Feb20

By Dave Bangar

What is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?

Some plumbing emergencies are obvious, like when your basement is flooding from a burst pipe. Unfortunately, other plumbing emergencies can go unnoticed and cause serious damage to your home. In time, homeowners will inevitably have to face various plumbing issues, from minor drain clogs to urgent plumbing repairs. Knowing how to deal with them and when to call a plumber is an essential part of home care.

The best way to deal with plumbing emergencies is to try to prevent them with regular maintenance and inspection, know the early signs for plumbing issues that can quickly become emergencies, and call a plumber as soon as you notice something is wrong. The faster you can fix your plumbing issues, the better your chances of preventing or limiting associated damage.

Common Plumbing Emergencies

Water Leaks

Not all water leaks are huge emergencies, but if not addressed promptly leaks can end up causing major damage to your home. Signs include wet spots on walls or ceilings, a noticeable increase in water bills, and the sound of running water when all taps are off. You may also notice a musty smell or mould and mildew build-up in unexpected areas. If you notice a water leak, shut off the main water supply and call a plumber to prevent further damage and mould growth.

Damaged or Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are the quintessential plumbing emergency and can quickly lead to extensive water damage and flooding. Common signs are similar to those for water leaks such as a sudden drop in water pressure, watermarks on walls or ceilings, and in cold weather, frozen pipes. If you suspect a burst pipe, immediately shut off the water supply and contact a plumber to come fix the problem right away.

Clogged Drainage

It’s almost impossible to avoid clogged drains. Hair, food scraps, soap residue, and other buildup frequently gunk up drains. Some clogged drains can be easily dealt with with a little DIY drain cleaning. More serious clogs will require professional help. 

Signs include slow-draining sinks, standing water in showers, and gurgling noises from drains. A plunger, plumber’s snake, or drain cleaner may provide a temporary fix, but if the clogs are persistent, it may be time to call a plumber. As well, if you notice signs of clogging in several or all of the drains in your home, this is a sign of a blockage in your sewage line and you should call a plumber as soon as possible.

Sewage Backups

If you notice you have multiple clogged drains, sewage smells in your home, or water backing up in toilets or showers, these are signs of sewer line backups. Sewage backups are not only unpleasant but also pose serious health risks and should be dealt with immediately. Reduce or cease water usage to avoid further backups and call a plumber to come to address the problem.

Water Heater Failure

A failing water heater can leave you without hot water and even cause leaks or bursts. Signs of failure include inconsistent water temperature, discoloured water, or unusual noises from the tank. A plumber will help you inspect and possibly replace the water heater before it leads to more severe problems.

Overflowing Toilet

An overflowing toilet is one of the most obvious plumbing emergencies. Commonly caused by clogs or a malfunctioning float mechanism, we have probably all experienced the stress of watching a toilet fill uncomfortably high in the bowl. If your toilet overflows, this can lead to water damage and an unpleasant mess. To prevent major issues, immediately shut off the valve behind the toilet to stop the water flow and attempt to clear any obvious clogs with a plunger. If the problem persists, call a plumber to prevent sewage water from contaminating your home.

When to Call a Plumber

If you notice signs of any of the above issues, you should call a plumber right away. Likewise, call a plumber if you have any other plumbing issues that aren’t necessarily emergencies, but which are persistent and beyond what you can confidently handle yourself. 

One of the best ways to avoid plumbing emergencies is to schedule regular plumbing inspections. It is recommended to do an inspection every year or two to make sure all of your plumbing pipes and fixtures are in working order.

Emergency Plumbing Services in Kelowna

For routine or emergency plumbing services in Kelowna, West Kelowna, or Lake Country, My Plumber Kelowna has your back. The licensed and experienced plumbers at My PLumber Kelowna can help you with all of the above plumbing emergencies or any other less urgent plumbing concerns. Call us today to schedule an appointment.