Emergency plumbing problems can mean broken pipes, water damage and a costly repair performed by a professional plumber following a panicked phone call. There are many plumbing issues that can be fixed by homeowners, however, avoiding the need for commercial plumbers and potentially paying for a night-time service call. Here's a look at some of the most common issues with plumbing, from cleaning a drain blockage to working with hard-to-reach pipes, and how to repair them on your own:
Problems in the Bathroom
Despite the small size, bathrooms involve a lot of plumbing due to the many systems involved. The function of other major devices that connect to the bathroom or provide treated water to it, such as water heaters, can cause further problems. Here are quick fixes for some of the most common plumbing emergencies:
A Blocked or Flooding Toilet
A blocked or flooding toilet creates a huge mess and a big headache.
While it doesn't result in as high a direct cost as a burst pipe spilling water across a room or a ruptured sewage tank, a blocked or flooding toilet creates a huge mess and a big headache. There are two major considerations with a toilet blockage, and the responses should follow each other in order. The first step is to turn off the flow of water to the toilet tank, preventing further flooding or spillage. The average toilet system has a dedicated shutoff valve located on or near the pipe feeding water to the unit.
With the flow of water stalled, there are a number of clearance and removal tactics to consider. Depending on the nature of the blockage, you may be able to simply wait for the water to drain and then turn the water back on, attempting another flush - but be ready to reach for the shutoff valve again should it be needed.
Using a tool to clear the blockage, such as a plunger, snake or rooter, should be the next step. Remember a plunger needs some water in the bowl to function properly. If the clog persists, it may be time to send someone to the hardware store to purchase a drain cleaner. It's important to keep in mind that drain cleaners are dangerous and can harm pipes when used. Even if all the instructions are followed, further damage may occur.
If these attempts to clear a blockage don't succeed, it's time to check out some reviews online and get in touch with a local plumber.
A Poorly Functioning Shower Drain
A clogged shower drain makes getting ready to leave the house more difficult and time-consuming. Fixing a backed up shower drain can be a relatively simple task, however. Start by letting the water currently present to drain, if possible. If your shower includes a drain stopper, you should also remove it and place it aside. Then, attempt to remove the drain screen and clear any blockages present. It's easiest to start by using your hands - wear a pair of gloves to avoid any small injuries - then try a plunger, followed by a snake or rooter if necessary. These tools will clear most smaller, more manageable blockages. Remember to check the label before using any type of drain cleaner on shower drains, as some are too caustic to be used safely.
If you can't remove the blockage yourself, it's likely time to call in a plumber. If a blockage is large enough and impacted far enough that tools like snakes and rooters can't reach it, it will ultimately be safer and less expensive to get a professional to fix the problem. While an emergency call from a plumbing company isn't cheap, it's much less expensive than compromising the integrity of a shower drain pipe and having to replace much or all of the associated components.
A Problem in the Kitchen
Dishwashers, sinks, disposals and other kitchen tools tied to plumbing can lead to costly problems. Here are a few emergency response plans to keep in mind:
A leaking sink can lead to significant damage.
Leaks Under the Sink
A leaking sink can lead to significant damage, whether it's to the pipes, the fixtures or the housing and floor around the sink. If the leak comes from the faucet, as is common, there are some simple fixes you can attempt. There are many types of sinks out there, with four very different designs among the most popular. This Old House offers a detailed, illustrated guide that can help you solve a leaky faucet problem yourself, no matter what type of faucet you have in your kitchen. Repairs often include a small amount of labor and inexpensive parts, frequently less than $20. No matter what type of repair needs to be made, you should first turn off water flow to the sink and block the drain with a rag to prevent losing any small pieces of the assemblage.
Leaks from other locations, like the sink itself or the pipes underneath it, often require the attentions of a professional plumber. However, you can still minimize damage and make the replacement process a faster, less painful one by turning off the flow of water once a leak is identified and clearing the area of any excess water.
Problems Throughout the Home
There are a few emergency plumbing situations that can take place independent of any specific fixture or location in the home. Here's a look at how to address some of the largest:
Broken or Burst Pipes
There generally isn't a way to fix pipes immediately once they've burst, but there are some preventative measures to follow and emergency actions to take as soon as a burst pipe is detected. In terms of prevention, it's crucial to make sure all pipes are properly insulated and no gaps in coverage exist. An assessment that takes an hour or two to complete could save thousands of dollars further down the line.
Another major consideration to make is consistent home heating. The temperature doesn't need to be high, but must be maintained, as Emergency Plumber points out. Keeping the temperature in the low or mid-50s is enough to prevent breakage as long as that's the coldest the temperature gets across all the pipe work in the house. Because of the consistent need for a temperature threshold, it's also important to make sure a home heating system functions properly and will continue to do so in the future.
As for dealing with pipes if they burst, it's crucial to know where the shutoff valve or other safety switch is located. While you can't avoid all the damage caused by broken pipes, you can greatly reduce the amount and severity by knowing how to act if this disastrous event occurs. Broken pipes are a big enough problem that it's worth sharing the location of the emergency shutoff valve with family and roommates so everyone knows how to minimize damage.
You'll eventually have to call a plumber, and possibly a water removal professional, should the pipes burst in your house or apartment. However, knowing what to do in terms of both prevention and immediate response can lead to a problem that's less expensive to fix and easier to clean up.
Broken Outdoor Faucets, Pipes and Septic Tanks
The elements of a home plumbing system that exist outside a home's physical boundary can be the most vulnerable to damage and leaks. Because these components aren't always protected by insulation - and because waste storage tanks can become overfilled and rupture if not regularly emptied - they are especially sensitive. While most repairs and maintenance have to be conducted by professionals because specialized tools and knowledge are required, there are some emergency responses that can help mitigate damage.
You need to know where the shutoff valves are for pipes that reach outside your home and be ready to respond if such an incident occurs. Knowing the locations of outside faucets, along with covering the heads during cold weather when they could freeze, break and release a large volume of water, also helps in an emergency situation.