When is a problem an emergency?
We all have a different level of what is an emergency, whether its electrical, mechanical, physical, or plumbing. So, when you ask anyone, “What is considered emergency plumbing?”, their response may be different than yours. You may think you need an emergency plumber for an overflowing toilet. Another person may see it as inconvenient but not an emergency. Yet, somebody may consider it reason to move!
Seriously though, what is considered emergency plumbing?
With winter here, that can cause emergency plumber needs that you may not have in the middle of summer here in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Anything that can cause damage to your home, like the floors and walls, even ceilings if it is an upstairs plumbing issue, that is considered a plumbing emergency.
No, a clogged toilet or slow shower drain isn’t necessarily qualifying as a plumber emergency, unless it is spilling wastewater over on to the floor. Other causes that calling for an emergency plumber service are any of the following:
- A busted frozen water supply line
- A major faucet, plumbing fixture, or sink leak
- Water pipes Leaking ceiling, floors, or walls
- A broken or clogged sewer line
- Slab leaks
- A drain clog that is backing up
- A clogged toilet that is backing up
- Water heater leaking
- Gas powered water heater producing carbon monoxide
- A failing or non-working sump pump
Is a leaking pipe considered an emergency?
If you can see the plumbing leak, it is probably an emergency! Rare occasions that it is not are the small dripping leaks under the sink. That leak needs to be addressed sooner than later, however, it would not warrant paying for emergency plumber rates.
Is a clogged drain an emergency?
A slow drain isn’t uncommon and often, a minor issue. It can usually be cleared with drain cleaner or a plunger. However, when the drain cleaner and plunger don’t clear the drain, or you have repeated problems with a drain clogging, it may need professional plumber service.
If there is flooding from a clogged drain or toilet, that simple overflow could indicate you have a sewer line problem and that will need an emergency plumber service call. When wastewater, especially from a toilet, is overflowing into the floor, it can be come a health hazard and should be addressed quickly.
What are the most common plumbing problems?
We rely on our plumbing more than we realize. It takes a plumbing issue or emergency to realize how important. Maybe a dripping faucet or a slow drain is a DIY repair, but other plumbing issues must be handled by an emergency plumber because of possible dangers and other problems it can cause.
Some of the more common emergency plumber calls are for the following:
- CLOGGED DRAINS AND CLOGGED TOILETS
- LEAKY FAUCETS, FIXUTRES, AND PIPES
- WATER HEATER LEAKING OR NOT WORKING
- LOW WATER PRESSURE
- RUNNING TOILET
Once you have called an emergency plumber, they can advise you ways of preventing plumbing emergencies. Among those recommendations are:
- Do not pour fats, grease, or oils in a sink
- Never flush anything more than human waste and toilet paper. Flushable diapers, feminine hygiene, or wipes are not flushable!
- Don’t use exposed pipe for hanging rags or cleaning products, etc.
- Don’t use drop-in toilet bowl cake cleaners
- Use stainless steel reinforced clothes washer hoses
- Use the garbage disposal wisely.
- Know where the water shut off valve is located
- Don’t use harsh chemical drain cleaners
- Flush water heater tank annually
What happens if you have a burst pipe?
A burst water pipe will cause water to flow into and through your home until it is stopped. This flooding will damage the floors, walls, even the ceiling if the burst pipe is from an upstairs bathroom. Water is an evil force to the structure and electrical wiring of your home. What the water doesn’t damage, the mildew and mold will. As soon as you notice a burst water pipe, contact an emergency plumber and while waiting on their arrival, turn the water off the main water valve.
How do you deal with plumbing emergencies?
There are very people that will never experience a plumbing emergency. What can minimize the emergency is knowing ahead of time the steps to take when it happens. Yes, panic can reign, but keeping your cool is the best thing you can do! As you’re calling for an emergency plumber service, take the following steps:
- Know how to find an emergency plumber
- Shut the water off at the main.
- Check the water heater for leaks.
- Address any small leaks.
- Open all the drains, faucets, and spigots.
Conclusion
How much should an emergency plumber cost? The basic all during business hours will typically cost $45.00 per hour up to $200 per hour plus parts. An emergency plumber can cost as much as triple those hourly rates, plus parts.