Common Plumbing Emergencies and How to Prevent Them

As a homeowner, dealing with regular plumbing problems can be a common encounter. However, nothing can prepare you every time emergency plumbing troubles strike. Besides their unpredictable timing, the damage and inconvenience to your day can be overwhelming.

But instead of going into panic mode, stay calm and secure the fastest emergency plumber in your area. Or, better yet, be proactive in preventing bigger troubles from happening. Like every plumbing trouble, plumbing disasters can be avoided.

Here are some quick tips from Streamline Plumbing on how to respond to an emergency plumbing crisis.

Burst Pipes

Ask any plumber which plumbing disaster is the most serious. They are likely to answer “burst pipes”. It’s definitely one of the most urgent, too. They can cause massive water damage to your home if you’re slow to react. The main cause is freezing temperatures, especially in uninsulated areas. To prevent this, ensure your pipes are insulated, especially those in attics, basements, or exterior walls. Also, let faucets drip in cold weather to avoid freezing.

Sometimes, your pipes will also burst due to the strong pressure buildup due to clogs. Especially when you have ailing pipes, serious clogs can easily crack them and cause flooding. Besides regular pipe cleaning, replacing your old pipes will also keep you out of harm.

Clogged Drains

You might discount clogged drains as a regular plumbing problem. But they are actually worthy to be classified as an emergency. Besides their inconvenience, they often lead to water backup and burst pipes. They can cause serious water damage if left unchecked. You’re also at risk of developing bigger clogs if you keep setting aside the drain cleaning you need.

Clean your drains regularly and avoid pouring grease, oils, or hair down the sink. A drain cover can also help catch debris before it causes a blockage. Also, practice doing DIY drain cleaning as your first line of defense. You can rely on the plunger or a drain snake to clear up shallow debris. A baking soda and vinegar mixture is also a dependable natural cleaner for organic clogs.

Water Heater Failure

A water heater failure can leave you without hot water and create a big mess if it leaks. To prevent this, schedule annual maintenance to check for any issues. Flushing the tank once a year can also help prevent sediment buildup and extend the life of the heater.

Water heater malfunctions aren’t recommended for DIY repair. So make sure to reach out to a water heater expert once your unit starts acting up. This way you can prevent permanent breakdowns and costly replacements.

Leaky Faucets

Any plumbing setback that drives up your water bill should be an emergency. You may not be aware, but even small drips can accumulate into hundreds of gallons of water loss. Regularly check faucets for drips and replace worn-out washers and seals. If you spot a leak, don’t delay fixing it. Faucet repair is one of the easiest DIY tasks. Hence, there’s no excuse for letting it slide and waste your fresh water supply.

Running Toilets

A constantly running toilet is more than just annoying—it can waste hundreds of gallons of water. To prevent this, check the flush valve and tank components for wear and tear. If your toilet starts running, replace the flapper or adjust the float.

Like faucet repair, repairing your toilet is easier than it seems. Most of the time, it only involves replacing faulty components. You can always check in with your local hardware for replacement parts.

Sewer Line Blockages

A blocked sewer line can let raw sewage back up into your home. This creates an unsanitary and costly problem. Your first defense against this issue is preventing clog-causing materials from going down the drain. Avoid flushing non-degradable items, like wipes or paper towels. Once these materials stick to your pipes, the blockage will worsen. It will become a permanent obstruction and breed bigger pipe damage.

Clean your sewer lines on a regular basis to prevent buildup. DIY drain cleaning also applies to your sewer line. You can opt for safe and natural drain cleaners, like boiling water or baking soda and vinegar. But never use chemical drain cleaners as they can only harm your pipes. 

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can make everyday tasks like showering or washing dishes a hassle. To prevent this, regularly check for leaks or mineral buildup in your pipes. Sediment buildup is the number one culprit to your water flow problems.

Calling a plumber for inspection remains your safest option. Low water pressure often indicates several underlying plumbing issues. This includes underground leaks and cracked pipes. A plumber can accurately detect the source of this problem and seal the leak effectively. You can also invest in a water softener system. Having this upgrade can provide overall protection against disruptive minerals. This solution should be your priority if you’re constantly threatened by hard water.

Plumbing Emergency? Avoid The Delay with Streamline Plumbing’s Emergency Service

Preventive maintenance is your best bet to avoid plumbing disasters. But having an emergency plumber on speed dial is even better. When disasters strike, time is your number one enemy. So, ensure you’re connected to an emergency plumber who will prioritize your urgent situation.

At Streamline Plumbing, our emergency plumbing services guarantee fast response and faster repairs. We understand just how stressful plumbing disasters can be, so we make sure to arrive on time. With one call, we’ll be at your front door without delay. We design our emergency plumbing repair to be durable, not just quick.

Have us on speed dial and have your plumbing emergencies tackled in no time!