As a homeowner, you know the unexpected can happen at any time. At some point, you will need plumbing repair at your home in Springfield, MO. While some plumbing issues can wait, others are plumbing emergencies. Minor problems like clogged drains and slow leaks are inconvenient but aren’t necessarily plumbing emergencies. However, if ignored for too long they could be.
You need to know if that late-night drip is an emergency. Our guide to general plumbing emergencies will help you know what to expect when the unexpected happens. When it does, shut the water off at the fixture that is leaking or the main water line to the house if necessary to prevent extensive water damage.
Burst Pipes
It’s hard to miss a burst pipe. The rush of the water is usually dramatic but not always. However, any burst pipe is an emergency plumbing repair because it can release gallons of water quickly. You’ll have extensive and expensive water damage to repair.
Pipes can rupture because of old age or if water freezes inside them when it’s very cold outside. If your pipes are old, consider repiping from the professionals at All Klear. To prevent frozen pipes, don’t let your indoor temperature fall below freezing or let the faucets drip overnight.
Clogged Toilet
You might press the handle to flush a toilet, and all that happens is more water running into the bowl without any water draining out. This usually indicates a clog in the pipes. It happens from flushing things down the toilet that should not be flushed or using too much toilet paper.
If a clog occurs in the only toilet in your home, it’s a plumbing emergency. Continuously trying to flush can cause the toilet to overflow onto the bathroom floor. Avoid the mess — call a professional plumber instead.
Overflowing Toilet
An overflowing toilet can sometimes wait for plumbing repair if you have another bathroom or you can unclog it with a plunger. However, the cause of an overflowing toilet may be something more serious than a clog. Frequent clogs may mean the toilet has a blocked vent pipe, a device that uses air to help the toilet flush properly. Another cause of an overflowing toilet is a filler float inside the tank that is set too high.
If your toilet is overflowing and you can’t stop it, turn off the water valve at the base and call All Klear for repair. Our professionals can determine the cause.
The Toilet Won’t Stop Running
Suppose you flush the toilet and it keeps on running. You leave the bathroom and come back later only to hear the toilet continuously running. Yes, you can still use the toilet. It’s not clogged, and it isn’t overflowing. Is this a plumbing emergency?
A constantly running toilet uses a lot of water. While it may not need immediate attention, it’s a good idea to have a plumber resolve the issue before your water bill skyrockets.
Clogged Sinks, Bathtubs, and Shower Drains
It can be annoying when a bathroom or kitchen sink won’t drain right away when you are performing tasks like brushing your teeth or doing dishes. Or the water may rise past your ankles as you shower. The water takes a long time to drain or may even stop flowing altogether. This may not be an emergency, but your daily routine can be seriously disrupted, so it’s wise to call a plumber
Water Heater Issues
You may rarely see your water heater if it’s stashed away in a closet or basement. You should check frequently for water pooling at the base. This indicates a significant leak and should be dealt with right away. No one wants to go without hot water, especially in cold weather. Washing clothes and dishes can also be impeded. A malfunctioning water heater is a plumbing emergency for most homeowners.
Things that can go wrong with a water heater include a broken heating mechanism, a cracked dip tub, or sludge buildup. Professional plumbers can resolve all these issues.
Backed-Up Sewer System
The worst of all plumbing emergencies, a backed-up sewer system is a health hazard. Telltale signs include unpleasant odors and gurgling sounds. The smell may even permeate your property outdoors. When you flush the toilet, water may pool in the tub or shower.
Causes vary, from aging pipes to tree roots invading cracked pipes underground. A sewer backup can also happen if your household flushes things like feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or baby wipes down the toilet. A backed-up sewer system calls for immediate attention from a plumber.
Failed Sump Pump
Some households have sump pumps in the basement or crawlspace. They’re essential to protect against flooding if you live in a low-lying area prone to heavy rainfall or where the soil drains poorly. If your sump pump stops working, your home will be vulnerable to water damage. Irregular cycles, vibrations, and odd noises mean it’s about to fail. Or the problem could be as simple as a stuck switch. Be proactive, and bring in the pros before your sump pump fails and your basement floods.
Gas Leaks
Gas leaks are emergencies that call for evacuating the premises and calling the gas company immediately. If it is a gas water heater or another gas appliance is leaking, you’ll also need a plumber. If you notice a smell reminiscent of rotten eggs or hear a hissing or whistling noise, don’t waste any time taking action.
Other Types of Leaks
Small leaks such as leaks underneath sinks or dripping showerheads aren’t usually a major issue. They can wait for a while without a disaster occurring. However, they can also turn into big leaks, and that’s another story. Water that comes in contact with electrical wiring is a fire hazard.
Hidden, silent leaks can cause significant damage to your home. If you notice water stains on ceilings or walls, call the professionals to take care of the issue before that happens.
Broken Water Line
A water line carries water from your primary water source to your home. If the line has a break in it, water will not come through. Signs that tell you this is what’s going on could be low water pressure, a sputtering noise, or a soggy wet patch on your lawn near the location of the broken water line. In addition to little or no water, you’ll have higher utility costs.
Homeowners in Springfield can rest assured that the plumbing professionals from All Klear are ready to provide the best plumbing service from minor drips to big emergencies regarding your plumbing system and fixtures. Your home’s plumbing system is extensive and complex. Whether emergencies or issues that can wait, the things that can go wrong are numerous and varied. We have professionals that can also take care of your heating, cooling, and electrical needs, including installation, maintenance, and repair. We pride ourselves on exceeding expectations for all your plumbing needs.
Contact All Klear in Springfield today for more information!
