Your home plumbing system works behind the scenes to keep your house running smoothly. You rely on your drains and pipes to carry wastewater away from your home, and you count on your washers, sinks, tubs, and toilets to work when you need them. In general, you probably don’t think much about these systems.
But, what happens when you have a problem?
This article is going to detail seven of the most common plumbing emergencies and what you need to know about each one. Then, you will find the steps that you should take if you find yourself dealing with a plumbing emergency in Northwest Indiana. Let’s get started.
Common Plumbing Emergencies
When it comes to your NWI home plumbing system, there are many things you need to watch out for. From leaks and clogs to burst pipes and overflowing toilets, it’s important that you know how to respond to each of these plumbing issues. Below, learn about the seven most common plumbing emergencies.
1. Leaks
Any water leak is cause for immediate action. Leaks are common from pipes, sinks, water heaters, and many other plumbing fixtures. You may see the water pooling or hear it dripping. Other times, you may notice your ceiling sagging or discoloration along your walls and ceiling. These are all signs of a leak and should be addressed immediately.
Why it’s an emergency: Leaks are an emergency because they can cause gallons of water loss in no time. Not only is this expensive, but it can also lead to severe water damage, electrical fires, and lasting problems (such as mold growth) throughout your NWI home.
What you should do immediately: If you have a leak, the most important thing to do is minimize water loss and damage. The best way to do this is to shut off your home’s main water line. You can also use buckets to catch dripping water and soak up any standing water with towels. Then, you can call an emergency plumber and get assistance.
2. Burst Pipes
Broken pipes are always an emergency because they cause significant leaks. Pipes can break when they become old and brittle, but a common reason for burst pipes is freezing temperatures. Pipes that run under your home, in your basement or crawlspace, throughout your garage, or in any non-heated locations are susceptible to freezing and bursting.
Why it’s an emergency: Like any other leak, a burst pipe will allow for significant water loss. This can cause water damage, electrical fires, and costly repair bills. You will want to address burst pipes immediately to minimize the effects and limit repair costs.
What you should do immediately: As with any other leak, you will want to locate and turn off your main water line. This will stop water flow into your home, so the pipe will no longer leak. Then, contact an emergency plumber in Northwest Indiana for assistance.
3. Overflowing/Clogged Toilet
When it comes to plumbing problems, there are few things worse than when you flush your toilet and the water doesn’t go down. Unfortunately, clogged toilets can overflow and lead to an unpleasant mess in your bathroom. Whether from too much toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, waste, or an item that shouldn’t have been in the toilet, a clogged toilet – especially when it’s overflowing – is a reason for immediate plumbing service.
Why it’s an emergency: Even a simple clogged toilet is cause for emergency plumbing services. If you only have one toilet, this becomes a dire situation. In addition, if the toilet has overflowed, you may be dealing with a disgusting, damaging mess. You’ll want to take action right away to minimize complications.
What you should do immediately: The first thing you should do with an overflowing or clogged toilet is shut off the water. You don’t need to shut off your main water line like with major leaks, but you can instead shut off the water flow to the toilet itself. Then, you can try to unclog the toilet yourself. Often, plungers are enough to loosen the clog. However, sometimes a plumbing snake (toilet auger) is necessary. In these situations, it may be best to call a plumber so that you don’t cause any accidental damage.
4. Clogged Sinks, Showers, & Tubs
A clogged drain means that you can’t use your tub, sink, or shower. Before a drain becomes completely clogged, you may notice slowed draining. Acting as soon as you notice this prevents more serious and expensive problems. However, once you notice a clogged sink, shower, or tub, you’ll want to solve the problem right away.
Why it’s an emergency: Clogged drains are an emergency because you can no longer use your sink, tub, or shower. In addition, you may have backflowing sewage or an overflowing basin. Regardless, you need immediate solutions, so your home can drain effectively again.
What you should do immediately: Once you have a clogged sink, shower, or tub drain, you need to stop using it immediately. Don’t run any more water through it because you risk overflowing and backflowing. Instead, you can try to unclog it with a drain snake. If you’re unable to unclog it yourself, you will need to call a plumber.
