There are few things more frustrating than a plumbing emergency. Whether it’s a backed-up sink, a broken pipe, or a malfunctioning water heater, it can be difficult to know what to do at the moment. This post will discuss some of the most common emergency plumbing situations and how to handle them.
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Identify the Problem
The first step in any plumbing emergency is to identify the problem. Is it a clogged drain or pipe? Is there a leak, or is something broken? Identifying the issue can help you decide if you should call a plumber or if there are DIY solutions available.
Check the Main Shutoff Valve
The first thing you want to do when dealing with a plumbing emergency is located your main shutoff valve and turn it off. This shutoff valve is typically located near where the water meter enters your home or near your water heater. Turning off this valve will stop water from entering your home and reduce the risk of flooding and other damage caused by a broken pipe or faulty fixture.
Call a Professional Plumber
Once you have shut off the main shutoff valve, the next step is to call a professional plumber for assistance. It is important not to attempt any repairs on your own as this could cause further damage or create an even more dangerous situation if you are not properly trained. A qualified plumber will be able to assess the problem and determine whether a major issue needs immediate attention or if additional work needs to be done for long-term prevention purposes. At North Peachtree Plumbing, we offer 24/7 emergency services, so we come out at any time of day or night to assess and fix the issue as soon as possible.
Take Preventative Measures
Even though a professional plumber can fix any immediate problems, there are still steps you can take as preventative measures against future plumbing emergencies. Regular maintenance, such as checking pipes regularly for leaks and running water through them periodically, can help keep them in good condition. Additionally, investing in drain cleaners and other products designed specifically for plumbing issues can help prevent clogs in pipes before they become major problems.
Common Causes of Emergency Plumbing
- Clogged Drains: Clogged drains are one of the most common emergency plumbing situations that homeowners face. If you have a clog and you’ve already tried using a plunger with no luck, your next step should be to reach for a drain snake. A drain snake is essentially an auger with a long cable that you can feed into the pipe until it reaches the obstruction. Once it does, you can then try to break up or dislodge the clog so that water will start flowing freely again.
- Broken Pipes: If you have a broken pipe, your first priority should be to turn off the main water valve so that water doesn’t continue to flood your home and cause further damage. Once the water supply has been shut off, check for any visible signs of damage, like cracks or leaks on the pipes themselves, and make sure there isn’t any structural damage in your walls or ceilings as well. Depending on how severe the issue is, you may need to call in professional help or replace certain sections of piping yourself if possible.
- Malfunctioning Water Heaters: If your water heater is no longer functioning properly, it could be due to something as simple as sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank or an issue with its thermostat settings. Suppose these don’t seem like likely culprits. In that case, you may need to get professional help from an experienced plumber who can diagnose and fix whatever underlying problem may be causing it not to work correctly. Alternatively, if your unit is relatively old (10 years or more), then replacing it might be a better solution since older units tend to become less efficient over time and cost more money in energy bills every month as well.
Know Your Options When Emergencies Arise
Emergency plumbing situations can happen without warning, and when they do, they require immediate action from homeowners to minimize potential damages and costs later down the line. Knowing what steps to take when faced with common issues like clogged drains, broken pipes, or malfunctioning water heaters can go a long way toward helping affected households get back up and running as quickly as possible while minimizing any additional stress associated with resolving such problems as well. Ultimately though, whether dealing with minor maintenance issues or major repairs involving expensive parts replacement or professional assistance – having some basic knowledge about home plumbing systems will always come in handy when faced with unexpected problems such as these!
If you are looking for quality emergency plumbing services and don’t know who to turn to, don’t worry! The North Peachtree Plumbing Co. Inc. is here to help. With over 20 years of plumbing experience in the Atlanta area, our company is licensed, bonded, and insured for your safety. With veteran plumbers offering service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at affordable rates, there’s no one better than the North Peachtree Plumbing Company.