Everything You Need To Know About the 3 Most Common Plumbing Emergencies
Plumbing emergencies can come in many forms and cause destruction, panic, frustration, and stress. Even worse, they can strike at any time - but of course, they tend to do so at the most inconvenient time possible. That’s why it pays to be aware of the risks they pose, what causes them, and what to do when they occur. This can help everyone respond calmly and quickly when disaster strikes, but it can also help prevent it from striking in the first place.
This article will cover all the essentials about the three plumbing emergencies that most commonly plague home systems - read on to learn more!
Overflowing Toilet
First up, and perhaps most common of all, are toilet overflows. These are most often caused by unflushable materials being put down the toilet (sanitary wipes, paper towels, hygiene products, etc.) and becoming stuck, either in the toilet’s S-trap or P-trap (a curved section of pipe just beyond the bowl drain) or somewhere in the network of drain pipes below.
When a toilet is overflowing, the first step is to stop the water. One can do this by closing the flapper inside the tank or closing the supply valve itself (usually located on the wall just behind the toilet bowl). Next, homeowners should address the clog. If the firm (but careful!) application of a plunger doesn’t do the trick, it may be time to call a plumber.
If the blockage is in or near the toilet, a professional plumber can remove it using a toilet auger - without damaging the toilet. If it’s further down the drainpipe, they may need to use special instruments such as an industrial-grade drain auger or hydro-jetter to remove it.
Backed Up Sewage
As unpleasant as a toilet overflow is, a sewage backup is much, much worse. Sewage is a serious biohazard, potentially carrying viruses, diseases, and harmful bacteria. Exposure to sewage can cause major health problems and should be avoided at all costs.
Sewage can back up into the home’s drains due to clogged or damaged drain pipe or sewer line, the city sewer main issue, or septic system issues. If a sewage backup occurs, homeowners should avoid using any water or flushing any toilets, stay away from the affected areas, and call a reliable plumber who can show up as soon as possible.
Broken Water Pipe
A broken or burst water pipe can be an enormously destructive and dangerous force, especially if it isn’t remedied immediately. The resulting deluge of water can cause massive flooding, compromise the structural integrity of the building, create an increased risk of electrocution, and lead to mold growth in a matter of days. Underground pipe breaks (often called slab leaks) can even cause foundation damage or shifting.
Common causes of bursts or ruptured pipes are corrosion (often due to mineral scale), water pressure issues, vibration, aging pipes, and freezing. When a pipe breaks, the first thing to do is close the home’s main water shutoff valve. This is typically located in a utility closet, underground valve box, or on an exterior wall, near where the water main enters the home.
Once the water is off, homeowners should call a professional plumber to assess the damage, determine the underlying cause of the break, and perform repairs.
About C & D Plumbing Inc.
C & D Plumbing Inc. is a family-owned and operated business passionate about making its customers happy. Their outstanding customer service, straightforward pricing, and complete satisfaction guarantee have earned them numerous 5-star reviews and an A+ BBB rating. Their friendly, licensed technicians are available 24 hours a day, so call C & D any time for emergency plumbing services in Fort Lauderdale, FL!