Six Most Common Plumbing Emergencies

Introduction

As you start your day, a potential plumbing emergency is the last thing on your mind. But once water starts leaking from your old appliance or leaking pipes, you probably can’t think of anything else until the problem is fixed!

There’s never a good time for plumbing emergencies. Knowing what to expect and what to do when they happen can help minimize the impact on your life and property. Here are six of the most common plumbing emergencies businesses and families face.

1. Overflowing Toilet

Whether your toilet is clogged or has a faulty float mechanism, the first step is to shut off the water flow. The water valve is located at the bottom of the water line on the side of the toilet and should be turned counter-clockwise.

Once you stop the flow of water into the toilet, the mechanism failure or clog can be fixed. To clear a toilet blockage, it is enough to apply strong vertical pressure with a plunger.

More severe obstructions may require a snail (or “snake”) to fish out debris that is blocking the flow of water. Once the debris is cleared, turn on the water valve and reset the float.

2. Stopped-Up Sink Drain

The primary way to avoid a stopped-up sink drain is to deter people from dumping coffee grounds, grease, and other dense waste down your drain. Though unfortunately, even the most careful homeowner sometimes has to deal with this nuisance. 

If using a plunger to clear material from the drain does not work, you may require an auger. An auger is simple to use with a bit of practice and determination.

3. Burst Pipes

A burst pipe can release up to 100 gallons of water in eight hours, making it by far the most damaging plumbing emergency. Corrosion over the years can often cause pipes to burst.

In the event of a pipe burst, shut off the water supply immediately. If possible, move any furniture or other items to minimize further damage.

4. Leaking Pipes

How you fix a leaking pipe depends on where exactly the water is coming from.

• If the leak is coming from the gasket, first tighten the gasket with a wrench. You may find that tightening one connection loosens another. So proceed with caution.
• If water leaks from the hose, a rubber patch can help. Another option is to use waterproof tape over the leak.

5. Sump Pump Failure

If the sump pump is not working, remove the strainer to ensure that debris is not blocking the movement of the impeller.

If the impeller is free, your pump may not be getting enough power or the float switch is defective. If the pump has been running for a long period of time, it may have stalled due to thermal overload.

6. Water Heater Malfunction

Some of the most common problems with water heaters include:

• Water too hot or too cold
• Noise comes from the water heater
• Water that is an odd color or smell
• A leaking tank

If the radiator is leaking, contact a professional. If there are no leaks, flushing the water tank can fix color and odor issues and improve the water heater’s efficiency.

What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency

Unless you’ve encountered an unexpected plumbing problem before, it can be difficult to know what to do when it occurs. First of all, it is important that you do not panic! In the event of a leak, quick and decisive action is crucial to avoid major damage.

• Cover or stop small leaks: For small leaks, you may be able to seal the pipes or fittings with plumbing tape. Placing buckets or bowls under the leaks to catch the water also helps minimize the damage while addressing the underlying problem.
• Turn off your water: Depending on the location and the severity of your problem, you may need to turn off a water valve or possibly the water main. This is a temporary solution that stops the flow of water until a more permanent solution can be found.
• Turn on the faucets: After turning off the water, turn on faucets and faucets to flush out any remaining water in your lines.
• Call a Plumber Emergency: Plumbing emergencies fall outside normal business hours. So you need a 24/7 plumber who will take your call and get you to the job quickly.

Let Plumbing by WireNut Handle Your Plumbing Emergency

If you’ve encountered one of these common plumbing emergencies in your home, you need help now! Looking for expedited 24/7 emergency service in Colorado? Then make Plumbing by WireNut Drain Cleaning Pros Colorado Springs your go-to source for plumbing repairs.

Our team of experienced plumber Colorado Springs, CO will help you with any plumbing emergency you may be dealing with. We are available for your call any time of the day or night, or you can schedule the service online.