In recent news, it's been all work and no play for plumbers in Pennsylvania. Due to the extreme winter, there have been several burst pipes throughout the region. Due to the extreme weather, there was a complete electrical outage on Friday for over six hours. The next day, the conditions followed. At first, the plumbers thought it was two pipes that burst. But upon actual inspection, the damage was down to four pipes. The reason was attributed to the storm that led to the opening of the otherwise insulated pipe area, causing the pipes to freeze and, later, burst.
The vacation turned into a nightmare for the couple. But as the local plumbing company set to work, things started to smooth out, one pipe at a time. The condition took a toll on the plumbers and workers, as instead of spending the Christmas holidays at home, they had to go to work and fix the pipes and faucets.
A recommended tip is to let the water drip through your faucets to keep the pipes warm and flowing. You can also install a space heater to keep the system warm, thus preventing freezing. Another thing to be mindful of is to learn about the main water shut-off valve of the property. Keep the windows and doors shut, so the wind doesn't blow in and lower temperatures.
Any incident leading to a plumbing system malfunctioning in the home or office building causing mild (or potentially serious) damage is a plumbing emergency. It doesn't have to be a complete flooding situation. At times, even a little leak or pipeline damage can threaten the whole building.
So how do we differentiate a plumbing emergency from a normal plumbing activity? Here are a few signs of an emergency that require immediate plumbing attention:
Here are some further conditions or situations that call for a plumbing emergency:
Leaking Pipes
The most common plumbing emergency is a leaky or burst pipeline. If a pipe bursts, it can cause significant damage quickly. It can also cause a huge financial burden on the residents. However, often the burst pipe doesn't bring about a flood or gallons of water gushing into your home. Even a small broken part or holes in the pipeline can damage furniture, carpet, drywall, etc. At times, the leaks can even cause the ceiling to collapse!
Moreover, it can also cause mold to build up in the walls, causing respiratory troubles. So the sooner the problem is addressed, the better for you and your family.
Toilet Overflow
Another common condition is the overflowing toilet. When the toilet gets clogged, it often leads to the water rising and overflowing from the bowl. That's embarrassing, disgusting, and unhygienic. However, the clogged toilet could be pointing at a bigger problem. Hence, you need to call in the plumber as soon as you observe the first incident of the overflowing toilet.
Flooding
Of course, there's no question that if you ever find a place flooded with water, you need to call a plumbing service without a second thought. Even if you find a cheap technique to combat the current issue, it's likely to worsen or happen again. You need a professional hand to inspect the site and provide a lasting solution to the situation.
Sewer Backing Up
If you ever encounter sewage backing up in your home, you need to call the plumber immediately. If there are any foul smell or drains clogging issues that just won't go away, these little signs could lead to bigger troubles in the future and a major incident if not dealt with at the right time.
Clogged Pipes
Several reasons cause clogged pipes. Most often, the clog is caused due to draining particles or items that shouldn't ever go down the passage. To keep things flowing smoothly, always invest in drain nets and keep up on their maintenance.
Frozen Pipes
The freezing temperatures, amongst other concerns, can lead to frozen pipes. If the situation occurs, plumbers should be called in to unfreeze or thaw out the pipes quickly before they burst and cause bigger problems.
Dripping Faucet
We have all experienced dripping faucets at one point in our lives. Not only is the constant dripping annoying and a waste of water, but if left on its own, it can become a full-blown leakage problem.
Water Heater Leakage
Water heater leaks, too, are common plumbing emergencies. Ensure any leaks or water that builds around the heater are checked before they damage your walls and flooring.
In case you are ever confronted with any of the above situations, here’s what you need to do:
Shut off the Water Supply
Of course, the very first thing you need to do is call the plumbing contractor. Next, look for the water source and cut the water supply. Look for the nearest water source and shut it off. In the case of a toilet, turn the valve at the bottom or behind it. If the situation is worse, turn off the main riser or valve.
Try to Assess the Problem
If the plumbers take time to reach your place, try to assess the problem. It may be easy to evaluate the situation and locate the cause. Otherwise, you'll have to wait for the professionals to arrive. If it's a small leak, you may use plumbing tape to cover it up. This way, you can slow down the leak until help arrives.
Fix the Problem
You may get on the job yourself if you have the experience and the tools. It will save you hundreds or perhaps thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the problem. However, if you feel ill-equipped, call in the experts.
The key to avoiding having the problem in the first place is, of course, prevention. Here are some preventative measures you should take in your home or office building, so the emergency is less likely to occur.