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Prompt plumbing repairs are crucial for preventing more significant issues and avoiding unnecessary water waste. While most common plumbing problems don’t necessarily require immediate attention and necessitate paying for an emergency service call, certain situations constitute an emergency. We’ll look at the most common plumbing emergencies you might encounter, how to spot them and what to do if they arise.
1. Leaky Water Lines
Plumbing leaks are fairly rare but can occur due to old pipes, corrosion, high water pressure or improper installation. If you ever experience a severe leak from something like a broken or burst pipe, you should immediately shut off the water to your house by closing the valve on your main water line. That way, you can stop the leak and minimize the amount of flooding and water damage you have to deal with. The shut-off valve should be near where the main line enters your house or close to the water meter. If you don’t know where the valve is or if it’s stuck and you can’t close it, call the local water department’s emergency line, and they can send someone to shut your water off from the street.
If you notice any signs of a hidden leak behind a wall, within a ceiling, or elsewhere, contact an emergency plumbing service. Even small leaks have the potential to do significant damage by causing wall studs or floor joists to rot and ruining insulation and drywall. Not addressing a leak promptly will also often lead to mold growth and potentially require you to pay for costly mold remediation. Mold growth is also a concern in terms of indoor air quality and can be especially problematic for people with allergies, asthma or compromised immune systems.
Some of the most common signs of hidden leaks include yellow or brown staining on drywall, mold spots, peeling wallpaper and bubbling paint. A moldy or musty smell in one part of your home is also often a sign of hidden mold growth due to moisture inside a wall or ceiling.
2. Leaking Water Heater
Tank water heaters have a glass or ceramic coating on the inside that’s designed to prevent water from touching the steel and causing it to rust and corrode, but this coating deteriorates over time. There is also an anode rod inside the tank that is sacrificed to prevent corrosion, but as it corrodes over time, it no longer works as effectively. At some point, rust and corrosion will eat through the steel, potentially causing the tank to leak.
This type of leak is usually fairly minor at first and may not seem like a major concern. Once the tank has started to rust through, it could suddenly fail and send its entire contents dumping out onto the floor. Unless you immediately close the shut-off valve on top of the water heater, water will continue flowing into the tank, potentially leading to a serious flood.
This risk of flooding is why you should immediately turn off your water heater and shut off the water to it if you ever notice it has started to leak. If you can’t quickly get a plumber to your house, you can instead drain the tank once the water has sufficiently cooled off and there is no risk of scalding.
3. Sewer Line Issues
A clogged or obstructed sewer line can lead to major backups inside your home. If your sewer line starts to back up, sewage could begin to flow up out of some of your drains. Not only do sewage backups create a nasty mess, but they can also cause extensive damage to your flooring, walls, furnishings, etc. Raw sewage can contain a wide variety of harmful pathogens, such as E. coli, making it not only a nuisance but also dangerous.
If your sewer starts backing up, avoid using the plumbing and call a plumber right away. If you continue to use your plumbing, every time you flush the toilet, shower, or do laundry, the water that goes down the drain will come right back into the house somewhere else.
You should also always monitor your plumbing so that you can tell if your sewer line is at risk of clogging and backing up. Issues to watch for include slow toilets and drains throughout the house, sewage odors and gurgling or bubbling sounds as water goes down your drains and toilets. If you notice any of these issues, getting your sewer line cleaned as soon as possible can help you avoid the mess, hassle and expense of a major backup.
Another issue you need to be concerned about is your sewer line leaking as a result of it cracking, collapsing or tree root blockages. A noticeable sewage smell in your yard is usually a good indication that your sewer line is leaking or has collapsed. A sewer line leak will also often result in a lush, fast-growing patch of grass in the yard, as a result of the waste and water fertilizing and nourishing the grass.
4. Malfunctioning Sump Pump
Many homes in Georgia are susceptible to flooding in the basement or crawl space during heavy rains, and the only effective option for reducing the risk is a sump pump. Sump pumps pump out the excess water, but they often only last for five to seven years before failing or losing some of their effectiveness. If they sit without running for a prolonged period, they may also struggle to work at all when they are once again needed during periods of rain.
You don’t want your basement flooding because your sump pump doesn’t work, which is why we recommend periodic sump pump testing. You can do this by pouring a bucket or two of water into the sump pit. The pump should turn on and run without issue. Test your pump before each rainy season, and if you notice any abnormalities or if it doesn’t come on, give us a call so that it can be addressed before it becomes a problem.
We also recommend installing a battery backup for your sump pump if you don’t already have one. With a battery backup, your pump will still be able to work if a major storm knocks out the power to your house. Installing a sump pump alarm is also a good idea. The alarm will alert you if the sump pit gets too full and is at risk of overflowing due to the pump not running or not working efficiently.
Work With the Plumbing Pros!
When you need any plumbing services in Cumming or the North Atlanta Metro area, you can count on Kennon Heating, Air & Plumbing for prompt response and quality work.
We’ve been serving Georgia homeowners for more than 15 years, and our expert team is available 24/7 to assist with any type of plumbing emergency. From pipe repairs to sewer cleaning and sump pump services, we’re ready to help with whatever you need. To schedule service, contact us today.
