The plumbing system of a building, be it an individual house or a multi-story complex, is a complex labyrinth of fresh and used water pipes running inside walls and underneath floors. It includes plumbing accessories like faucets, bathtubs, showers, toilets, etc. Then there are appliances like water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, etc., attached to this system.
Together, they bring precious clean water in and remove the wastewater out after performing the respective tasks. And all of them have the potential to break down, causing a water-filled nightmare to come true.
Basic handyman skills are great to have but won’t suffice when there is a plumbing emergency. An emergency plumber will have the knack to detect the real cause behind your plumbing issue and know how to rectify it.
Common Plumbing Problems
Plumbing, with its many components, can spring problems at any moment and at any network point.
Below are the common plumbing issues that would require an emergency plumber:
- Burst Pipe
If you think a leaky pipe is a problem, then you haven’t seen anything yet. Pipes abruptly bursting, with the water gushing out at high pressure, is something straight from a plumber’s nightmare.
It’s worse if that pipe is tucked away inside a wall or flooring. And you don’t want it to be of the drainage variety.
The surrounding room will quickly flood, causing property damage to equipment and food that should be dry. The wall or flooring containing the burst pipe could break apart. Worse, the water will fill all the gaps within them, critically compromising structural integrity,
Burst pipes must be fixed promptly, preferably by a plumber.
- Malfunctioning Appliances
Water-connected appliances work at their best in certain conditions and for a certain number of years. Eventually, they will start leaking or not letting used water out.
Maintenance also plays a turnkey role in determining how and when they’ll start having problems. The more reckless and negligent the usage pattern, the sooner they’ll give up.
When they do, you could face leaks within and outside of the machine. The possibility of that water coming into contact with the electrical wiring within and outside the appliance is of grave concern. Hence, you’ll need to call a plumber the moment you notice such leaks.
- Broken Accessories
Bathtubs, showers, toilets, etc., not working properly might not seem like cause for concern. But, in the long run, they’ll lead to more concerning problems if left unchecked. Toilet leaking water or returning wastewater is particularly nasty.
The problem is best solved as soon as possible. Some joints and mechanisms might be too complicated to manage by yourself. In that case, a call to the plumber is in order.
- Damaged Pipes
Rushing water, and temperature variations over time, will cause pipes to develop cracks and eventually fail if left alone. Sewerage pipes also have to deal with solid wastes causing grave problems.
The solutions for these vary from simple sealants to complete replacement. It’s best left to your plumber to deal with it, as they’ll know the degree of remedy needed.
- Clogs and Roots
Clogging and tree roots are mostly problems related to drainage. Any object that doesn’t make it through to the septic tank or the main wastewater line gets stuck in the pipes and blocks the flow of other things through it. Broken pipe pieces, animal-caused blockages are also behind it. They result in the backwater that is unhealthy. They should get cleared quickly, which is left best to the professionals.
Freshwater pipes can get clogged due to sediment deposits over time.
Tree roots are a menace as they grow innocuously and destroy the entire drainage system. They get attracted by the warm, moist environment of the drain and the nutrition provided by the food waste flowing through it. They’ll block the entire system and grow out from drainage. They must get removed from the source, for which professionals will have the necessary training and tools.
Getting the Right One
Here are some things to look for in a plumber before hiring them for your emergency:
- Proximity
Your plumber must arrive as soon as possible during an emergency. So the closer the plumber, the higher they should be on your contact list.
- Qualification
On-the-job trained plumbers might not have the skills to deal with your emergency and could make the problem worse. Always go with a certified plumber. Check their level and qualifications based on your state.
- Cost
The cost might not be high on the priority list in times of emergencies. But some plumbers will take advantage of that fact and charge you indiscriminately. It’s best to negotiate before accepting their services.
- Reputation
Check the plumber’s or their agency’s rating and reviews to know about their expertise. Browse through comments on forums to see how they’ve performed earlier in similar situations.
Water is life-giving, and plumbing, the lifeline of society. When this lifeline doesn’t work as it should, it’s best to call an emergency plumber to set it right.
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