You could go for months or even years without needing an emergency plumbing service. But one day, you will need one. By learning the reasons you may need an emergency plumber, you can prepare yourself for the worst. You might even learn how to prevent a plumbing disaster. Here are some of the most common reasons for plumbing emergencies:

1. You Worry a Flood Will Occur

Any time a plumbing issue leads to flooding, call an emergency plumber. Water damage is no laughing matter. If a leak starts to cause water damage, you could have any number of problems. You may experience floor damage, water stains, structural damage, and mold growth. In addition to paying for your plumbing repairs, you will be responsible for paying for home repair and mold remediation.

There are many plumbing problems that can cause flooding. For instance, an overflowing toilet or a broken pipe could easily lead to a flood. To save yourself from thousands of dollars in home repairs, you need to look for an emergency plumber near me. The sooner they get to you, the less damage you’ll experience.

If you’re not sure the issue will result in a flood, but you have some concerns, err on the side of caution. A small leak can quickly become a gushing flow of water.

2. Overflowing Toilet

As mentioned above, an overflowing toilet might cause flooding and water damage. However, there’s another reason that this issue is an emergency.

Your toilet sees a fair share of waste. When it overflows, your toilet releases bacteria and viruses from the waste into your home. Exposure to the water in your toilet puts you and your family in danger.

When most people see their toilet overflowing, they reach for the plumber. However, a plumber might not be enough to clear whatever is causing your overflow. There may be a blockage much further down your pipes.

3. Burst Pipe

A burst pipe is one of the most serious plumbing emergencies. If a pipe bursts, water will immediately flow and place your home in danger. You could lose cherished belongings or experience significant property damage.

To minimize the damage, move your belongings away from the pipe. You should also shut off the water. While that will stop the flow of water, it doesn’t mean you should wait to call the plumber. Your problem will persist, so it’s crucial to act quickly. You don’t have the luxury of waiting a week for a plumber to assess the situation.

4. Sewage Backup

Your sewer lines contain all of the waste products that come from your home. If a sewage backup occurs, all the fumes, smells, and pathogens from that waste get into the air. The health of everyone near the sewage backup is in danger.

In addition to health hazards, sewage backups also cause inconveniences. You won’t be able to use your bathroom until you fix the backup.

Whatever the cause of your sewage problem may be, you need an emergency plumber. There could be a broken pipe or a tree root in your sewer line. The repair won’t be easy, but it may be quick with an experienced plumber.

5. Cold Water

There nothing quite as shocking as getting into the shower and being hit by a rush of cold water. If you suddenly lose your hot water, there’s a problem with your hot water heater.

Depending on your type of heater, there may be an easy solution. The pilot light could be out. Or, the breaker might be tripped. While those issues are easy fixes, you could have a more complex situation. Your best bet is to call an emergency plumber.

What makes this an emergency? Living without hot water is no easy task. If you don’t have hot water, you can’t wash your clothes, do your dishes, or bathe. In fact, you might find it necessary to stay with a friend or in a hotel until your water heater is repaired.

6. Drain Clogs

People don’t often think of clogged drains as serious issues. As soon as they suspect a blockage, people reach for the drain cleaner. Unfortunately, this does more harm than you might imagine. Chemical drain cleaners damage pipes, eating away at them. If you rely on over-the-counter drain cleaners for every clog, you’ll probably experience plumbing issues down the line.

Other people reach for a plunger to remove clogs. But this method only works on minor clogs. If you have a blockage further down the pipes, a plunger won’t work. It takes a plumber and their tools to get deep within your pipes.

Although you might not consider a clog to be an emergency, it really is something that shouldn’t wait. In some cases, stubborn clogs indicate a problem in your sewer line. If left to linger, the blockage may result in serious issues. An emergency plumber could remove the clog and prevent a more complex repair.

What You Should Know About an Emergency Plumbing Service

Do you still have questions about emergency plumbing? It’s important that you know all about the service and how it can help you.

First, you should know that anyone can call an emergency plumber. Even if you’re not certain that you have an emergency, you can call for help. A reputable plumbing company will tell you whether or not you have an urgent situation.

Secondly, you should know that an emergency plumber is experienced in handling a variety of situations. They often know how to repair sewer lines, clogs, and other common plumbing problems. No matter how small or large your issue might be, they have the experience and tools to fix it.

Finally, you should know that your search for a plumber near me is crucial. If you need an emergency service, there are many options. Do your research and look for a company that has a great reputation. If you hire the first plumber you find, you may not have a pleasant experience.

The next time you find yourself amidst a plumbing emergency, contact us at Service Plumbing Co. We’re here for you.