5 Common Plumbing Emergencies You Need to Know About

At some point in our adult lives, we will experience a plumbing emergency. This is more than just about a clogged toilet. We are talking about flooded basements, failed water heaters in the winter, and no running water for a shower. 

As a homeowner, you know what to expect from your plumbing, including hot water on demand, high water pressure in the shower, and fast, free-flowing drains throughout the home.

If you sense that something is wrong with your home’s plumbing system, trust your instincts and don’t put off calling a plumber in order to avoid a larger financial problem in the long run.

1. Water leaks

There is a difference between water leaks and condensation buildup, so make sure you can tell which issue you are experiencing. Condensation can lead to other problems.

Any dripping water around the joints of pipes can indicate that the joint was not sealed properly, or it has been worn away due to erosion. 

Some joints can be tightened to avert a crisis; others may need to be replaced and reinstalled by a professional. If the pipe is easily accessible, such as in the bathroom under the sink or the kitchen sink, you could always try to repair this yourself. 

However, for larger pipes or main pipes located in the basement, then you should call a professional plumber. 

2. Condensation

Almost every wall of your home will have insulation. This is great in the long winter months in order to keep the heat inside.

However, high humidity around the pipes can lead to condensation buildup, especially without the right insulation. While there is no threat of bursting pipes or flooding, other problems can arise instead.

The drips from the condensation can cause water damage if left for too long. This area can also become a breeding ground for mould and spores, which are an extreme health risk and can cause the home to become unlivable.

3. Water heater failure

Hot water on demand is an essential luxury that many can take for granted. Should the water heater fail, particularly in the winter, then not only will we not have hot water for bathing and showering, but this can lead to freezing water in the pipes, which can cause them to burst. 

A faulty water heater can create leaking and flooding problems, which can also add to the financial burden of a plumbing emergency.

Fortunately, many modern water heaters are designed to rule out this issue. However, these water heaters also require maintenance, just like the older models, to keep working.

4. Slow drains

Drain clogs are never a fun thing to deal with, but small blockages are relatively quick and easy to repair.

Still, if the clog does not dissipate, then the issue may be located further down the pipe than initially thought. In such a case, a store-bought drain cleaner or plumbing snake may not be enough to fix the problem. 

If left unattended, these clogs can get bigger and reach down longer, leading to a full drain backup, which for sewage pipes and toilets is not only disgusting but a health risk as well.

5. Washing machine failures

When our washing machine fails, it’s irritating. Now, you have to wait for a repair or go to the laundromat. However, if it is not a machine failure but rather a plumbing issue, then there could be more annoyance on the way. 

Leaking water or improper draining can lead to flooding, damage to the machine and floors, and even your clothing. In such situations, the pipes need to be checked, and the drains must be properly allocated to the machine as well.

What Can You Do While You Wait

After you have called the emergency plumber in Toronto, you obviously need to wait for them to arrive. In the meantime, you can do certain things to assist them and to prevent the issue from becoming worse. 

For example, knowing the location of the water shut-off valves in the home is beneficial. Before calling the plumber, you can turn off the water to prevent any sudden bursting of pipes or prevent more flooding.

In areas where there is flooding, removing the water will help prevent more issues to the floor and walls. If there is only a little water, then you can use towels to soak it up. If there is a lot of water, then you may need a few buckets. 

Take pictures of the affected areas, as this will help your insurance claim. You can capture images on your phone, before, during, and after the plumbing repairs.

Contact the Emergency Plumber You Can Trust

When emergencies happen, they often do so quickly. Thus, being able to call a knowledgeable plumber 24/7 is essential.

At Drain King Plumbers, our experts are trained in all plumbing situations, and we pride ourselves on our customer service. We can deal with various plumbing problems, including burst pipes, failed water heaters, sewer damage, and external drain issues.

You can call us at 833-983-5663 or visit us online and find out about our plumbing rebates, maintenance recommendations, and scheduling. New customers can qualify for $25 off their first service.