Simply put, a plumbing emergency is an incident in which the plumbing in your home or business malfunctions. In other words, it is a disaster.
Let’s be honest: Things can go from bad to worse when it comes to a plumbing emergency. But how do you know if it’s time to bring in the big guns (plumbers) or just time to get your mop?
It’s time to learn the difference between a plumbing emergency and an oopsy situation.
1. Know your issues.
There are two types of issues when it comes to your plumbing. Let’s break these down into two categories; minor and major:
Minor Issues:
Burst pipes and significant leaks
Just because this is a minor issue doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pick up the phone. Even a minor pipe leak can cause severe damage to carpets, ceilings, and hardwood flooring, which no homeowner wants.
A leak can even leave visible water stains and other irreversible damage. To make matters worse, it can also cause mold, which is hazardous to your health.
Backed-up toilets and drains
Okay, we know this is embarrassing, but it happens. Luckily, a backup is only considered an emergency if only one toilet is in the home, because that could spell a different disaster.
Before rushing to pick up the phone, try giving it a good plunge. This might help you clear the stoppage yourself.
But before you do this, turn off the valve behind the toilet. After you are done, shut the lid and clean up any mess.
Frozen pipes and extreme weather conditions
The cold weather is part of the fun of living in Ohio. Cold weather can cause pipes in your home to freeze. This usually leaves you with no water or can cause your pipes to burst, leading to expensive property damage.
For the most part, the pipe will heat up as the season does, but if you suspect a burst, pick up the phone immediately.
No hot water or heating
While this is not fun in the dead of winter, it is only an emergency if there has been no hot water for an extended period.
If your family has been without hot water for days (not hours), you need the big guns. A qualified plumber can assist you in finding the root of the problem.
Major issues– call right now!
Flooding and water damage
If you find your house turning into an indoor pool, call immediately! The risk of damage to possessions or property is far too great.
If you can, try to control the leak and turn off the water valve to the broken pipe or the exterior water main until Yoder Plumbing arrives
Sewage backups and blockages
It’s self-explanatory that sewage can spread illness and disease. The National Resources Defense Council reports that nearly 2 million cases of infection are caused by sewage contamination each year. So when it comes to sewage leaks, don’t be a hero.
Sewage contains contaminants, viruses, and bacteria that seriously threaten you, your family, and your pets. So, this would be considered an emergency with a capital E!
Gas leaks
This is the most significant emergency on this list, and we can’t stress it enough! Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can lead to symptoms similar to those caused by a gas leak.
Exposure to CO can be fatal and requires emergency medical attention. Sparks from phones, even cell phones, can ignite the gas. There is a telltale sign because natural gas has the unmistakable odor of rotten eggs.
If you suspect an appliance is leaking gas, turn off the device and turn off the gas supply. Then call your plumber and the authorities. Be sure to leave the area ASAP.
Give us a call at Yoder Plumbing!
Whether it is a major problem, a minor one, or maybe you just want to chat, we’re here! Contact Yoder Plumbing today to assist you with all your plumbing needs and requirements,