How Prepared Are You for These Common Plumbing Emergencies?
There’s no good time for a plumbing emergency to crop up. But that doesn’t mean that they won’t ever happen. Unfortunately, plumbing emergencies tend to happen when they’re least convenient. And if they’re not handled correctly, they can cause a lot of costly damage. Even incredibly common issues like an overflowing toilet can cause more problems than one would think if it’s not handled appropriately. So, read on to learn all about three of the top plumbing emergencies.
Clogged and Overflowing Toilet
Pretty much everyone has experienced a clogged or overflowing toilet at some point in their lives. Although unpleasant and often stinky, this plumbing emergency is usually pretty easy to deal with. If the toilet is already overflowing or looks like it’s about to, homeowners should reach behind the toilet and locate the water shutoff valve to turn off the water. This will prevent further water from escaping the toilet.
Next up is the plunger. This handy tool can unclog most toilets with a little hard work. But not all clogs come free with the use of a plunger. If the homeowner can’t get the clog-free, they may need to call a plumber, who can then use a plumber’s snake or a similar tool to clear the clog.
Backup of Sewage
A sewage backup can be one of the most unpleasant and dangerous plumbing emergencies in the home. It can cause waste to back up into the home, coming up through the drains. But it’s not just the terrible smell that accompanies the sewage backup that’s dangerous. In fact, this plumbing emergency brings with it the risk of exposure to toxic gases, bacteria, and parasites.
Those who experience a sewage backup should open windows for ventilation and avoid any areas with sewage if at all possible. Unfortunately, this isn’t a problem that homeowners can take on by themselves. Since this issue is often caused by an issue in the home’s main sewer line, this issue requires the help of a professional plumber to fix.
Ruptured Pipe
While a sewage backup can put those in the home at risk of catching a virus or becoming exposed to dangerous bacteria, a burst pipe can present a different kind of danger. If allowed to run long enough, a burst pipe can cause structural water damage to the home. It can also facilitate the growth of mold, which can pose a serious threat to sensitive lungs.
Signs of a burst pipe include water spots on the walls, floors, or ceiling. A musty smell and mold spots can also indicate that there’s a burst pipe in the walls. If the pipe completely bursts, it will have a detrimental effect on the home’s water pressure. Those who think they have a burst pipe should locate their home’s main water valve and shut the water off immediately. Then they’ll need to contact a plumber to have the pipe fixed, and the health of the rest of the plumbing system checked.
About First Choice Plumbing Solutions
The folks at First Choice Plumbing Solutions have been serving Port St. Lucie, FL for over a decade. They provide old-fashioned, personalized customer service personalized solutions. They also guarantee satisfaction on every job. Contact them today for plumbing services.