An emergency plumber in Lawrenceville might be in order. Here’s how to tell.
Do you need an emergency plumber in Lawrenceville? If you have an issue with any of your plumbing, your inclination might be to call for service, no matter what time of day or night. Something to consider is cost. Nighttime and weekend calls, whether plumbing, HVAC, or other home services, can come at a premium. Is solving the problem worth the price?
Many things can go wrong with plumbing systems. Anything that carries water can break, and when it does that water can cause an enormous amount of damage. You don’t want to mess around with water damage in your home. But you also don’t want to spend more than you need to when there’s a problem that’s fixable during regular business hours.
Instead of turning it into a guessing game, let’s take a look at some of the things that can go wrong that require an emergency visit from your local plumbing professional.
A Backed-Up Shower Drain
Showers can get clogged, even when you’re careful about what gets rinsed down them. Hair, soap scum, dead skin cells, hard water mineral deposits, and even things such as grass and dirt can block your shower drain. Clearing the drains regularly will help prevent clogs and keep your drains clear. If your shower drain backs up, it could be an indication of a bigger problem than a hairball. It could be a sign of a backed-up sewer. If you have standing water in your shower, this is a situation where it’s a good idea to call for plumbing service. A clogged drain is one thing, but a sewer issue can be big and costly if ignored.
An Overflowing Toilet
What’s worse than an overflowing toilet? Not much. If you have a clogged toilet, you can try plunging it to clear the blockage. If that doesn’t work, it could be something more serious. If the clog leads to an overflow, that’s much worse. The water that hits the floor can leak through to the ceiling below, can seep across the floor to baseboards and cabinets and can cause significant damage. Plus, it’s pretty gross. Stopping the flow is just the first step, but it’s not the cure. If you can’t clear the toilet clog with DIY steps including plunging, and especially if it starts to overflow, it’s time to call for a plumber, even if it’s the middle of the weekend.
A Broken Pipe
If you have a broken pipe the only way to stop the water flow is to turn off the main valve to your house. If that’s the solution, what are the chances you can go without any water for very long? Not good. Imagine no showers, toilet flushing, hand washing, cooking, dishwashing – you get the idea. This is definitely a situation where you need to call for emergency plumbing.
Signs of Water or Standing Water
If you have experienced a flooded basement, you know that water damage can wreak havoc on your home. It damages the flooring, the sub-floor, cabinets, baseboards, drywall, furniture, and can lead to mold and mildew growth. If you find any signs of water or standing water, call a plumber right away. This is especially important if you can’t identify the source of the water. If you find water in your house at night or during a weekend, don’t risk water damage in your home by letting it sit until a weekday.
No Sign of Hot Water
Water heaters are fairly reliable when it comes to home appliances. If you jump in the shower and get hit with an icy blast of water or you find the water won’t warm up when you’re trying to do the dishes, it could be a sign that your water heater is on the blink. Why is this an emergency? Because it’s hard to imagine going very long with only cold water to use. There are a few primary reasons for water heater repair. If your water is only cold, it can be something more serious than an old, worn out heater or one that’s broken down. It could indicate something more serious that needs immediate attention.
Leaks from Pipes
Sometimes a pipe can leak even if it’s still intact. A seam can loosen, a seal can wear out, or the expanding and contracting of the pipe from hot and cold water can cause a breakdown in the materials or a crack in a seam or connection. When this happens, you can get a leak in any number of places. It’s always a good idea to do regular checks of your plumbing pipes throughout your home, especially if you have a basement. If you have a leak in an area you don’t use very often, it can cause a tremendous amount of damage in a short amount of time. If you do have a leak from a pipe, no matter where it is, call a plumbing company for an emergency repair to stop the water and reduce the potential for damage.
Leaks from Faucets
Faucet leaks might not seem like a big deal. The water just goes down the drain, right? While this is true, it’s essential to get faucet leaks fixed as soon as possible. The more water you use, the higher your water bill. If you have a leak you can go through gallons and gallons of water in just a day or two. A leaking faucet, depending on how much water is flowing, can certainly be a good reason to call for an immediate fix.
Sewage Smell
Sewage has a very distinct smell. We know why it smells so bad, and if you can smell it in your home, it’s not a good sign. The smell of sewage can mean a sewer backup, which can mean a serious issue,according to the EPA. If you can’t actually see any sewage, you might think it’s okay to wait to call a plumbing company to take a look. Waiting could result in sewage coming into your home. Don’t let this happen; it really can be a worst-case scenario. Call a professional to take a look before the sewage hits the fan.
Drop in Water Pressure
If you notice that your water pressure has suddenly dropped, don’t wait to call a plumber. It could be an indicator of several plumbing issues, none of them good. The reasons range from a broken pipe to a failing pressure regulator. It could be a blocked line or a major leak. No matter the cause, a sudden drop in water pressure is a reasonable reason to call it an emergency.
Leaking Hoses Need an Emergency Plumber in Lawrenceville
A leaking hose might not seem like a big deal. If it’s outside, it’s draining into the dirt, rocks or landscaping. If it’s the washing machine hose, the water is probably going down the drain. But what if that’s not the case? If your outdoor hose is leaking more than just a slow drip, it might surprise you to consider it an emergency. But that water can run down into your foundation and into your basement if left unrepaired. And if your washing machine hose is leaking, it could drip down behind your washer and into the flooring, behind the wall, and possibly into your basement. Don’t wait if you have a leak, of any kind. Call right away for repair before you end up dealing with costly damage.
It makes sense to be wary of the cost of emergency home service calls, especially if you find out that it wasn’t an emergency after all. Following the above guidelines is a great start, but if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to call our team of professionals. The expert plumbers at Anthony Wimpey can help you determine if your plumbing issue is actually a plumbing emergency. Contact us anytime, 24/7, for an emergency plumber in Lawrenceville.