You know the nightmare scenario: You’re taking a shower and suddenly dirty brown water is shooting from the showerhead.
Gross. Time to call the plumber!
While 24/7 emergency plumbing services are available, it isn’t always easy to identify when you have real trouble. Want to learn when you need a plumber fast? Keep reading for the 5 signs that you need emergency plumbing services.
Signs You Need Emergency Plumbing Services
Of course, not every issue is a plumbing emergency. If you flushed too much toilet paper, it is better to grab the nearest plunger than phone in the experts.
But plumbing is often more complicated than that, so here is when you shouldn’t do it yourself.
1) Frozen Pipes
Whenever the weather dips below freezing, the water in your pipes will freeze too. Frozen pipes might slow the water coming from your tap or stop it entirely. The danger of frozen pipes is that ice expands.
And unlike newer PEX pipe, you don’t want your old cast iron pipes cracking. Cracked pipes could lead to flooding and foundation issues, which is a significant emergency plumbing repair.
2) Bad Odors
Whether you smell an odor coming from your drains or from new water at the tap, you need a plumber. Odors from the drain might be from sewage or septic backup, which is a bigger problem than the smell alone.
Odors from your tap water could be a sign of decaying organic matter in your system—in your well (if you have one), in your water heater, or in your public water system.
3) Drainage Issues
Water won’t drain? It’s one of the most common plumbing problems, but hair in your tub isn’t the only cause of drainage issues.
Persistent drainage trouble could be the result of a clog deeper in your system than a DIY drain snake can handle. If your pipes were not properly installed, the problem might never go away until the problem is corrected.
Chemical drain cleaners are helpful, but a professional will better assess the true problem.
4) Low Water Pressure
So you know the pipes aren’t frozen, but you still have low water pressure. Low water pressure has a number of common causes, from corroded plumbing to faulty fixtures.
There is a chance that low water pressure is the result of a minor leak somewhere in your system too. If that leak is behind a wall, you run the risk of developing mold from prolonged water damage.
5) No Water at All
This is a serious plumbing emergency. Unless the city shut off your water, you should have water coming out of the tap.
The source of the problem could be a clog or major leak. You might also have a problem with your hot water heater. But if you have not made any changes to your plumbing and the water just stopped, get help quick!
Tapped Out
We use our home water systems all day, every day.
Plumbing trouble is stressful when you need to shower, cook, and wash laundry. But for any of these issues and more, emergency plumbing services are available 24/7.
Do you have a plumbing emergency? Call the experts at Tampa Bay Plumbing LLC to reach our 24-hour emergency services.
