There’s almost nothing worse than running into a plumbing emergency that takes your day from average to chaos. From a toilet that won’t flush to water leaking over your floors, plumbing emergencies are undeniably a challenge that no homeowner wants to deal with.
However, some plumbing emergencies are inevitable – but while you might not be able to identify a plumbing emergency before it occurs, knowing the different types of plumbing emergencies and how to address them before they escalate into major issues is critical.
So, what are the different types of emergency plumbing issues you might encounter, and what should you do when each occurs? Read more to find out!
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There’s no such thing as an ideal plumbing emergency – but what are the types of plumbing emergencies you might encounter in your home? Below are a few common issues and what you can do to mitigate the damage.
Burst Internal Water Pipe
A burst internal water pipe is one of the most serious types of plumbing emergencies. Plumbing pipe bursts occur when an increase in water pressure causes stress on weak joints in your pipes.
The added pressure can lead to your pipe bursting, causing a large amount of water to come rushing out of the area where the burst happened. Burst pipes can also occur when water freezes during colder months or if your pipes are too old and require replacement.
A burst pipe can cause many issues – most notably, when litres of water spill into your home, your property is at risk for significant water damage on the floors, walls, and ceilings. If the water isn’t removed quickly after the pipe bursts, it can lead to mould growth, causing even more damage.
So, what should you do when a pipe bursts? Beyond calling an emergency plumbing service, you should turn off your main water supply and hot water system when a burst happens to prevent more water from flowing into your space. Preventing burst pipes is possible by insulating your piping and keeping your home’s temperature warm during winter when your pipes are vulnerable to freezing.
Overflowing Sink or Toilet
Another common form of emergency plumbing Perth homes experience is an overflowing sink or toilet, which causes water to spill onto your floor and could risk significant damage to your home. An overflowing sink or toilet occurs when your drains are clogged. You’re likely familiar with the hassle of a clogged toilet, one of the most frequent plumbing problems homeowners encounter – and one of the most frustrating!
Fixing your clogged toilet or sink as soon as possible is crucial to prevent further structural damage when water sits on your floors. Like other plumbing emergencies, an overflowing toilet or sink can cause mould to develop if it’s not addressed properly. Additionally, the toilet and sink are significant harborers of bacteria, so an overflowing structure can cause germs to spread fast.
The simplest way to address a clogged toilet or sink is to use a plunger to fix the drain. Always have a plunger on hand in case of an emergency. When your drains overflow, it’s best to contact a professional emergency plumber to ensure there aren’t any underlying problems causing the overflow.
Lack of Water
What’s more shocking than getting into the shower only to realise the water is cold due to faulty hot water systems? Another common plumbing emergency is a lack of water, specifically hot water. If your home doesn’t have any hot water for several days, it’s time to enlist the help of an expert.
A lack of hot water is usually caused by problems with your water heater, such as sludge building up inside the heater tank, malfunctioning dip tubes, and broken heating mechanisms. Unfortunately, this is a plumbing issue that doesn’t have a DIY solution – you’ll have to turn to emergency plumbers to get the problem solved.
Leaks in Residential and Commercial Plumbing Systems
Plumbing leaks are a common problem that can cause significant stress and possible damage to your home. While small leaks can usually wait a couple of days before being addressed, big leaks present a plumbing emergency that should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid damage to your floors, ceilings, and walls.
You might also experience leaks that don’t cause overflowing but are still cause for concern, like leaky faucets and a leaky water heater. While these problems might not seem like emergencies, they can cause issues that build over time to create significant long-term damage, including mould, rust, water damage, and hefty water bills.
The quickest solution to address big leaks when they occur is to use tape to cover the leaks on your pipes, but this solution isn’t foolproof, and you’ll require help from an experienced plumber to get the problem solved.
Backed-Up Sewer
A backed-up sewer isn’t only a plumbing problem – it’s a nightmare. These emergencies threaten your and your family’s health and well-being and must be addressed immediately.
You’ll notice a backed-up sewer system in a few ways, often starting with the smell of sewage building in your home, followed by raw sewage entering your home through different drains. You might also notice a backed-up sewer if your drains are clogged frequently or your toilet is gurgling.
When you notice a potential sewage backup, it’s best to call for emergency plumbing services immediately. If you avoid enlisting help for too long, sewage can enter your home and cause illness, leading to many problems that an experienced plumber can prevent. Once the issue is solved, clean with plenty of bleach to eliminate bacteria!
Address Plumbing Emergencies With Tunnel Vision
Let’s face it: plumbing emergencies are one of the last things you want to deal with in your busy schedule, especially if your emergency is connected to a larger plumbing issue. Rather than working tirelessly to fix your plumbing problems independently, you should turn to expert emergency plumbing services like Tunnel Vision.
Tunnel Vision provides the highest-quality plumbing solutions to many plumbing issues, from blocked drains to pipe relining, to ensure your plumbing is secure. Address your plumbing emergencies - or any other blocked drain and pipe relining needs - by contacting Tunnel Vision whenever you encounter any problems!