Plumbing problems are among the most common issues every homeowner across US deals with. If not handled in timely and proper manner, plumbing emergencies will inevitably turn into plumbing disasters. Emergency plumbing services are something most people rarely ever need, but when they do, it can make for quite the frantic scene inside the house. In plumbing terms, 'emergency' usually means that property or health damage is going to result if swift action isn't taken. Most plumbers will include a list of emergency plumbing services such as burst pipes, heavily clogged drains and major leaks, in their regular list of plumbing services, so you know what situations are covered. If a plumber doesn't offer any emergency plumbing services, he probably isn't the right plumber for you. You want to choose a plumber that offers round the clock emergency service, as well as no additional charges for travel or non-business hour calls. The best way to prevent these emergencies from occurring is to hire a plumber once a year to do a routine checkup of your plumbing system. In times of emergencies, it is very important to have someone you can rely on. Instead of relying on online sources, try finding 24-hour plumbing services by asking your friends and family members for referrals. Even though we live in an era of technology, word of mouth is still the most reliable way to find a local plumbing professional at an affordable price.
Table of Contents
- Minimizing Water Damage during Plumbing Emergencies
- Broken Water Heaters
- Urgent Bathroom Repairs
- How to Choose an Emergency Plumber
- Research
- Free Estimates
- Reputation
Emergency Plumbing Repairs
You must always be prepared for an emergency situation. Plumbing emergencies can be very scary, especially because the water damage to your property can turn out to be more expensive that the plumbing repairs. If you find yourself in a plumbing emergency, it is essential to act quickly and call a reliable plumber. Before your emergency expert arrives, there are some things you can do to minimize the damage. No matter what type of plumbing emergencies you are dealing with, the first step towards reducing the damage and taking control of the situation in to locate the main water valve and shut the water off. To do this, you must know where the valve is located. You should also know where the shutoffs are for each fixture in your home. This way, if only one fixture is causing a problem, you won’t have to shut off the entire water supply.
Broken Water Heaters
If you are experiencing troubles with your water heater, before doing anything on your own or calling a plumber, you must shut it off. If your water heater works on gas, you have to turn the gas off or the entire unit. When water is off, hot water that is already in the heater, as well as the hot steam can build up the pressure in the unit, causing it to potentially burst. Your water heater can also overheat which can lead to someone being badly burned when the unit is turned on for the first time. Some problems with your gas water heaters could also be classified as emergencies that require immediate plumbing services. If the water heater erupts and you can't make it stop, or if any pipes leading to or away from the heater burst, emergency plumbing services are required. General plumbing companies will also offer water heater installation services after the emergent repair is made.
Urgent Bathroom Repairs
Toilet disasters are one thing that's usually covered by emergency plumbing services. Toilet issues are relatively common, and often quite unpleasant. A toilet that is overflowing and dumping massive amounts of water or waste onto your bathroom floor is a recipe for disaster if it goes on for any length of time. The same is true of a badly leaking tap that won't stop. Anytime water is running into areas of your home that it doesn't belong, emergency plumbing services are needed. If a blocked drain has caused raw sewage to seep into your home or into your garden that is also a good time for emergency plumbing services. Sewage is not only unpleasant but can create a health issue if fumes are inhaled for too long.
Outside the house, a badly damaged water meter or water pipes may be cause for emergency plumbing services. Sometimes, your lawnmower is the culprit of free water problems that require a plumber's care, but damage by any means can create an emergency. Any pipes that burst due to freezing or other issues need emergency plumbing services, because of the flooding that results.
How to Choose an Emergency Plumber
When you have a plumbing problem in your home, it's best to be prepared and to know what emergency plumber you will call when you need them. Here are some tips to help you hire the right plumber.
Research
Always take time to look at more than one plumbing company. Use the internet to help you learn more about them and the services they offer. Research the plumber online and check their reviews to find out what other customers are saying. If bad things are online, then move on to another company. Research is key to finding a good plumbing company because you need to know that they can be trusted and that they will deliver what they promise. The internet is your key to researching any company. Research the different things mentioned above, along with contacting the company with any questions. The more you learn about a local plumbing company before hiring them the better.
Free Estimates
Make sure that the company that you do choose offers a free estimate before any work is done. This is very important because there are scam plumbers out there that will keep raising prices as they go and you end up with a costly bill. By getting a free estimate first, you can avoid the scammers and be sure you know what it will cost you up front.
Reputation
Experience is a must; before hiring any company, always make sure they have experience. It is a good idea to find a company that has at least a couple of years’ experience. Plus, be sure that they offer a wide range of services, so you know where to go for any plumbing problems. Their plumbing experience will guarantee the problem is fixed right the first time.
These tips are the main ones to be aware of when you are looking for the right emergency plumber. Don't wait until you have plumbing problems before finding the right company. Always do the smart thing and see a good company now so when there are emergency plumbing problems, you know who to call to get it handled right away.
Plan Ahead
Knowing your plumbing professional in advance is a good idea because of how serious plumbing problems can be. You might think you have just a small clog, but it might turn into a severe back up that floods your entire home. What is worse, you might not be dealing with a flood of just water. The last thing you need is to be scouring the phone book or the Internet for someone to help you in the middle of the night when your backed-up toilet decides to blow.
An experienced plumbing professional will help you recognize whether the problem is small are large. You might have an issue with a frozen pipe and deal with it one time, or you might find it is an on-going problem. Your plumbing professional will help you determine the weakness in your system and suggest ways to fix it. In other cases, you might experience a sewer backup or overflow, which leads to a huge mess in your home. A plumbing professional with experience will be able to work with you during the problem and get it fixed affordably and efficiently.
Unfortunately, plumbing problems do not always occur at eleven in the morning on a Tuesday. You might find yourself standing in a few inches of stinky, messy water in the middle of the night or first thing Sunday morning. You need to know who to call even during these odd times. If you have an established relationship with a plumbing professional, you will be aware of their hours and their fees. Additionally, if you have an established working relationship, they might even be willing to help in circumstances when they would not take on a brand-new customer.
Finally, getting to know your toilet installers in advance gives you plenty of time to check references, do a little research and verify they are an upright company and the best option for you. Instead of waiting until the last minute to call whoever is available, take time to investigate your options. If your plumbing professional is on your speed dial, he can be present at your home in no time at all regardless of how serious a plumbing emergency you have.