As a business or homeowner, one of the most frustrating aspects you may have to deal with is plumbing repair emergencies. These cases cause a lot of inconveniences to you and other household members and can easily disrupt your business operations. Here are ten of the most common plumbing repair emergencies you are most likely to encounter.
1. Burst or Ruptured Pipes
A ruptured or burst pipe is easily noticeable since water rushes out of the damaged area in large amounts. Pipe bursts are common, especially during the cold months, because water can quickly freeze inside pipes, expanding and potentially cracking the pipes themselves. High water pressure also has the potential to cause a burst if a pipe has a weak joint. You may also experience this issue if your house has very old or rusted piping fixtures. You can recognize a ruptured pipe by a loud popping sound or other signs like a sagging ceiling, wet spots on the wall, or low water pressure.
2. Running or Clogged Toilet
The toilet is arguably one of the most used fixtures in any home. Therefore, if your toilet stops flushing, is clogged, or is overflowing, you have an emergency situation. Unfortunately, clogged toilets are a common problem in most homes. The issue can result from trying to flush unwanted items in the toilet, such as feminine hygiene products, diapers, cotton balls, baby wipes, or even excess toilet paper. Keep in mind that trying to forcefully flush these contents may cause your toilet to overflow, creating a severe mess.
In contrast, a toilet that doesn’t stop running can also be an issue. Parts can wear out over time and break, and sometimes the mechanism that fills your toilet’s tank can shift and cause overfilling. Constantly running toilets won’t just increase your utility bills; they can also contribute to larger leaks over time, posing a more pressing problem.
3. Backed-Up Sewer System
A sewer system backup is not only disgusting but also dangerous, as it can be a threat to your and your loved ones’ health. Backed-up pipes in your home can cause raw sewage to get back into your house via various drains, including the kitchen sink, toilet, and bathtub. Signs of a backed-up sewer can include odors from multiple drains in your building or even brown water from your faucets.
4. Water Heater Malfunction
There are a variety of issues that can arise from your water heater, regardless of if it’s tanked or tankless. Tank water heaters can spring leaks, for example, most often due to age. Some older units have persistent pilot lights that can go out, causing heat loss, and a buildup of sediment in the tank can also cause issues. Tankless water heaters don’t face all of the same problems, but they have unique ones of their own, and mineral buildup can still be an issue for them. Some common ways to identify water heater problems include odd noises, discolored water, and water dripping around the unit.
5. Sump Pump Failure
Typically, a sump pump is installed in the crawlspace or basement of a building. A sump pump prevents flooding and helps to keep the space under your home dry, especially when there are heavy rains. If this device gets overworked, it may fail. Debris can also get into the sump pump and stop it from spinning. If the sump pump stops working, there is a high risk of flooding in your home during a storm. In some other cases, you may have a sewer backup. If you notice sudden puddles around the floor drain, several drain clogs, or sewage odors, it might result from a sump pump failure.
6. Broken Water Line
A water line is a piping system that delivers water from the local source to your building. A broken water line can result from overgrown tree roots, pipe deterioration, or even a poorly aimed shovel in your front yard. When you have a broken water line, water pressure significantly reduces throughout your house. You may also notice wet areas around your yard and a rise in utility bills because of significant water leaks on the way to your house.
7. Leaky Plumbing Fixtures
If your home has old fixtures, there is a high risk of dealing with leaks because parts of the faucets may loosen or wear out over time. A tiny leak might not seem like a plumbing emergency, and some homeowners may even put off such cases for days. However, when there are severe leaks, it will lead to significant water loss, which can raise your utility costs. If there is standing water due to leaky plumbing fixtures, it can facilitate mold growth or make your pipes rust.
8. Clogged Sinks
A sink that is slow or doesn’t drain properly may not be a major issue, but a full-on clog can make it hard to do daily activities, like brushing your teeth or washing your hands. Clogs don’t just happen as a result of putting something down the sink, either. Soap scum can build up over time and restrict water flow, as can hair and general grime. Damaged pipes or sink components can also contribute to a sink that stops draining. More severe cases can even lead to home or business flooding and burst pipes.
9. Clogged Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposal provides a convenient way to eliminate common kitchen waste through the drain. If your home has a garbage disposal, you should treat it with the utmost care for the appliance to keep running smoothly. However, your garbage disposal may clog from time to time due to running the unit without water, grinding tough material, or disposing of non-organic waste or foreign objects. Using your disposal improperly can cause the motor to burn out, too. Some common signs of clogged or jammed disposals include humming sounds when turned on and bad odors from the disposal system.
10. Dishwasher Leaks
Have you noticed consistent pools of water on your kitchen floor? It may be a result of a leaky dishwasher. The water valve or hose is a common cause of dishwasher leaks as it becomes weak or damaged over time. Also, if the tube gets worn out or corroded by detergents, it can lead to water leaking from the machine. Debris inside the dishwasher, such as large pieces of food, shattered glass, or broken dishes, can also clog or puncture the drain lines. A leak can also happen if the door latch becomes loose or damaged.
Schedule Plumbing Repairs with the Professionals
Whenever you need a plumbing repair expert for your residential or commercial property in Marion, IL, Baker & Sons Plumbing is here to help. Our technicians will arrive on location with a fully stocked vehicle, and 35 years of experience means you’re getting proven work. From drain cleaning to water heater repair, water filtration to bacteria treatment, and even storm shelter installations both above and underground, we can take care of your plumbing needs at Baker & Sons Plumbing. Call us today, or reach out through our website!
