Common Plumbing Emergencies Every Homeowner Should Look Out For

If you’re a homeowner, you know that problems can arise at any time. Plumbing issues, especially, can cause significant damage if not addressed quickly. Understanding the most common plumbing emergencies and recognizing the warning signs can save you time, money, and stress.

From leaky faucets to sewer line backups, being proactive and informed is the key to keeping your home’s plumbing system in good working order. This article will explore some of the most common plumbing emergencies you should watch for as a homeowner.

Clogs

Clogs, stoppages, or backups are some of the most common plumbing problems. They can occur in the drains and pipes inside your home or in the sewer line that runs underground. 

Clogged Toilets 

A clogged toilet can be a nightmare. Toilets are the most used plumbing fixtures in most households, and as such, they go through a lot of wear and tear. Symptoms of a clogged toilet include the toilet refusing to flush, overflowing, or a high water level.

Generally, something in the toilet pipe, such as toilet paper, waste, or improperly disposed feminine hygiene products, causes the blockage. A plunger can typically handle minor clogs, but a significant clog that isn’t solved by a plunger could require a licensed plumber. 

Clogged Sinks and Tubs

A clogged sink or tub will drain water very slowly or not at all. Common culprits of clogged sinks and tubs include hair, cooking grease, coffee grounds, and soap scum.

Often, a drain snake or other tool can clear minor clogs. However, if the water isn’t draining at all and you don’t have multiple sinks or tubs in your home, an unusable sink or bathtub can quickly become an emergency. 

Leaks

Leaks are another common plumbing problem that every homeowner should look out for. They can range from minor annoyances, such as a slowly dripping faucet, to major issues, like a burst pipe. 

Burst Pipes 

Burst pipes are every homeowner’s nightmare. They can release extremely large amounts of water in a short time, flooding your home and destroying your possessions.

Burst pipes can occur when an old pipe wears out and are also frequent problems due to cold weather. If the temperature of the pipes reaches below freezing, the water within them can freeze and expand, causing the pipes to burst. Keeping the temperature above freezing in your home can prevent this from happening, and you should also regularly check any visible pipes in your home to make sure they are in good condition. 

If you are home when a burst pipe occurs, you should shut off the water main to your house as quickly as possible to reduce the amount of water flooding your home. Your next move should be to contact a plumber who can repair the damage quickly and correctly.

Leaky Faucets

Leaky faucets can be annoying and are a common problem in homes, especially those with older fixtures. While a leaky faucet might not seem like a plumbing emergency initially, if left untreated, it can lead to major damage, causing high water bills, mold, and rust. 

Broken Water Supply Line 

The water supply line is a pipe that runs from the main water distribution line to your home. It delivers water to your home’s sinks, toilets, showers, washing machines, and other appliances. If it breaks, you might notice lower water pressure throughout your home or sputtering water from your faucets.

One clear sign of a broken water supply line is a wet patch in your yard, which would signal the location of a leak. If you suspect you might have a broken water line, it is crucial to deal with it quickly, as the large volume of leaking water could lead to a very high water bill. 

Broken Hot Water Heater

If you suddenly notice there’s no hot water when you are washing dishes or trying to shower, there’s likely a problem with your water heater. You should look for signs of a leak around the appliance and strange noises such as cracking, banging, or gurgling. No hot water is considered an essential service and can also be a sanitary and hygiene issue, so it’s important to have a licensed plumber diagnose and fix the problem. 

Sewage Backup

A sewage backup can occur when wastewater flows into your home through a toilet, sink, or drain. This can happen when something blocks the pipe, such as grease, tree roots, or waste, or when large amounts of water from heavy rain or floods overwhelm the sewer system. A sewage backup is considered a plumbing emergency, as the wastewater flooding your home carries the potential for contamination and harmful bacteria. 

Is it a Plumbing Emergency? 

While there are factors to consider when deciding whether to call an emergency plumber, it’s generally best to be safe rather than sorry. Here are some questions you can ask to determine if it is a plumbing emergency.

Can You Turn the Fixture Off? 

If you have a minor leak, you can generally shut the water off to a particular fixture or appliance and deal with the issue later. You can even temporarily fix a leaky pipe or faucet with items like tape or other hardware store solutions while you wait for a regular appointment with a plumber. However, more significant issues that require you to turn off your water main should be treated as an emergency. 

What are the Weather Conditions Like?

The weather outside can be a factor in deciding whether to call an emergency plumber. If it is below freezing outside and you have a leak, it’s important to deal with it promptly so your pipes don’t burst. Similarly, if you don’t have access to hot water in the winter or any water during the heat of summer, you need to take action sooner rather than later. 

Can a Small Problem Lead to More Damage? 

Often, it can seem easier to put a bandaid on a smaller problem and put off making a major repair. However, over time, small issues, like leaks, can lead to bigger problems. You don’t want to find out you have to replace a rotted floor due to a slow leak. If a small problem can lead to more damage, it is best to deal with it quickly. 

Are You Having a Plumbing Emergency? Call Rochester Plumbing and Heating

When plumbing emergencies happen, it’s essential to have a trusted expert who can help minimize the damage to your home. Rochester Plumbing & Heating is ready to assist with fast, reliable plumbing repairs. Our experienced team is equipped to handle everything from burst pipes to water heater malfunctions with quick and reliable service.

Don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact us today for professional solutions that keep your home safe and functional.