Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time to any homeowner, whether it’s a simple drainage issue or a leaky pipe that’s spreading water everywhere. Regardless of the issue, quick action is vital to ensure that the damage is kept to a minimum and that the situation can be more easily kept under control.
While the services of an emergency plumber can come in handy at such instances, the best way to reduce repair costs is to stay ahead and prevent them from happening in the first place! By keeping an eye on certain key points and potential plumbing hazards, you can avoid an emergency and keep your plumbing system at top shape.
Here are a few common plumbing emergencies you may face and how to be prepared for them.
1. Sewage backups
One of the worst plumbing emergencies you may ever face is sewage backing up and out of your drains and toilets. While there may be a few reasons this can happen, the most common cause of a sewage back up is a clog in the sewer line.
Nevertheless, there is not much you can do about this. However, what you can do is have your plumber’s number ready in case this happens. If you find that sewage is indeed backing up or that you smell sewage coming out of your drains, you should not waste time looking around for the phone number—call an emergency plumber immediately!
2. Malfunctioning sump pumps
Your basement’s sump pump’s job is to pump water out of the area to ensure that flooding does not occur. While it may work well during months with little rain, sudden downpours can cause the pumps to work harder. In most cases, it should be capable of keeping your basement dry. However, if you find that water is still seeping in and flooding your basement, then it has probably malfunctioned!
There are numerous reasons why a sump pump would malfunction; it can be a mechanical or electrical issue, or it may simply have given up due to wear and tear. The best reaction to this would be to have an emergency plumber come over right away to diagnose the problem—even if it’s still raining! You will not know if the rain will stop or worsen, so you need your pump repaired as soon as possible.
3. Blocked drains and sinks
Blocked drains and sinks are among the more common issues you can face in your home, whether it’s the drains in your showers or the sinks in your kitchen. Nevertheless, these can all be quickly addressed with the help of plungers and various other tools and cleaning solutions.
Put simply, have these tools in your arsenal ready for any clogs or blockages you may face. You can also practice healthy waste disposal to avoid any blockages. By avoiding clumps of hair and other gunky debris from going down the drain, you can reduce the chances of blockages from happening.
4. Frozen pipes
If you live in cold climates, you may be at risk of pipes freezing over. When this happens, it can cause a massive blockage that can crack the pipes—causing them to leak or even burst under pressure!
To prepare yourself for this, check around to look for exposed pipes. You always want to ensure that every pipe in your home is well-insulated, and if they are not, you can contact your plumbers and ask for advice. Other than that, if you do face a frozen pipe, have a warm towel ready to wrap around the pipe to thaw it slowly.
Conclusion
By thoroughly preparing for the above plumbing emergencies, you will save time trying to fix it and reduce unnecessary costs from further damage. That said, the best way to prepare for any emergency, whether listed here or not, is to have your plumber’s contact information on your phone. That way, if anything happens, you can get help with a simple click of a button.
Are you looking for plumbing services within the North Metro Atlanta area? Plumb Medic is here to offer you quick and affordable plumbing services to get your emergencies addressed. Get in touch with us today!
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