Modern plumbing didn’t come around until the 19th century. Since then, plumbing has been an essential part of every household. Without it, sanitation would be very difficult. 

While most plumbing systems run without any issues, plumbing emergencies still pop up once in a while. When a plumbing emergency arises, you shouldn’t ignore it. Ignoring it could lead to serious issues. 

But what is considered a plumbing emergency? When should you call your local emergency plumber? Keep reading and learn more about what you shouldn’t ignore below.

Leaky Faucets

Many people don’t consider leaky faucets an emergency. Many people let their faucets leak for weeks or months at a time without doing anything. This is a bad idea for several reasons. 

A leaky faucet is a sign that something is wrong with your plumbing system. If you leave your faucets alone, this problem will get worse. Your water bill will skyrocket from a leaky faucet. 

Small drops of water may not seem very expensive, but they can be in the long run. If your faucets are constantly running, this will add up to your water bill. You might have to spend hundreds of dollars on wasted water. 

Leaky faucets can cause structural problems too. This is because they make it more likely for mold and mildew to form. Mold and mildew slowly eat away at various surfaces. 

This kind of corrosion can damage your faucets and pipes too. Mold and mildew growth also destroys the air quality inside your home. This is bad news for those who have allergies or other respiratory concerns. 

The Details

Some forms of mold can cause illnesses too. A leaky faucet is not a hard issue to fix. You might be able to fix it on your own. 

But if you don’t know the first thing about plumbing, it is best to leave it to the professionals. This is especially true if both your sink and shower faucets are leaking. Several leaks at once may mean that you’re dealing with a much more serious plumbing problem. 

Letting a professional do the work is also easier for you. You won’t have to stress yourself over all the different parts and tools. The results will be faster too. 

You can let the plumber do the heavy lifting while you occupy yourself with other matters in your life. Once the plumber fixes the faucets, they should be as good as new. 

Drain Clogs

A clogged drain is another issue that may be more serious than you realize. Some drain clogs are nothing more than some hair or soap stuck in the drain. Scooping out the debris with a special tool should solve the problem. 

Clumps of clogged hair are especially common in showers and tubs. Sinks often get clogged with food or soap. If you can fix the problem yourself, then the problem was minor. 

If you try to clean out the drain but still find it clogged, you have a more serious problem. This is because there is something deeper in the pipes clogging the drain. You won’t be able to reach it if it is too deep in the piping. 

It might not be a clog at all. If your drain is draining slowly, it might involve a broken pipe deeper into the plumbing system. It is not possible to fix this on your own. You wouldn’t have any way of knowing if a pipe is broken either. 

What You Need to Know

If you can’t solve your clogged drain, call an emergency plumber. If several drains are clogged at once, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Several clogged drains may have something to do with the sewer line.

This could lead to serious bathroom flooding.

A professional plumber will find the root of the problem and fix it. If the issue is a broken pipe, the plumber may need to replace the whole section. This will reinstate proper water flow and pressure. 

If there is something physically blocking the pipes, the plumber will remove it. Unclogging a drain usually does not take very long, unless it is a very serious case. The plumber should finish in only an hour or so. 

Once the plumber is finished, your drains should run smoother than ever. 

Toilet Overflow

An overflowing toilet is one of the most worrying plumbing emergencies. Once your toilet starts overflowing onto the bathroom floor, all sorts of problems will happen. The water may seep into the deeper layers of your floor. 

This will cause mold and mildew. The water may damage the floor so much that you may need to tear it out and replace it. Overflowing toilet water will also spread dangerous bacteria around the bathroom.

If you don’t thoroughly clean it, it is very possible that you or your family members could get sick. Toilets overflow when something is clogging the drain. It may also occur if the toilet pipes are corroded. 

If your toilet starts overflowing, call a plumber right away. A 24-hour plumber should stop the problem before it gets too serious. This can save your toilet and the rest of your bathroom. 

Plumbing Emergencies to Watch Out For

Plumbing emergencies are no laughing matter. Some plumbing problems can destroy your home’s plumbing system as well as certain parts of your home. If you don’t act fast, you could be in for some very expensive repairs. 

An emergency plumber can solve your problems. To learn more about plumbing, look no further than our plumbing services.