Unfortunately, not all plumbing problems occur during work hours. That means a leak at night, access to your toilet being restricted just before bedtime, or waking up in the morning with a flooded kitchen.
Fortunately, the most respected local plumbers will have an emergency call service, with a number you can call at any time. In the event of an emergency, you will need a 24/7 plumber available 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
It is important to note that plumbers will generally charge additional for out-of-hours calls. Therefore, it is important to determine if your plumbing issue is really an emergency before making that call. If he can wait until dawn, he will save some money. Often, people will end up paying for an emergency call unnecessarily, as not all calls will be an emergency.
But how do you determine if you have a plumbing emergency?
Here are some plumbing issues you would usually call an emergency plumber to deal with…
Floods
If you see flooding, it is likely that you will find an emergency situation on your hands. Floods can lead to serious property damage. Not to mention the huge water bill. Therefore, it is important to plan as soon as possible.
A strong flow can mean a large leak, or perhaps an explosive pipe. In winter, the pipes can be very cold, which can lead to cracks. The plumber will be able to make appropriate adjustments and advise you on preventing such incidents in the future.
Therefore, if you are experiencing floods, it is safe to say that it is time to call an emergency plumber.
Blocked Toilet
A blocked toilet can also be considered a plumbing emergency. This is because closed toilets can pose a health risk. And of course, if you only have one toilet in your area, waiting until the next day to call a plumber is not an option.
If the blockage is not very serious, you can first try using a plunger, to see if this will eliminate the blockage. However, if this fails, or the water level rises too high to try this safely, call an emergency plumber without delay.
Overflowing Toilet
Like a blocked toilet, a full toilet is a certain emergency. Not only can it be dangerous to health, but it can also cause serious property damage if not repaired immediately. Go directly to the plumber and, in the meantime, lay down old towels to drain any water spilt over the toilet bowl.
Similarly, if your drains overflow anywhere in your area, call an emergency plumber immediately. Drain backups can pose a particularly serious health risk.
No Water
Turn on the tap and nothing happens?
If your water supply is stopped for some reason, you will want to get a plumber to identify and fix the problem sooner rather than later. Everyone needs clean water, so this can be counted as a plumbing emergency. Ask your neighbors to make sure this is not a supply problem, first of all, as you may need to call your water company if that is the case.
Tap Will Not Turn Off
On the other side of the spectrum, if your taps do not close, this could create a risk of flooding. Try to turn off your water supply first if necessary to minimize any damage. Next, call an emergency plumber to come and identify the problem.
Burst Pipes
If your pipes are damaged or burst, you will want to call a plumber immediately before major damage occurs. Explosive pipe signals include no running water from your taps or running water around your pipes. An emergency plumber can enter and repair a burst pipe quickly and efficiently, or replace it if needed.
If you have any concerns about your health and safety or that of your family or your property, call a plumber immediately. Also, if you can, turn off your water, place buckets under any drip or leaks, and put down towels to soak up any water. If you are not sure where your water valves are located, ask your plumber to show you.
