What constitutes a plumbing emergency? Is it the presence of water soaking your bedroom carpet from a burst underfloor pipe? A blocked toilet? Water running through your ceiling from an upstairs apartment? Identifying what plumbing repairs you can repair yourself and what needs an emergency plumber can get you the right help fast to get your life back on track and get excess water out of your home.
Let’s explore the situations when calling an emergency plumber is not just a necessity but also a source of relief, knowing that you’re taking the right step to resolve the issue.
No Water
It goes without saying that no water at all doesn’t represent a good thing. No water in your taps means that there is a burst pipe somewhere, and you need to find it and get it fixed asap. If the pipes affected are outdoors for your property, then the local water board or your neighbours on their property will be responsible for it, but if it’s within your boundary line or in your home, then you need an emergency plumber asap to get it resolved. But even in the presence of no water, turning off the water supply to your them is still a good idea.
Frozen Pipes
If your pipes look like they’ve been auditioning for a part in Frozen, it’s not a time for a rousing rendition of Let It Go. Call a plumber immediately because frozen pipes are at risk of bursting, which can cause massive issues. Signs of frozen pipes can include little to no running water, frost on the pipes or visible signs of cracking. If you notice any of these, Disney can’t help you, but your local plumber can work their magic and get things back up and running before disaster strikes.
Low Water Pressure
What causes low water pressure? Yep, you guessed it, a leak in a pipe. It can also be caused by a blockage in most cases, although a plumber can ascertain the case of low water pressure. If you notice a sudden drop in pressure, then you need to get things fixed immediately to avoid any more damage being sustained and the issue increasing in severity.
Water Stain on Ceilings
If you notice any water stains on the ceiling from the floor above, especially brown stains, this is a massive indicator that something is amiss with your plumbing, and you need expert advice and investigations. If it is an upstairs ceiling and directly under the roof, you need a roofer, but under the first floors, especially the bathroom, you can identify a looming emergency that needs rectifying sooner rather than later.
A Constantly Flushing Toilet
Thankfully, your toilet constantly running or flushing isn’t a sign of unwanted guests using your bathroom. It’s often a fixable issue, such as the float cup in your toilet not being positioned correctly or the toilet flapper having an issue. If these terms sound unfamiliar, your plumber can easily fix them. While some toilet issues can be fixed yourself, if you are not confident or you have no idea what is wrong, calling a plumber is the best way forward in this situation.