How Do You Know If You Have a Plumbing Emergency

When Should You Call A Plumber? 

Water leaks and other plumbing issues are something no one anticipates, and they are not always considered an emergency. Most of the time, you think about calling a plumber when it is too late and too much damage has been done. The moment you see signs of extensive leakage, you should contact a plumber immediately.

Water Leaks 

Water leaks can seriously affect the structure of your home. With many leaks being silent, you don’t even notice it until considerable damage has been done to your home. Leaking water can also be a fire hazard as it may eventually reach electrical wiring leading to short circuits and shorted wires. Once this happens, that is another unexpected expense that hits your wallet. 

Not only do leaks affect your home, but when mold and mildew start to form, this can result in serious health issues like respiratory tract symptoms, itchy eyes, asthma and more. So, if you ever spot any signs of severe leaking, you’ll know this water leak needs immediate attention. 

Water Stains and Sagging Ceilings

Water stains on your walls are a tell-tale sign that a water leak is present and has been there for a while. If you see a water stain, this probably means that water has been soaking into the structure of your home, and you should address the situation as soon as possible.  

If you’re experiencing a severe water leak accompanied by a water stain, the discoloration you see can cause sagging ceilings. Sagging ceilings are a serious plumbing emergency that can lead to a total collapse if not addressed right away. 

Weird Noises 

If you hear any weird noises like a gurgling sound whenever you use the toilet, take a shower, run the dishwasher or do a load of laundry, there might be an underlying issue you need to get checked out. These noises could lead to a more serious problem if they persist. This gurgling sound happens when your plumbing system is trying to find air. This will lead to water backing up in your house. 

Smelly Pipes  

Suddenly smelling a repulsive odor in your home is never pleasant. If this is the case, you might have bad water damage somewhere, or your pipes could be corroded. If the odor smells like rotten eggs, this could be a sign that a drain is clogged and sewage is backing up into your home. These smells are unpleasant and can also cause environmental and health issues if not cared for by a professional. 

Backed-Up Sewage 

One thing is for sure, if the sewer line backs up, you’ll know. You’ll have to rely on your sense of smell to notice this issue too. Besides a foul odor, another sign of a sewage backup is water backing up in the other drains. If water is coming up the kitchen sink whenever you flush the toilet or take a shower, this could be a sign of a sewage backup. Sewage backups contain air-borne contaminants that can lead to symptoms like vomiting, fever, and gastroenteritis. It’s best to schedule a visit from your local plumber if you are experiencing these issues. 

Identifying A Plumbing Emergency 

Are you standing in a pool of water? Are you getting whiffs of sewage? Are you hearing weird noises in your pipes? If so, you likely have a plumbing emergency on your hand that needs to be handled right away. 

 

Keep in mind other plumbing emergencies can occur that were not listed here. Contact us the next time you have a plumbing emergency of any kind, and let us take care of the rest.