Dealing With Your Plumbing 911
One thing that we all take for granted to be there and work for us is the plumbing. We take our shower, wash clothes and dishes, cook, flush the toilet, and water the yard, never giving it any thought. That is, until something goes wrong, and at that point, we make a quick decision on whether we need an emergency plumber or not.
Knowing what counts as emergency plumbing and when to call an emergency plumber is important because the cost of an emergency plumber service is double, even triple that of a normal plumber service call. So just when is a plumbing leak considered an emergency?
Well, it could be determined by a matter of opinion. If you’re the one standing ankle deep in water, you need an emergency plumber. A professional plumber, on the other hand, will determine the issue and can declare whether it is an emergency or inconvenience.
Applying logic to this debate simplifies the question. If a leak is visible, then it is an emergency; plumber services are needed pronto! Why the urgency? Consider that what is a small drip to you right now could have been leaking all along, causing more damage. Let that leak go unaddressed and you’ll have more expense and inconvenience sooner than later. So, what do you do in a plumbing emergency?
Follow these steps:
1. Turn the Water Off Immediately: Now, before you have the need for an emergency plumber, find the main shut off to your water. Then when you do have an emergency, you can go right to it and immediately shut the water off. This will stop the flooding and any further damage. What if you can’t turn the water off? Then you need to call an emergency plumber service.
2. Document, Document: This is for insurance purposes and needs to be done as soon as you notice you have a plumbing leak, BEFORE the clean-up and repairs are started. Documentation should include your notes, pictures, and if possible videos.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company: With the water off and the documentation started, call your insurance company and request to file a claim. They will ask questions, get your contact information, and will have instructions for you to follow. Some insurance companies have a list of emergency plumbers for your area.
4. Find the Source: Try to find the source, and if possible do your own repairs. If not, call an emergency plumber to come as quickly as possible. While the leak may be an easy and quick fix, in the meantime, you’re without water.
What are the most common plumbing emergencies?
A plumbing emergency can make even the calmest person panic. In addition to the leak getting fixed, there is the concern of what other damage is going to be found, because we all know that water is a house’s worst enemy.
One of the best ways not to find yourself out of that panic is knowing how to avoid plumbing emergencies, and if you do have these happen, to know how to respond to them. This is because not every plumbing emergency requires an emergency plumber service.
TOILET OVERFLOWING
This may be the biggest panic of all – an overflowing toilet. Of all the rooms in a house, the bathroom is the one used the most, so when a toilet overflows, it can temporarily shut down the entire house. As soon as you notice your toilet isn’t flushing correctly, take steps to unclog it. Often, a few rounds with a toilet plunger will do the trick, or if you have a plumber’s snake, you can try that if the plunger fails. If there is no improvement, call a plumber now – before you need an emergency plumber service.
SINK DRAIN CLOGGED
You may think a clogged drain isn’t an emergency, but when it is severely clogged and can’t drain, it can quickly become an emergency plumber situation. Once a drain begins slowing down, use a plumber snake or plunger and work the clog loose. If that doesn’t work, call an emergency plumber service; never use a chemical drain opener.
PIPES BUSTED
A busted pipe happens because of a water pressure build-up in a weak pipe or at a joint. You can sometimes catch that before it happens if you notice a popping sound. Otherwise, you’ll know when the pipe has burst, and in this case you need an emergency plumber service.
LEAKS
A leaking faucet or toilet are more than a plumbing issue – they are increasing your water bill too. The longer they leak, the higher the water bill. Then there is the structural damage they cause that leads to mold growing and becoming a health hazard.
BACKED UP SEWER
When the water that comes into your home can’t drain or flush, then you have a backed up sewer. This is usually caused by toilet paper or other items that have been flushed and clogging the pipes. A bathroom sink gets clogged from hair and soap; the kitchen sink gets clogged by fats, foods, and grease. The main sewer line can also become clogged because of tree roots.
MALFUNCTIONING WATER HEATER
When your water has become discolored or has an odd odor as it comes through the faucet, it could be that the tank on the water heater is corroded. Or perhaps you’ve walked into the garage and found yourself walking in water – the water heater has leaked, usually an indication that you need an emergency plumber to replace the unit.
Is emergency plumbing more expensive?
There are more emergency plumber calls than normal hour calls, and yes, they are more expensive. Emergency hours are usually after the normal business hours of 8am to 5pm, any holiday or weekend. And just like the rest of us, plumbers like their downtime with family and friends too.
An emergency plumber will have a trip fee that can cost up to $300 or more in addition to their hourly rate. The hourly rate can run as much as $400 per hour, double on holidays and weekends. Then there is the cost of parts to be added to that bill. To compare, a basic plumber call can range between $70 and $120 per hour plus the trip fee and materials.
In Closing
If you find yourself in need of an emergency plumber, you don’t want to be searching “how to get emergency plumbing services” then. Take the time now to find out who to call in a plumbing emergency by scheduling a plumbing checkup. This will serve two purposes: getting you and a plumber familiar with each other and giving you an emergency plumber number on hand.
