Plumbing Solutions
Out of all the possible house repairs, plumbing problems are usually the most cost and time intensive, and they can quickly spiral into a full-scale plumbing emergency. Many plumbing issues can be avoided with preventative and scheduled maintenance, but emergencies occur all the time and it's important to know what can cause them and what to do once they happen. Here, we'll discuss the 3 most common plumbing emergencies and their solutions.
Burst Pipe Repairs
The most common plumbing emergency is a burst pipe. Burst pipes can cause extensive amounts of property damage, as they can go unnoticed until they cause large amounts of water to spill from them. Burst pipes can be caused by a variety of factors, including extreme temperature changes, corrosion, or even shifting ground or construction. It's important to know how to spot a burst pipe and what to do in an emergency situation.
First and foremost, if your home is flooded or you see water coming from the pipes or fixtures, shut off the main water valve immediately in order to prevent any further damage from occurring. If you can identify the broken pipe, shut off the valve that controls that pipeline. Then, contact a plumbing professional for immediate repairs.
Plumbing Emergency
The second most common plumbing emergency is a clogged drain. Clogged drains can be caused by a variety of reasons, including a buildup of debris, hair, or grease, and they can cause extensive backups and flooding in your home. Clogged pipes can be difficult to identify as they may not present an immediate visible problem.
At the first sign of a slow drain, take action. A good first step is to pour a solution of bleach and hot water down the drain. This will help to break up the clog and get the water flowing again. If that doesn't work, you'll need to contact an emergency plumber to assess the situation and use the appropriate tools to unclog the drain.
The third most common plumbing emergency are toilet overflows. Toilet overflows are often caused by clogs or other blockages in drains that prevent water from leaving the toilet bowl. It's important to address a toilet overflow quickly in order to avoid the potential for water damage and other problems.
If your toilet is overflowing, it's important to quickly and carefully shut off the water supply to the toilet. This can be done by locating the water supply valve, which is usually located near the toilet, and turning it to the "off" position. Then contact a plumber to inspect the toilet and drain system and take the necessary steps to stop the overflow.
In conclusion, plumbing emergencies can be expensive and time-consuming. By familiarizing yourself with the most common causes and taking the necessary steps to address them, you can avoid a full-scale plumbing emergency and keep your home maintained.
