As a homeowner, you may experience household emergencies when you least expect them. Weather, electrical outages, sewage treatment, and day-to-day usage can all affect your home, and most homeowners will face plumbing issues at some point. Therefore, it’s important to look out for the most common residential plumbing emergencies. Some of these issues are easily repaired, but you’ll have to call a plumber for others.
Overflowing Toilet
Thankfully, a clogged or malfunctioning toilet might not require plumbing services. To unclog a toilet, apply firm vertical pressure on a toilet plunger. If the toilet doesn’t unclog the first time and the water level isn’t too high, try plunging the toilet while flushing. Chemical drain cleaners can damage plumbing, and they’re hazardous to anyone attempting to unclog a toilet—you may try bio-cleaners and enzymes as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, call a plumber if your toilet issues persist, especially if they involve a valve or mechanism issue.
Burst Pipes
This is by far the biggest threat to homes, especially during the winter. Corrosion and pressure buildup from fluctuating temperatures can cause pipes to break, which can release hundreds of gallons of water in seconds. When this happens, immediately turn off the water supply, and call a professional to inspect the problem as soon as possible.
Leaking Pipes
They’re not as serious as burst pipes, but leaking pipes are still nuisances to deal with. Leaks can occur in different points of the pipe. You can stop leaks by tightening the joints with a wrench, but you must do this with caution, as tightening one joint can loosen another. A plumber will know how to do this in the most efficient way.
Water Heater Malfunction
Water heaters can leak, alter temperatures, emit strange colors or odors, or give off strange noises. Unlike some of the other plumbing issues we’ve mentioned, you should call a professional for any water heater emergency. They’ll be able to diagnose any issues and repair them accordingly.
Clogged Sink
Toilet pipes aren’t the only pipes that can clog. After each shave or dishwashing, you risk clogging the sink drain. A slow drain might not seem like a sign of an emergency, but it can lead to a more serious overflow. Keep your drains clear, but if a backup does occur, call a plumber or service company to unclog the pipes and diagnose the problem.
Fortunately, if you face any of these issues in the Yuba City area, you can call us at Fletcher’s Plumbing & Contracting Inc. Our local plumbing services include repairing any broken or faulty pipes or clogged drains to keep your home dry and your water systems functional.