Emergencies strike when you least expect them. When your plumbing is involved, it’s critical to act fast to avoid property damage. Here are the top 10 plumbing emergencies that warrant calling a plumber.
- Stopped-up sink: Slow drains are frustrating, but they don’t require urgent repair. However, when a pipe becomes so clogged that the water won’t drain from the sink, you know you need an emergency plumber.
- Blocked tub or shower drain: When you’re taking a shower, the last thing you want is for the water to start creeping up around your ankles. Hair buildup and soap residue are the most common reasons for blocked shower drains, which may warrant professional drain cleaning.
- Clogged toilet: As one of the most-used fixtures in your home, it’s no surprise that you need to whip out a plunger to unclog the toilet on occasion. However, if your toilet is making strange noises, refusing to flush, or overflowing, you may need professional toilet repair.
- Leaky pipe: Check the plumbing connections beneath your sinks frequently to look for signs of water damage. If you notice standing water, rotten wood cabinets, or mold, call a plumber for help.
- Burst pipe: A slow drip from a leaky pipe is damaging enough, but if a pipe bursts, it could flood your home incredibly quickly. Shut off the water and call a plumber right away.
- Broken water line: Tree roots, earthquakes, and digging equipment can all break underground water lines. If the water quality or pressure degrades suddenly, or soggy patches appear in the yard, schedule emergency water line repair.
- No hot water: You’re enjoying a hot shower when suddenly, the water turns ice-cold. Several things could be to blame, including a malfunctioning water heater, electrical issue, or plumbing leak. Even your utility company could be at fault. No matter the reason, it’s wise to call a plumber to help you set things right.
- Rusty water heater: Examine your water heater regularly, especially if it’s approaching 10 years old. If you see rust on the tank, call an emergency plumber, especially if the rusty spot is wet, indicating a leak.
- Leaking appliance hose: Outdated rubber hoses behind your dishwasher, washing machine, or icemaker may bulge and crack over time, resulting in a leak. The water damage may go unnoticed for a long time until it drips through the ceiling of the room below.
- Backed-up sewer system: Raw sewage in your home is a plumbing nightmare no one wants to face. Call a plumber at the first sign of a sewer backup, which may include sewage odors, gurgling toilets, water pooling around basement floor drains, or multiple drain clogs happening at once.
For help tackling these plumbing emergencies, please contact Puget Sound Plumbing & Heating. We’re on-call 24/7, so don’t hesitate to contact our licensed plumbers any time of day or night, weekend or holiday! You can reach us online or by calling (206) 350-0079.