Did you know that leaks in your home’s plumbing system might be wasting more than 10,000 gallons of water annually? That figure can increase dramatically in the event of emergency plumbing issues. The outcome will be a sharp rise in your water bills and potential damage to your property. Calling an emergency plumber immediately after detecting a plumbing emergency can prolong your plumbing fixtures lifespan, save money, and protect your property.
The biggest challenge lies in determining whether to call an emergency plumber right away or wait till the next day. Note that the longer you wait to call a professional, the more complicated and expensive the damage becomes. Luckily, this guide will walk you through the top five signs you need an emergency plumber in Glendale, AZ right away to fix your plumbing problems.
1. Serious Water Leaks
Water leaks can impact the structural integrity of your precious home. Some leaks are obvious, meaning you can detect them and get them repaired and fixed asap. Others are hidden, which means they may go undetected until they have significantly damaged your home without knowing you about it.
Leaks may also promote mold and mildew growth. Molds can cause serious health problems, including itchy eyes, coughing, sneezing, and respiratory tract irritation. They can also cause damage to your home and belongings if you leave them unaddressed for a long time.
Seek emergency plumbing services shortly after noticing signs of extensive water leakage. Minor leakage can wait until normal business hours when your regular plumber is usually available. You can turn off the water to prevent further water wastage as you wait for your plumber to arrive.
2. Gas Leaks
Gas leaks are a ticking time bomb. They must be fixed immediately after they are detected. Otherwise, they may cause a fire, serious explosion, allergic reactions, or even carbon monoxide poisoning.
Utility companies mix natural gas with a chemical, such as mercaptans, to give it a unique smell. So, an odor of rotten eggs or sulfur indicates gas leakage in your home. Besides the distinct odor, a hissing or whistling sound from your gas line also indicates gas leakage.
Condensation may begin to build up around the cracked or ruptured gas pipes immediately after a gas leakage happens. You might also spot bubbles inside the water close to the leaks. Other signs of leaking gas include dead houseplants and skyrocketing gas bills.
Cold- or flu-like symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and nausea, might indicate gas leakage in your home. This is particularly true if these symptoms seem to disappear when you are outside your home.
Contact an emergency plumber shortly after spotting any of the above signs. The plumber will visit your home with the right equipment to detect leaks. The plumber will then fix the leaks to restore safety in your home. Replacing part or the entire gas line may be necessary in some cases.
3. A Toilet Overflow
A toilet overflow is a common problem. It happens when water in the bowl keeps rising rather than emptying. The outcome is an overflowing toilet and a flooded bathroom floor. Facing such a plumbing disaster can be frightening.
A toilet overflow can wreak havoc in your home. It can cause flooding and extensive water damage. It can also fill your home with contaminated water. Water containing urine or fecal matter can result in bacteria and germs in your house. This can pose serious health risks to you and your family. For these reasons, a toilet overflow qualifies as a plumbing emergency that requires the immediate attention of a 24-hour plumber.
A clogged drain, obstructed plumbing vents, plugged main sewer, sewage backup, or full or blocked septic tanks are four potential causes of an overflowing toilet. A plumber can assess your toilet, diagnose the problem correctly, and provide a long-lasting solution.
4. Burst Pipes
Burst pipes can lead to flooding if not fixed immediately. Flooding is usually a disaster because it can destroy your property. It weakens the roof, walls, furniture, and floor, putting you and your family at risk. It can also leave a big dent in your savings if you delay calling an emergency plumbing expert.
Resist the temptation of trying to repair the burst or damaged pipe yourself. Doing that might exacerbate the damage and cost you more money in the long run. You can, however, take some steps to manage the situation as you wait for the plumber to show up. These steps include closing the main water supply. They also include moving your furniture and other valuable possessions to a safe place to protect them from water damage.
Burst pipes are common during chilly winter months when temperatures drop below freezing. High water pressure, clogs, corrosion, and tree roots are some other causes of pipe bursts or damage.
5.Broken Water Heater
Water heater failure can be a nightmare during the chilly winter months. Cold water during the chilly months can expose young children and older people to serious health risks. Be sure to call a 24-hour plumber if your water heater fails without notice and you don’t have any other means to heat your water.
Water heater breakdown can still require the attention of an emergency plumber, even in other seasons. This is especially the case if the breakdown happens simultaneously with a potential gas leakage.
Call an emergency plumber whenever you experience something you suspect is an emergency plumbing issue. This consideration applies even if the issue you are facing isn’t discussed in this article. It’s always better to take swift action than to ignore the issue and regret it later. Don’t hesitate to call your plumber even when unsure if the issue you are experiencing requires an emergency service.
