What is a Plumbing Emergency and What Can Wait if You’re Panicked?

The plumbing system in your home is out of sight and out of mind. That is, unless there is a problem.

A backed-up sink drain or an overflowing toilet might send you into a spiral. But before you panic about your plumbing, use these suggestions to figure out whether you have a serious plumbing emergency or a problem that can wait.

ARE YOU ABLE TO STOP THE WATER FLOW?

When it comes to overflowing toilets or a sink leak, just turning off the water supply to the fixture will stop any further damage and give you enough time to call a professional to handle the problem.

IS THE LEAK A FLOOD OR A TRICKLE?

If the leak is more of a drip, grab a bucket and catch the water until you can make a scheduled repair.

If your leak quickly fills the bucket, it’s best to call the emergency number and have a plumber come out as soon as possible.

IS THERE A HEALTH PROBLEM?

Water is essential, especially for people with compromised health who live at home.

When your water supply is cut off due to a plumbing problem or your water heater fails, these are both emergencies.

CAN YOU AVOID USING THE PLUMBING FIXTURE?

While inconvenient, broken toilets or clogged sinks can be marked “out of order” until a plumber can inspect the problem.

DID YOUR PIPE EXPLODE?

Burst pipes can spew thousands of gallons of water into your home, causing extensive damage.

If you are unable to stop the water supply to the burst pipe or must turn off the main water supply to the entire house, it is time to call an emergency professional.

DO YOU GET THE SENSE OF GAS FROM YOUR WATER HEATER?

If you smell gas, act quickly because this is an emergency.

If the water pressure is too high or the relief valve is broken, a water heater can explode. Engage the services of a professional.

DOES YOUR WATER HEATER LEAK?

In this case, turn off the power source and turn off the water heater’s water supply.

Begin draining the tank and making an appointment with a professional for a repair.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO BACK UP MULTIPLE TOILETS AT THE SAME TIME?

A blockage in your main sewer line can be indicated by multiple toilet backups. A clog can allow raw sewage to enter your home.

This is a plumbing emergency that must be addressed right away.

DOES YOUR SUMP PUMP NO LONGER WORK?

Sump pumps are designed to turn on automatically when excess water in the home needs to be removed. They can fail if not properly maintained.

However, unless you are in a flood, this is not an emergency. Turn off the pump and experiment with some basic sump pump maintenance tasks.

DO YOU HEAR KNOCKING OR BANGING NOISES FROM YOUR PIPES?

Pipes and plumbing can make strange noises that may startle you but are rarely an emergency.

Check out this list of unusual plumbing sounds and their meanings.

SAME-DAY SERVICE CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR PLUMBING PROBLEMS.

Knowing how to tell the difference between a plumbing issue and a true emergency can save you money and stress. We can help you determine whether you have an emergency that requires immediate attention or if you can schedule a more convenient service call.

Contact our gas safe engineer Bromley online or by phone seven days a week for fast, same-day service!