Many homeowners take the availability of water for granted until there is a plumbing crisis. Whether it’s a clogged toilet at the most inconvenient moment or a burst pipe that leaves your home vulnerable to flooding and property damage, you need to know when to call an Emergency Plumbing in Oakland CA.
This article will help you determine what is and is not a plumbing emergency so that you can make an informed decision when the time comes to call.
Broken Pipes
Broken pipes are a serious issue that can cause flooding, water damage, and other costly problems for homeowners. They may burst for a variety of reasons, including ageing and pressure changes. It is important to get these repaired as quickly as possible to minimise damage and potential health risks. A plumber can use a special tool to locate the break and make the necessary repairs.
To help prevent pipe damage, you should check for warning signs regularly. A few common ones include puddles of water under sinks, discoloured or damp walls and floors, and high water bills. If you do notice a problem, try to shut off the water valve to stop the flow of water and call Emergency Plumbing in Oakland CA as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can put a repair sleeve on the broken pipe to cover it up and protect your home. You should also have a bucket and a towel ready to soak up any excess water.
Leaking Pipes
According to Home Advisor, leaking pipes can lead to costly water bills and foundational damage. This issue is most common in older homes, but can also be caused by incorrect pipe laying or even natural shifting of a home’s foundation over time.
It’s important to find the leak fast, so you can shut off the water to that area and minimize any further damage. To do this, walk around your home and carefully examine the visible plumbing. Move any furniture and clear away clutter from under sinks to get a better look at the pipes.
If you’re able to find the leaky spot quickly, you can try some quick fixes to stop the leaks before calling a plumber. You can use pipe repair tape or a self-fusing silicone sealant to make sure the spot stays dry and creates a tight seal. Epoxy putty is another easy way to patch up a leaky pipe. Just remember to thoroughly clean up the wet area and let the patch or epoxy putty completely dry before turning your water back on.
Clogged Drains
The drain lines in your home carry wastewater from sinks, tubs, toilets and more to the main sewer line that takes waste away to the municipal or septic system. If those lines become too clogged, it will prevent water from flowing properly throughout your home and may cause overflows and spills.
Soap scum, hair, food scraps and other debris can stick to the interior of pipes, creating an unpleasant clog. Clogs also can develop from tree roots that grow into and obstruct the lines.
For minor clogs, try the old standby of pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain (adding salt to the mix helps the chemical reaction work faster). For more serious clogs, you can use a household drain snake or rent an electric power auger. If these remedies don’t work, call your plumber for help. For long-term clogs, the plumber may recommend a camera inspection of the pipe. This will show the clog location, shape and type so you can get it fixed right away.
Sewage Backup
Sewage backups are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. This is because sewage can cause severe water damage and also pose health risks for the home’s inhabitants. Sewage backs up into homes for a variety of reasons, including clogged drains, damaged pipes from tree roots, and aging lines that collapse due to normal material deterioration or flooding events.
It’s important to know what signs to look for so you can call in a plumber quickly. A gurgling noise when you flush the toilet, slow-moving sinks and bathtubs or a strong smell of sewage are all signs of a sewer backup.
If you see or smell sewage, turn off your home’s water supply and call a plumber immediately. You should also contact your insurance company as soon as possible to discuss your options for remediation and recovery. Be sure to wear protective equipment, such as an N95 face mask, goggles and rubber gloves, when cleaning up sewage damage.