02 Sep The 6 Most Common Plumbing Emergencies

Plumbing emergencies tend to put the most relaxed person in a panic. We end up upset for days talking about the issue because it happens at the worst time! However, let’s admit— when is a plumbing issue ever convenient? The best way to anticipate what plumbing problems could arise is by knowing the six most common plumbing emergencies:

1. OVERFLOWING TOILET
An overflowing toilet can cause people to panic! Your bathroom is the most hard-working fixture in your home, so it’s no wonder that a clogged toilet is one of the most common issues. It is best to fix a clogged toilet as soon as possible to help you avoid any wastewater damage the overflowing toilet may cause. Although a plunger can fix a clogged drain before overflow occurs, it cannot fix the underlying issues of an overflowing toilet. If your toilet starts to overflow, avoid using any of the plumbing in your home until your plumber can identify the cause of the backed-up toilet.

2. CLOGGED SINK DRAIN
Severely clogged sink drains can prevent the flow of water and can cause a plumbing emergency. A clogged sink is something that can usually get unclogged with a plunger or a drain snake. However, if that doesn’t help, don’t resort to a chemical drain that could damage your drainpipes. If you need your sewer line cleared, call a professional plumber to attend your needs.

3. BURST PIPES
A pipe burst happens when a significant increase in the water pressure builds up in the weak joint of a pipe. Too much water pressure can lead to a pipe bursting or cause a plumbing fixture to fail, such as a faucet or toilet. A loud “popping” sound usually occurs when the pipe bursts, but most homeowners fail to hear it. If you happen to notice this sound or detect issues, consider calling a plumber. A pipe burst in your home may cause intense water damage, depending on the severity of the pipe damage.

4. LEAKY FIXTURES AND RUST
A leaking faucet or toilet can significantly increase your water bill. However, the mess from the leaking water and the cost isn’t your only concern. The other factors to consider is that the standing water can cause the pipe to rust and result in mold growing in your pipes. This can potentially lead to health concerns for you and your family.

5. SEWER BACKUP
What is a sewer backup? Your home has incoming water lines and outgoing sewer lines. The sewer/wastewater lines move the used water away from your home. The most common type of sewer backup comes from clogged pipes, which come from toilet paper, hair, and grease. If you have multiple drain clogs, gurgling toilets, or bad odors coming from the drains, you may have a sewage issue and should get it fixed as soon as possible.

6. WATER HEATER MALFUNCTION
Do you have discolored water? Is there a strange smell when your water is running? Is there a lack of hot water? Those are just a few examples that may indicate water heater defects. When a water heater is faulty there may be significant leak springs which can lead to all of the water spilling out of the water heater tank. It will progressively worsen until the water heater completely fails. A water heater’s actual longevity has many contributing factors, including maintenance. It’s crucial and highly recommended to have your water heater checked annually by an experienced plumber and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.

People depend on their plumbing system to work correctly. It is something that most people don’t realize the importance of it until something goes wrong. Fortunately, you can count on Quarter Moon Plumbing, AC & Heating for 24/7 emergency services. If you are facing any of these plumbing issues, please call a professional before any damage is permanent or becomes more expensive than it has to be. You can always call us at (210) 651-5899. We stand behind our work and will provide the best solution for you and your family.