Plumbing issues can strike at the most inconvenient times, whether it’s a burst pipe, an overflowing toilet, or waking up to find your basement flooded. While these plumbing problems require immediate attention, others can wait a day or two. This article will cover common plumbing issues and help you identify which ones require immediate attention.
A Burst Pipe Needs Immediate Attention
Few things are as alarming as a burst pipe spraying water across your home. Whether you discover water gushing into your basement or find water pooling under your kitchen sink, a burst pipe is a plumbing emergency that requires immediate action. Even a small rupture can escalate quickly, damaging drywall, flooring, and personal belongings.
The first step is to shut off the water supply to prevent further damage. Locate the main shut-off valve, typically found in your basement or where the water main enters your home. Turning off the water stops the flow and minimizes the damage. Once the water supply is cut off, contacting a licensed professional is crucial. An emergency plumber can assess the situation, pinpoint the source of the leak, and replace the damaged pipe section.
While freezing temperatures are the most common cause of burst pipes, they can occur at other times as well. Aging pipes may weaken over the years, or pressure buildup from a clog can lead to a rupture. Even small cracks in the pipe can worsen quickly, especially if your home experiences changes in water pressure due to municipal system issues.
Given the potential for escalating damage, treating any sign of a burst or ruptured pipe as an emergency is essential. Delaying action, even for just a few hours, can lead to more extensive damage and significantly higher repair costs.
Sewage Backups Are Never Normal
Few things are worse than seeing dirty water bubbling up from your drains. Sewage backups don’t just smell bad—they’re a health risk. That water carries bacteria and other harmful stuff you don’t want anywhere near your family.
A backup can happen for a few reasons. Tree roots might have crept into your sewer line over the years, or a clog deep in a drainage pipe could be blocking the flow. Sometimes, heavy rain overwhelms the system, forcing waste back up into your house. Whatever the cause, you need help right away. The longer that contaminated water sits, the more damage it can do to your floors, walls, and anything else it touches.
If you notice sewage coming out of a drain, avoid flushing toilets or running water, as this can worsen the problem. Instead, contact a plumbing company that offers emergency services. They have specialized equipment, such as cameras that can be inserted into the pipes, to identify the root cause of the issue. A professional plumber can then clear the clog, repair any damage, and ensure your system is functioning safely.
Loss of Water Is a Plumbing Emergency
You don’t realize how much you rely on running water until it’s gone. Suddenly, you can’t wash your hands, flush the toilet, or get a drink. If you turn on the tap and nothing happens, or you get just a weak trickle, it’s a sign something serious could be wrong.
Losing water can be caused by different things. Sometimes, it’s a broken water main in your neighborhood, but other times, it’s a problem with your home’s plumbing. Frozen pipes can block water flow, and if they crack, they might burst when they thaw. A valve could have failed, or there might be a blockage somewhere in your system.
If you’ve checked with your water company and still don’t have water, it’s time to call a plumber. They can determine if the problem is with your underground main water line or interior plumbing. Either way, getting help quickly means you won’t have to go long without water. You may also avoid more significant problems like pipe damage if there’s a hidden issue.
Dripping Faucets and Slow Drains Can Usually Wait
A slow drip from a faucet can be annoying, but it’s not the kind of problem that requires someone to show up in the middle of the night. The same goes for a sink that drains slowly or a toilet that’s not flushing the way it should. You should have these issues fixed because they are irritating and waste water, but they’re not emergencies.
Dripping faucets often means a worn-out washer or a loose part inside the fixture. However, this issue is not something that will flood your house if you wait a day or two for an appointment.
Slow drains usually mean there’s a clog building up somewhere. Hair, soap scum, or grease can block pipes over time. If water is still draining, even if it’s slow, you can usually wait for a plumber to check it during regular hours. However, using store-bought drain cleaners is never a good idea. They do not solve the underlying problem and contain caustic chemicals that can damage your plumbing.
Low Water Pressure Can Be Annoying But Isn’t Urgent
If your shower feels more like a drizzle than a downpour, or your kitchen sink takes forever to fill up, low water pressure is frustrating. But it’s not usually an emergency.
Low pressure can be caused by mineral buildup in your pipes, a partially closed valve, or a small leak somewhere. Sometimes, it’s an issue with the municipal supply, and it resolves on its own. If you notice low pressure throughout your house, it’s a good idea to have a plumber check things out, but you don’t need someone there immediately.
If the issue is just with one faucet, it may be a clogged aerator. Over time, mineral deposits and debris can accumulate in its screen, restricting water flow. To clean the aerator, unscrew it from the faucet by hand or using a pair of pliers. Once it is removed, rinse the aerator under warm water to clear out any debris. If necessary, soak it in a mixture of vinegar and water for 30 minutes to dissolve stubborn mineral buildup. After it is cleaned, reattach the aerator and test the water pressure. This simple maintenance step can often restore normal flow and save you from calling a plumber.
Knowing When to Call for Emergency Services
It can be tough to know when to call for emergency plumbing help, especially if it’s late at night or over the weekend. You might wonder if you should wait until morning or risk waking someone up. The rule of thumb is simple: if water is leaking, sewage is backing up, or you don’t have running water, don’t wait. These problems can get worse quickly, and the damage they cause can be far more expensive than the cost of an emergency call.
Contact Your Local Professionals
At Pure Plumbing, we have been serving the residents of Dallas, TX and the surrounding areas since 2013. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services. Additionally, we can help with all your other plumbing services needs, including drain cleaning and sewer repair. Keep our number handy for emergencies or to schedule an appointment for our other services.
