When you find evidence of a leak or have a backed-up toilet, your first thought often turns to calling a plumber. If the problem occurs after regular business hours, you might wonder, “What is considered a plumbing emergency?” Since emergency plumbers cost quite a bit more than regular plumbers, knowing what counts as an emergency can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
Learn when you should call an emergency plumber and why with this guide from the best of Canton’s emergency plumbers at Green Energy Mechanical Inc.
1. Burst or Damaged Pipes
When a pipe bursts in or under your home, you risk flooding damage if you ignore the problem. Flooding damages your belongings and furniture while soaking into your floors and walls, potentially causing structural issues within your home. The longer a burst pipe goes unchecked, the more likely the damage will worsen and cost you more than a plumbing bill.
Before calling an emergency plumber, turn off the main water supply to prevent more water from soaking into your home. After the call, move everything in the water’s path into another room and clean up as much of the spill as you can. While your plumber can’t save what’s already ruined, they can repair your busted pipe and inspect others to ensure the problem won’t happen again anytime soon.
2. Water Leaks
Among the most common plumbing issues, water leaks can present as silent predators on your home’s safety or seep through your ceiling at the most inconvenient times. While some water leaks can wait for a daytime plumber, extensive water damage indicates a problematic one. Common signs of a dangerous water leak can include:
- Blistering or peeling on the walls
- Strange noises from your pipes
- Water stains on your ceiling
- Low water pressure
- A sagging ceiling
Besides water damage, a leak in your home could reach electrical components and spark a fire, putting you and your entire family in danger.
An emergency plumber can locate and repair a leaking pipe, though they may recommend follow-up services to protect you from further plumbing problems.
3. Toilet Overflows
An overflowing toilet may make you ask, “What is considered a plumbing emergency?” This issue constitutes a hazard to your home and your family’s health. If you can’t get the water to stop by plunging your toilet, reach behind the seat and turn the water off at the valve.
In some cases, this won’t stop the water from continuing to flow, requiring you to turn off your main water valve. Until you have repairs made, turning off that valve means you won’t have water anywhere in your home. Calling an emergency plumber to help with an overflowing toilet can reinstate your water usage and fix the problem.
4. A Malfunctioning or Dead Water Heater
Your hot water supply allows you to bathe comfortably, so when you turn on the tap to cold water only, it may shock the system. Sometimes, this problem can wait until morning, but an emergency plumber can help if you need hot water immediately. Additionally, smelling gas while experiencing issues with your water heater may point to a gas leak, another dangerous situation that an emergency plumber can save you from.
5. Smelling Gas
While your water heater may work and you can still cook, you may have a gas leak if you notice a sulfuric odor floating around your house. You can’t see natural gas, nor can you smell it; that rotten egg smell comes from additives that gas companies add to aid homeowners in detecting a leak. If a gas leak goes unattended for too long, you may experience uncomfortable physical symptoms, including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Red eyes or skin
- Nosebleeds
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Suspecting a natural gas leak requires a call to an emergency plumber, as breathing in too much natural gas can cause serious illnesses or death.
What Shouldn’t I Call an Emergency Plumber for?
Some homeowners jump at the smallest plumbing issues and call an emergency plumber when they could have waited until morning. If you notice any of these problems, you can save money by waiting to call the plumbing company the following day:
- Leaky faucets
- Poor drainage
- Clogged toilets
- Mold or mildew
Get Emergency Plumbing Service Today from Green Energy Mechanical Inc. in Canton, MA
Wondering, “What is considered a plumbing emergency,” helps you determine when you should wait and when you need an emergency plumber. Whether you need help with a plumbing emergency or want tips on how to avoid winter plumbing problems, call our team at Green Energy Mechanical Inc. at (781) 236-3421 for 24/7 assistance.
Author Bio:
Jonathan Neves
Worked in the HVAC industry since he was 17. He started as an HVAC service technician for commercial buildings and eventually came into the residential market because of his love of working with people. He believes that what really sets Green Energy Mechanical apart is how long they stand behind their work and how compassionate his employees are for their clients.
