate that your water pressure is too high or your pipes are shifting.
Shifting pipes and loose valves could lead to weakened and burst pipes throughout your water system.
Low Water Pressure
Are your taps or showers struggling with water pressure? A weak stream can be inconvenient and frustrating. If you have more than one tap affected, it could be a sign of a larger problem.
While one could be caused by a clog, a widespread issue is usually a sign of cracked or leaking pipes.
Climbing Water Bill
You should also pay attention to your water bills. If you have had a consistently high or growing bill, with no change in water habits, you may have an unidentified leak.
Some leaks may form where you can’t see or find them. In these cases, a professional can do a leak detection check to find the source and address the problem.
With fast, professional intervention, you can prevent an emergency from occurring. This could save money on expensive repairs, extend your plumbing’s lifespan and even help you maintain your property’s value.
Getting the Right Help
Getting the right plumbing help is about more than calling the closest service. They need to be fully trained and certified, with plenty of experience handling emergency situations.
Likewise, if they can’t offer you support in a timely manner, they aren’t the best option. They also need to be able to address the issue and be willing to offer more than a quick fix.
Consider asking a friend for any recommendations. Otherwise, try to review a plumber’s credentials and history. If they haven’t been around for long, or don’t mention their licensing, they may not have the expertise you need.
Waiting for Your Plumber
Once you’ve reached out, it’s important to put your safety first while you wait. Depending on the issue, you may be able to try to contain it.
However, if there is water or damage anywhere near an electrical system, keep clear. Make sure children, pets and family are also kept away from the area.
You should then take steps to make your home easier to find by turning on your outdoor lights.
Get 24/7 Support With Precision Plumbing
At Precision Plumbing and Earthworks, we have a 24/7 emergency plumbing service. Whether it’s early morning or late at night, our team is ready to jump into action. For emergency plumbers in Eltham, look no further.
We are fully licensed and insured, with years of experience, so that you can trust the quality of our work. We’ll get it done right the first time. Reach out to our team today for a plumbing service you can rely on.
