Plumbing emergencies can strike at any time and can be a real pain to deal with.
However, by being prepared and knowing how to deal with the most common plumbing emergencies, you can minimize the damage and stress caused by them.
This guide will cover the seven most common plumbing emergencies and give you tips on how to deal with each one.
1. Burst pipes
If you have a burst pipe, the first thing you should do is turn off the water at the main shutoff valve. This will help prevent any further water damage. Next, call a plumber to come and repair the pipe.
If the pipe is located in an area where there is no access to the main shutoff valve, you can try to shut off the water at the closest valve to the burst pipe. If this is not possible, you can try to use a plunger to temporarily stop the water flow. However, this is only a temporary fix, and you will still need to call a plumber to come and repair the pipe.
2. Clogged Toilets
If your toilet is clogged, the first thing you should do is try to use a plunger to unclog it. If the plunger does not work, you can try using a plumber’s snake. If neither of these works, you will need to call a plumber to come and unclog the toilet.
One of the most common plumbing emergencies is a clogged drain. Clogged drains can happen for various reasons, including the build-up of hair, soap scum, or grease. They can also be caused by objects that have been flushed down the drain, such as diapers, sanitary napkins, or paper towels.
3. Clogged Drains
If you have a clogged drain, the first thing you should do is try to clear it yourself with a plunger or a plumber’s snake. If this doesn’t work, or if the clog is located in a hard-to-reach place, you should call a plumber.
4. Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes are another common plumbing emergency. They can be caused by various factors, including corrosion, poor installation, or damage from freezing temperatures.
If you have a leaking pipe, the first thing you should do is turn off the water in the affected area. This will help prevent further damage. Once the water is off, you can call a plumber to repair the leak.
5. Leaking Faucets
A leaky faucet is one of the most annoying plumbing problems. Not only is it a waste of water, but it can also be a real pain to fix. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to fix a leaking faucet.
First, try tightening the packing nut. This is the nut that holds the washer in place. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the washer.
If you have a compression faucet, you’ll need to replace the O-ring. This is a small rubber ring that seals the connection between the faucet and the pipe.
If you have a cartridge faucet, you may need to replace the entire cartridge. This is a more difficult repair, so you may want to call a plumber if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself.
6. Overflowing Toilets
An overflowing toilet is one of the most common and frustrating plumbing problems. There are a few things that can cause a toilet to overflow, but the most common is a clogged toilet.
If your toilet is overflowing, the first thing you should do is turn off the water to the toilet. This will stop the water from flowing into the bowl and make the problem worse.
Once the water is off, you can try to unclog the toilet yourself or call a plumber. If you’re able to unclog the toilet, be sure to turn the water back on slowly, so you don’t cause the toilet to overflow again.
7. Sewer Line Backups
A sewer line backup is one of the most serious plumbing problems. If you have a sewer line backup, it means that the sewage from your home is backing up into your home. This can be a very dangerous situation and should be fixed as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Plumbing emergencies can be a huge inconvenience and cause a lot of damage if not dealt with properly. It is important to be aware of the most common types of emergencies so that you can be prepared to deal with them in the event that they occur. Remember to always contact a professional plumber if you are unsure of how to handle a particular situation.
Here at Hayes Plumbing, we pride ourselves on offering customer-centric plumbing services you can count on. Whether you need drain clearing or rooter service, renovations, general plumbing or emergency plumbing in and around Oshawa, we’re here for you.
Contact our team today to learn more about our services and schedule your consult now.