5. Sewage Backups
Often, clogged or partially blocked sewer lines will have a foul odor or gurgling noises before becoming completely blocked. However, sometimes you may not be aware of an issue until sewage is backflowing through your drains. If you have wastewater coming back through your sinks, tubs, washing machines, or any other drains, this requires immediate attention.
Why it’s an emergency: Sewage backups not only stink and cause draining issues – but they are also a health hazard. Sewage is all of your household waste, including everything that has been flushed through your toilets, sinks, washing machine, and more. This contains many health hazards. In addition, it can lead to corrosion in your pipes and drains, and sewage can ruin your floors, walls, ceilings, and anywhere else affected.
What you should do immediately: If you have a sewage backup, you need to immediately stop water flow in the affected area. This may mean turning off your washing machine, dishwasher, sinks, showers, toilets, and any other water source. Then, call a plumber in Northwest Indiana to get immediate assistance. Once the problem is resolved, you will want to clean all surfaces with bleach to remove any remaining health hazards.
6. Sump Pump Failure
Sump pumps, generally found in your basement or crawlspace, prevent your home from flooding. Unfortunately, sump pumps can fail, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage. Sump pumps may fail due to debris accumulation, clogged pipes, overworking, power outages, or another issue. Regardless of the cause, you will want to address it right away to prevent your home from flooding in the next rainshower.
Why it’s an emergency: Your home relies on your sump pump, particularly when it rains or storms. Your sump pump removes excess water from the lower areas of your house to prevent flooding. Therefore, if your sump pump fails, your home is vulnerable to water accumulation.
What you should do immediately: If you notice water accumulating in your basement or crawlspace, you need to act quickly. You may also hear the pump making strange noises, running excessively, or failing to turn on. Whatever the concern, you need to call a professional plumber for an inspection and sump pump repair.
7. Water Heater Failure – No Hot Water
Having no hot water can be very concerning, especially when you go to take a shower. However, your dishwasher and washing machine also rely on hot water. If you notice that your water isn’t warming up, you will want to find a solution right away.
Why it’s an emergency: Water heater failure is problematic for many reasons. Most obviously, you won’t have warm water for your shower or appliances. However, problems with your water heater can also be dangerous. You may have a gas or carbon monoxide leak, both of which are significant health hazards. You may also have a water leak, which can lead to damage in your home. Any issue with your water heater should be addressed quickly.
What you should do immediately: The fix will depend on the exact problem. If your water heater has a leak, you will need to shut off any water supply or gas supply. If your water heater simply isn’t heating, then you will want to call a professional for an inspection and repair.
Here’s What to Do
Now that you understand some of the most common plumbing issues, you need to know what to do if you encounter one. In short, you’ll want to protect your home and get rapid assistance. Then, you won’t have to worry about messes, water damage, or malfunctions. Find the steps to take to get help with your plumbing emergency in Northwest Indiana below.
1. Prevent Further Damage
If you are able to shut off your main water line, that will significantly reduce water leaks or water damage. In addition, you can use a bucket to catch dripping water and soak up any pooling water with towels.
2. Find Your Trusted Plumber
You want a team with experience and great reviews. Look for a licensed and insured plumber who can help you right away. Here in Northwest Indiana, our team at Trapmasters Plumbing is happy to help. We have the expertise and equipment that you need for immediate solutions.
3. Book Emergency Plumbing Services
Once you locate a plumber, you will need to book your services. If you’re having an emergency, make sure you tell them everything that you know, so they can be prepared when they arrive. Whether a leak or a faulty water heater, you want the team to come ready to fix your problem.
4. Have Peace of Mind
Once your plumbers have completed your repair, you can rest assured that your home is protected again. Choosing a professional plumber guarantees quality and lasting solutions, so you won’t have to worry.
Need an Emergency Plumber in Northwest Indiana? Call Trapmasters Plumbing Now!
If you’re facing a leak, burst pipe, clogged toilet, clogged drain, sewage backup, sump pump failure, or water heater failure, call Trapmasters Plumbing of Northwest Indiana. Our experienced plumbers are here to take your call and find the most reliable and cost-effective solution for your home plumbing system. Contact us now for immediate assistance with your plumbing emergency in Northwest Indiana.
