Unexpected plumbing emergencies can happen at any time. From burst pipes and leaking faucets to overflowing toilets and clogged sink drains, homeowners should be prepared for what to do if a plumbing emergency occurs.
Here are 7 common plumbing emergencies and how you can handle them if they occur unexpectedly in your home or business.
1. Burst Pipes
Burst pipes can cause serious water damage to your home or business if not addressed quickly.
Causes & Signs
Extremely cold temperatures can cause water in pipes to freeze and then expand causing pipes to then burst. Corrosion of old pipes and tree roots are another common cause of pipes to crack or burst.
Signs of burst pipes include drop in water pressure, wet patches on carpets/floors/walls, musty smells, and/or higher than normal water bills. If you are experiencing any of these signs, you might have a problem.
Steps to Fix
In case a pipe(s) burst, follow these steps as quickly as possible:
- Shut off all water to the property.
- Clean up any areas affected by water.
- Contact a local plumber right away to assess the situation and make necessary repairs.
- Do not attempt DIY solutions such as using duct tape or epoxy glue; these will only worsen the problem.
Burst pipes can cause extensive damage to your home and should be handled immediately. Professional plumbers have the specialized tools and knowledge needed for properly repairing damaged pipes.
- Key Takeaway: When it comes to plumbing emergencies, speed is critical. Shut off all water sources and call in an experienced professional plumber right away to avoid any further damage.
2. Leaky Faucets
Leaky faucets are a common issue, and can become a problem if water starts leaking into areas that can cause damage.
Causes & Signs
Most leaking faucets are caused by worn washers/O-rings, corroded interior pieces, or damaged valves. In some cases, hard water buildup can also cause leaks.
For signs of a leaky faucet, look for water puddles underneath the sink or areas of water damage on walls and/or listen for dripping water when the tap is turned off.
Steps to Fix Leaky Faucets
Follow these steps to fix a leaky faucet.
- Turn the shut-off valve below the sink clockwise until it stops. In no shut-off valve is present, turn off the main water supply to the property.
- Identify the cause of the leak.
- Repair damaged parts or replace faucet with a new one.
- Key Takeaway: Leaky faucets can cause damage over time, so keep an eye out for water puddle underneath sinks and listen for any dripping sounds when the tap is turned off.
3. Overflowing Toilet
An overflowing toilet is a major inconvenience and can cause significant damage if not addressed quickly.
Causes & Signs
Most overflowing toilets are caused by drain clogs that prevent waste from moving through the house and out to a sewer. If water is unable to drain, it will collect in the bowl and often overflows.
Steps to Fix
For an overflowing toilet, following these steps as quickly as possible:
- Turn off the water supply valve to the toilet to prevent further overflow. To stop the valve, turn it clockwise.
- Use a plunger to dislodge the blockage causing the overflow. Put the plunger over the hole, push down, and pull up a couple of times to form suction.
- If the plunger doesn't work, try using a plumbing snake or auger to clear the blockage. Insert the snake into the toilet bowl and turn the handle slowly as you push the snake down the drain.
- If you can’t unclog the drain, call a licensed plumbing expert to prevent additional damage to your plumbing system.
- Key Takeaway: For an overflowing toilet, stop the water supply and address the clog to manage water effectively and reduce potential property damage. If the problem persists, call a professional plumber.
4. Clogged Sink Drain
Clogged sink drains can be a major inconvenience and lead to further problems if not addressed quickly.
Causes & Signs
Hair, soap scum, food particles, and grease & oil are some of the most common culprits that contribute to clogged sink drains in the kitchen or bathroom.
The signs of a clogged sink drain include water taking longer than usual to drain from the sink, gurgling noises when water is draining, and/or sinks backing up in other areas of the property.
Steps to Fix a Clogged Sink Drain
To fix a clogged drain, follow these steps.
- Try using a plunger. Fill the sink with water to cover the drain, then pump the plunger up and down to form a suction that often dislodges blockages.
- If a plunger doesn’t work, use a drain snake. Put the snake into the drain and rotate the handle as you push it forward.
