You’ve shut off the water after washing the dishes in the kitchen sink, but you notice there’s a consistent drip that refuses to die away afterward. About an hour later, you wonder if the drips have picked up speed, becoming more dramatic and intimidating as they fall from the faucet head. You can’t tell if it’s an actual plumbing emergency or a simple fix you can’t find a solution for due to your dense understanding of plumbing.
In a situation like this, you may want to call on an emergency plumber. However, you may be asking yourself, “what constitutes a plumbing emergency?” Below, we’ll discuss four conditions that constitute a plumbing emergency and what may have caused the situation to unfold in the first place.
Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets are common in the average household, and they are not usually considered a plumbing emergency. A loose O-ring or a deteriorated washer can be just a few of the causes of an annoying drip, and you can fix these issues without the help of a professional after using your hands to shut off the water valve. However, an innocent drip can easily turn into something more if not cared for properly.
For one thing, if you use a tool such as a wrench instead of your hands to remedy this issue, you can end up doing more harm than good. A wrench can break the valve or stick the valve in an open or closed position, affecting future usage of your water system. If the valve is affected, it can even lead to a fully blown-out leak, turning a dripping faucet into a plumbing emergency.
Leaky or Busted Pipes
Leaky pipes are not as evident as dripping faucets when they occur, but they are another example of what constitutes a plumbing emergency. Often, pipes run behind walls and ceilings, making it difficult to pinpoint the defective spot once a leak has begun. Then again, if a leak has escalated to the point where you begin to notice water stains on your ceilings or walls, it can be a sign that your pipes:
- Have undergone corrosion, which will also give your water’s appearance a brown or white tint
- Were affected by spikes in water pressure since the excessive force of the water can cause the pipes to rupture
- Were damaged upon consistently pouring harsh solutions or chemicals down the drain
If you notice your water bill has severely transcended in costs or if you recognize the sound of gurgling or running water, you may have a busted pipe. The sound of clanking in the pipe system can also indicate that there’s a break or tension, directing you to the problematic area.
Upon discovering that you have a leaky or busted pipe, locate the affected area, attempt to turn off the water, and call a professional rather than trying to fix the pipes yourself.
Clogged Drains
As opposed to leaky or busted pipes, clogs are always a visible issue since it prevents water from flowing down the pipes promptly, creating a tiny pool near the drain. In some cases, cleaning the hair out of the bathtub or sink drain or using a plunger to dislodge small items or soap scum buildup that blocks the water flow can prove efficient.
If the water refuses to move at all, you will have to cease using your tub or sink completely, which shouldn’t have to be an option. You should also steer clear of pouring a chemical cleaner down the drain since it won’t make its way down to the pipes. Instead, calling an emergency plumber will get your pipes back to working the way they should so you can get back to your daily activities as soon as possible.
Backed-Up Toilets
Similar to clogged drains, a clogged or backed-up toilet will not dispose of used water and waste into the pipes as it should. Instead, every time that you flush the toilet, the water level will rise, contributing to an overflow of dirty water that can pool on your floors, jeopardizing your health and the sanitariness of your home.
When this happens, the first thing you will want to do is use a plunger to unclog anything that might be blocking the passageway. If this doesn’t work, take the tank lid off and analyze the different components, such as the rubber seal, which protects the water from dripping out as it travels through the flush valve, and the flapper. If your toilet is old or you’ve set your valve to use less water, there may not be enough water in the tank, causing it to flush improperly.
If you’re not sure what to check for, or if you’ve tried fixing the issue to no avail, call an emergency plumber. They’ll be able to pinpoint the problem, such as if there is a tree root growing in your system or flushed products lodged deep within the pipes, giving you back the sanctity of your bathroom.
Edmond Emergency Plumbing
Now that you understand some of what constitutes a plumbing emergency, you should know who to call on when these or any other troubles arise. We at Champion Plumbing want to be your go-to emergency plumber in Edmond, OK. When you decide to schedule a service with us, we’ll remedy the following inconveniences and mishaps so you can have smooth sailing:
- Slow sink drainage where water sits at the bottom of the basin for minutes on end.
- A jammed garbage disposal, which may mean the blades are not turning or that there’s something lodged within, keeping you from grinding up and disposing of other waste.
- Low water pressure, which can be a sign of cracks and leaks in the underground pipes or dangerous bacteria-filled groundwater trickling into your water system.
- Sewer system backups, which can leave behind sewage, becoming a health threat.
If you are still wondering what constitutes a plumbing emergency, please call us at 405-544-2876 to learn more about plumbing emergencies or how we can assist you. We’ll provide you with same-day services and guidance today!
