4 Common Plumbing Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Plumbing emergencies can happen to anyone, at any time. From burst pipes to clogged drains, these unexpected issues can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. In this blog post, we will discuss some common plumbing emergencies and provide tips on how to handle them.

1. Burst Pipes

A burst pipe is one of the most pressing plumbing emergencies that can occur in a home or commercial building. When water starts gushing out uncontrollably from a broken pipe, it is important to act quickly to minimize damage.

How to handle it:

1. 1. Shut off the main water supply immediately to prevent further water damage.
   2. Open all faucets to drain any remaining water from the system.
   3. Call a professional plumber to assess and repair the burst pipe.

 

2. Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are another common plumbing issue that can disrupt your daily routine. Whether it’s a sink, toilet, or shower or bathtub drain, a blockage can lead to overflowing water and unpleasant odors.

How to handle it:

1. 1. Try using a plunger to dislodge the clog.
   2. If plunging doesn’t work, consider using a chemical drain cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
   3. If the clog persists, it’s best to call a plumber who can use specialized tools to clear the blockage safely.

 

3. Water Heater Failure

Discovering that your water heater is no longer functioning can be a major inconvenience, especially during colder months. Without hot water, daily tasks like showering and washing dishes become nearly impossible.

How to handle it:

1. 1. Check the circuit breaker for any tripped switches related to the water heater.
   2. If the breaker is fine, ensure that the thermostat settings are correct.
   3. If neither of these steps solves the problem, contact a professional plumber who can diagnose and repair the issue.

 

4. Sewer Backup

A sewer backup is a severe plumbing emergency that requires immediate attention. When wastewater starts flowing back into your drains or toilets, it poses health hazards and can lead to extensive property damage.

How to handle it:

1. 1. Stop using all water fixtures immediately.
   2. Do not attempt to fix the issue yourself as it may involve complex sewer line repairs.
   3. Call an experienced plumber who specializes in sewer backups to assess the situation and provide appropriate solutions.

 

Conclusion

Plumbing emergencies can be stressful, but knowing how to handle them can save you time, money, and unnecessary damage to your property. Remember, it’s always best to seek professional help when dealing with major plumbing issues. By acting quickly and contacting a reliable plumber like Keith Lawson Services, you can minimize the impact of these emergencies and get your plumbing system back up and running smoothly.

Contact Us

Keith Lawson Services provides plumbing services 24/7/365 in Tallahassee, FL and surrounding areas. Be sure to give us a call at 850-562-2600 if you need our help. Not only will you receive uncommonly good service, you’ll be treated with the courtesy and honesty we’ve been known for for more than 40 years.