- Call a local plumber if you cannot fix the problem yourself.
- Key Takeaway: Clogged sink drains can usually be addressed with a plunger or drain snake although call in a professional plumber if you cannot clear the drain on your own.
5. Water Heater Issues
Water heater issues are less of an emergency and more of an annoyance.
Causes & Signs
Sediment buildup, a burned-out heating element, a faulty pilot light, or problems with the thermostat can cause a water heater to stop working properly.
Signs a water heater is not working correctly include a lack of hot water, hot water running out quicker than normal, water discoloration (rust-colored), and/or higher energy bills.
Steps to Fix
To fix a clogged drain, follow these steps.
- Check the power source. If it's an electric heater, ensure it's plugged in properly. If you use a gas heater, ensure that the gas supply is on and the pilot light is lit.
- Examine the thermostat. It should be set at the correct temperature, typically between 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Call a trusted plumber if issues persist. Don't try to fix the water heater unit itself.
- Key Takeaway: To prevent water heater issues, regular maintenance and inspection of the unit are important to identify and address any issues before they become a problem.
6. Backed-up Sewer System
A backed-up sewer system is a critical plumbing emergency because it prevents the flow of sewage and wastewater and can lead to overflows and property damage.
Causes & Signs
The main causes of a backed-up sewer system are clogged drains inside of a property and tree roots that damage existing drain/sewer lines causing major clogs in the plumbing system.
Signs of a sewer issue include multiple drains backing up simultaneously, water draining slowly, unpleasant smells coming from your drains, and/or toilets backing up and overflowing.
Steps to Fix a Backed-up Sewer System
Here is what to do if your sewer line is backed up:
- Shut off the water supply to the entire property to stop additional water from entering the plumbing system.
- Do not use the water until the problem is fixed. Refrain from using the toilets, sinks, or showers. It will only aggravate the backup.
- Call a licensed, local plumber. They will have the tools and the expertise to eliminate the blockage and ensure your sewer line and plumbing system is fixed and working correctly.
- Key Takeaway: Effectively handling a backed-up sewer system involves quickly shutting off the water supply and contacting a licensed plumber to reduce/eliminate property damage from water or sewage.
7. Clogged Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal is an important kitchen appliance that breaks down food waste and prevents clogging in your kitchen sink. If a disposal gets clogged, it leads to backed up sink, unpleasant smells, and slow drainage.
Causes & Signs
A clogged or stuck garbage disposal is usually caused by an overload of too much food in the unit, a stuck object in the unit, objects in the unit that can’t be grinded up properly (like animal bones), accumulated fats or oils in the drain, and running the disposal without enough water.
A clogged garbage disposal does not operate correctly. It will run, but the unit will not operate by grinding up any food. This results in clogged sinks, unpleasant odors, and standing water in the sink
Steps to Fix
- Insert a disposal key at the bottom of the unit to manually turn the unit and break up any clogs or items lodged inside of it which are causing the unit not to operate correctly.
- If that doesn’t work, unplug the garbage disposal unit.
- Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible blockages from the disposal. Don't use your hands for this task. After taking out visible debris, turn the appliance back on and check if it's still clogged.
- If that doesn’t work, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the disposal to help break up any remaining debris. Wait a couple of minutes before turning on the disposal.
- Run cold water down the disposal for at least 30 seconds to flush out any remaining debris.
- If the problem persists, contact a reliable plumbing services company to fix or replace the unit.
- Key Takeaway: To handle clogged garbage disposal properly, avoid putting your hand or an object into it and turn off the power before removing any debris. Regularly maintain your garbage disposal by running cold water when it's working.
Conclusion
No matter the plumbing emergency, it is important to have a trusted professional plumbing company you can count on. If you are in the greater Austin, TX area and need help with any of these common plumbing emergencies, call us at Lantz’s Lakeside Plumbing & AC. We are a trusted, local plumbing company serving the greater Austin community since 1971. We offer affordable plumbing services, repairs, installations, and replacements 7 days a week, and are open late until 9pm (Monday-Saturday).
Call (512) 267-1188 for service today!
