Get Ready for Goosebumps: the Most Frightening Plumbing Emergencies People Face
Plumbing emergencies are indeed frightening, which is why it’s so critical that a home’s plumbing is always kept in good repair, with regular service and inspections. Whether it’s a flood in the basement or some severe clogs causing overflowing water in a sink or toilet, these issues can quickly feel like a disaster. And with the spooky month ahead, it gives a plumbing emergency and even more frightening edge. In this article, experts offer insight into some of the most common plumbing emergencies, their causes, and what homeowners can do to prevent them.
Don’t Run and Hide From a Burst Pipe!
Commonly, burst pipes occur when the water inside the pipe freezes and expands, causing a buildup of pressure that eventually creates a rupture in the pipe itself. Frigid water rushes from the burst pipe, creating a chaotic, dangerous situation.
Other causes of burst pipes include clogs, structural damage, outdated plumbing, faulty connections, external pressure (e.g., tree roots), and ground movement. Fortunately, the risk of a burst pipe can be greatly reduced with regular repairs, evaluations, and inspections by plumbing experts. And, in the unfortunate event that a burst pipe does occur, don’t panic. Many companies offer 24-hour emergency service for just this situation.
Fear of Toilet/ Sink Overflow Causing Sleepless Nights?
The thought of dirty water spilling out of a toilet or sink is scary enough to keep anyone up at night. A sink overflow, usually caused by a clogged drain or garbage disposal, is bad enough...especially since these disasters tend to occur at the most inopportune times, such as when the potatoes need to be peeled for Thanksgiving dinner.
Far more sinister, arguably, is the frightening prospect of toilet overflow. The standard steps don’t always work: using the plunger, turning the toilet’s water supply off, using a drain snake, and so forth. Still, the water keeps on rising, ready to wreak havoc on a home.
Fortunately, sink and toilet overflow are issues that can be handled by an experienced, knowledgeable plumbing expert, no matter how complex or difficult the cause of the overflow is. A good plumber will get the repair done right the first time, making sure that the offending sink or toilet remains in good working order.
The Dreaded Sump Pump Failure
Many homes have basements, and others are susceptible to serious storms and heavy rains. When a sump pump fails, water quickly collects, pools, and eventually floods a basement, crawlspace (or the lowest point in a home) rapidly. Depending on the amount of water and the severity of the pump’s failure, a homeowner could have anywhere from a few inches to over a foot of water to contend with.
This requires immediate remediation measures, including bringing in a team to do a thorough dry-out of the property, including the application of antimicrobial agents to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. At this point, the homeowner must evaluate whatever property was stored in the flooded area and determine with an insurance adjuster if it can be repaired or replaced. It is a long, arduous, and unpleasant process. Sump pump failure is considered a plumbing emergency, and a homeowner should contact a plumber for service immediately if it occurs.
While a qualified plumbing expert can undoubtedly repair or replace a failed sump pump, naturally, a much better option is to prevent the failure from happening in the first place. This means ensuring that a home has a quality sump pump correctly installed and connected, with regular maintenance and routine repairs to ensure it is in perfect working condition.
About TR Miller Heating & Cooling: a Plainfield Staple
TR Miller Heating & Cooling, the Plainfield, IL emergency plumbing company homeowners, rely on! They are a third-generation family-owned and operated company known for its exceptional emergency service, with technicians standing by 24/7. Contact them today to learn more about their award-winning care.
