If plumbing issues are neglected, they can lead to more severe problems which will cost you both time and money. Given below are the 7 most common plumbing emergencies faced by homeowners.
1. Broken Pipes
Freezing temperatures are the major contributor to broken pipes. If the water in your pipe happens to freeze due to extremely low temperatures, it can cause the pipes to burst. Broken pipes always require the immediate attention of an emergency plumber. It is not wise to try and fix them on your own.
In order to prevent this, make sure to insulate your pipes in cold weather conditions. Pipes can also break in case of blocks due to clogged sewer lines or drains. This will increase the pressure in your pipes and cause it to burst. The most common symptoms of broken pipes are strange odors, discolored water, stains and leaks.
2. Clogged Drains
Although clogged drains aren’t always an emergency, they can be serious in some cases. You can tell that drains are clogged if your toilet doesn't flush properly, the water does not drain properly or you hear gurgling sounds coming from your drain.
If the drain clog is minor, it can be fixed by a plunger and other natural methods like boiling water. Sometimes you might have to use a plumbing snake. If the above methods don’t work you should call for a plumber.
3. Leaking Pipes
Leaky pipes are a very common problem but they are not always detected very easily. If you experience low water pressure from your shower or faucets it can be due to leaks in your pipes. Other warning signs of a leaking pipe are unexplained stains on your ceilings or walls.
This can also be coupled with a strange odor. You should not hesitate to call a water leak detection in Florida once you start noticing these signs. Leaking pipes can be caused by broken seals, corroded pipes, damaged pipes or high-water pressure.
4. Leaky Taps
Leaky taps are no doubt one of the most annoying problems. It is not wise to ignore a leaky tap even if the leak is small. You can lose a good amount of water in the process. There are many reasons that can contribute to a leak.
The most common cause is the cartridge in your tap or faucet. The cartridge might be worn out and will need to be replaced by a new one. It can also be due to other reasons like dirty valve seats, worn out seals, loose screws and broken parts.
If you can’t figure out what is wrong, you should get it replaced with an automatic sensor tap. As these taps don't need a lever to operate, there are minimum chances of a leak. Though they are a little expensive, you will be able to save on your water bills as they can save up to 60% more water than normal taps.
5. Water Heater Issues
If your home uses hot water frequently it can be a big problem if your heater starts malfunctioning. It is very important to address this problem immediately because neglecting it can worsen the condition of your heater. This can lead to some expensive repairs which you don’t want to be facing.
Your heater might have faulty heating elements, malfunctioning thermostat or other possible conditions like gas leaks. Leaky water heaters are also a common problem and are manifested by drips or small pools of water under the heater.
6. Leaking Toilet Seals
If your toilet seals are worn out, you will experience water leaking from the base of your toilet. Leaking toilets are the common culprits of unexplained rises in water bills. Toilets can also leak due to loose nuts and bolts and these are usually fixed by a simple tightening. If your toilet seals are worn out, they need to be replaced by new ones to stop the leak.
7. Damaged Sewer Pipes
If your sewer pipes are damaged or broken it can be a potential health risk. The most common sign of a damaged sewer pipe is a strong and foul odor in your home. You might also get regular sewage backup in your toilet or tub. If you suspect a damaged sewer pipe, get professional help immediately.
Conclusion
Most of the above plumbing problems cannot be fixed by an inexperienced person and they have to be looked at by a professional plumber. It is always better to fix the problem in the early stages rather than letting it escalate to a more serious problem.
