Dripping faucets and clogged toilets can be frustrating, but in many situations these types of plumbing problems are a quick fix for the average DIY homeowner. Preventative maintenance to your home's plumbing will usually be sufficient in keeping the plumbing fixtures, pipes and drains in good condition for a long time. Unfortunately, household emergencies happen, including plumbing emergencies. So, how do you distinguish between a common plumbing problem that can wait for regular business hours for a plumber and when the plumbing problem is an emergency? Here are three situations when you should contact emergency plumbing services.
Burst Pipes
A burst pipe can cause extensive damages, including flooding which may lead to mold and mildew. In this situation, it is necessary to contact emergency plumbing services, especially if the pipe has burst as a result of freezing pipes. If you have a pipe burst, the first thing to do is stop the water from flowing out, so find the main shutoff valve to your house and close it. Turning off the main valve will stop the water from going to all fixtures and prevent additional flooding. Next, turn on the cold water faucets to drain the pipes from trapped water. After turning off the valve and draining the taps, contact an emergency plumber.
Gas Line
A broken gas line is an extremely serious emergency that requires the services of emergency plumbing services. If you smell gas it is essential that you evacuate your home immediately. Once outside of your home, if it is outside of normal business hours contact an emergency plumber. If the gas leak occurs during regular business hours, contact the gas company or a local plumber. You should never attempt to repair a gas leak on your own. Plumbers have the equipment to detect a gas leak as well as the tools and knowledge to repair or replace pipes and fittings for the gas line.
Sewer Lines
If the sewer line is backed up and flowing into your basement, contact a plumber right away. Sewer water can be harmful to you, so it's best to avoid exposure to the water and contact a plumber instead. You should never attempt to repair sewer lines on your own as it may lead to more damages and expenses. If the backup occurs as a result of storms, the flooding can be extensive, so it is essential that call a plumber as soon as possible. Do not attempt to walk in or clean up flooding that has been caused by a backed up sewer line.
Keep in mind that emergency plumbing services are typically more costly than using plumbing services during regular business hours. Certain plumbing problems, such as a small drip from the faucet aren't typically emergencies. If the problem is something that you can deal with until the plumber can come during regular business hours, it's best to schedule an appointment instead of calling an emergency plumber.
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