When things go wrong with your pipes, faucets and related appliances, you may wonder if you need an emergency plumber. You’re likely asking yourself, “Is this really an emergency, or can it wait until morning?” Today, we’re here to illuminate that answer by providing detailed information on what constitutes a plumbing emergency.
Before we delve into that topic, take a moment to browse the extensive quality plumbing services offered by B-N-K Plumbing. If you live in Johnsburg, Illinois or the surrounding area, take advantage of our reputable, professional standard and emergency plumber options today.
Pressing Problems Requiring A McHenry Emergency Plumber
Is that leaking pipe beneath your sink an emergency? Can your dripping shower faucet wait until morning? Call an emergency plumber if you’re facing one of the six pressing problems below! But if your problem isn’t listed, you can likely wait until morning to schedule a standard appointment.
1. Blocked Toilets
Blocked toilets aren’t always an emergency in a home with two or more bathrooms. However, this situation is always an emergency in one-bathroom homes. After all, you need access to a functioning toilet to keep your household running without disruption.
Of course, it’s a little more nuanced than that. When determining whether your blocked toilet requires an immediate response from an emergency plumber, ask yourself the following questions:
- Has the toilet overflowed so that water now sits on your flooring?
- Is the toilet continuing to run while blocked, thus causing a steady stream of water gushing across your bathroom?
- Have you already tried using a plunger to no avail?
- Is there sewage rising out of the toilet?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, your blocked toilet constitutes an emergency. This is especially true if you see any sewage rising from the bowl, as this is a serious hazard to human health – and, trust us, you’ll know the difference between actual sewage and toilet bowl water. The appearance and smell are unmistakable.
2. Water Leaks
Water leaks are among the most potentially disastrous issues that might lead you to call an emergency plumber because they can cause significant (and sometimes irreparable) damage. Even minor leaks can cause extensive issues like mold, mildew and wood damage. At their worst? Water leaks can cause structural problems that make your home unsafe. Therefore, detecting and fixing water leaks early is essential.
After identifying a water leak, the first step is to shut off the water supply. In some cases, you may be able to shut off the local water supply—this is often the case for your toilet or sink. However, if a local option doesn’t exist, you must use your whole-house shut-off valve.
Secondly, you’ll want to call a local emergency plumber. Describe the issue to them, including how severe the leak is, and they’ll dispatch someone out right away. By acting quickly, you can mitigate any potential damages caused by the water leak.
3. Water Heater Malfunction
If you’ve never encountered issues with your home’s water temperature, consider yourself fortunate. Water heater malfunctions are among some of the most common emergency issues homeowners face, and they’re evident because they can make your showers too hot or too cold. They can also cause a significant drop in water pressure.
Water that’s too hot or cold from your faucet may not seem like an emergency. Low water pressure may not seem serious because your water is still running. But these become so because of the delicate (and, in the wrong condition, dangerous) appliance behind the minor nuisance. Plus, identifying the root cause of these issues is complex. Water heaters may malfunction due to various factors, such as sediment buildup or aging components. If you’re experiencing issues with water temperature, you should contact a plumber immediately so the problem doesn’t get out of hand.
Water heater problems can cause low water pressure or water temperature changes.
4. Sewer Backup
Sewer backup is a critical health hazard that requires IMMEDIATE assistance.
Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, parasites, worms and more that can make you, your family and your pets very sick. For example, these germs can cause illnesses of the stomach, intestine and liver. Exposure to sewage can also cause serious issues like encephalitis, hepatitis A, salmonellosis and poliomyelitis. Obviously, you don’t want to take chances.
Instead, you should rely on a professional with the experience, training and equipment to keep themselves safe when working around backed-up sewage.
Of course, it’s best to avoid this situation whenever possible. While sewage backup is obvious when it’s already begun, it may be less noticeable when you’re at risk for it. If your drains are running slower and you smell foul odors, this is a big sign you need to call an emergency plumber. They can help mitigate the issue before it becomes a health crisis.
5. Multiple Clogged Drains
There’s nothing more frustrating than a clogged drain in your sink or shower. A single clog may not be a serious issue and could be solved with DIY methods like plunging. But, if you have multiple clogged drains in your home, this could point to a much more serious problem. The same can be said if your toilet and one or more drains are clogged.
Multiple clogged drains could mean you’re at risk for sewage backup, which can be caused by tree roots in your line or large clogs in your primary pipes. If you’re facing this issue, you’ll want to call an emergency plumber immediately to restore your home’s functionality.
6. No Water
If you ever turn on a faucet in your home and nothing comes out, you’ll want to call an emergency plumber ASAP! Remember to turn the faucet back to the off position before you do. In some situations, the helpful associate on the other end of the phone may also ask you to turn off your home’s primary water source. Ensure you always know where this shut-off valve is located so you’re ready for emergencies like this!
Having zero running water could mean a slew of issues. For example, it could mean a main pipe burst in your home or the street. It could also mean that your pipes have frozen. Although it would have to be incredibly cold for all your pipes to freeze, it isn’t unheard of. There are other potential causes, too, but only a certified emergency plumber can determine the reason.
If no water comes from your faucets when turned on, call an emergency plumber ASAP!
Issues That Don’t Require an Emergency Plumber
While several problems require a call to an emergency plumber, not every plumbing issue warrants immediate action. If you’re facing one of the below issues, you can likely wait to schedule an appointment for the following day:
- A single clogged drain
- Running toilet (as long as it’s still functioning)
- Leaking faucet that’s only dripping into the sink or shower
- A clogged toilet that quickly responds to being plunged
- Water leaking under sinks that can be easily stopped
- Sump pump stopped working when it’s NOT raining or flooding
Of course, if the above problems worsen, you can call your local McHenry emergency plumber late at night or after hours.
Emergency Plumber FAQs
Below, we’ve answered a few of our customer’s most common questions about hiring an emergency plumber. We hope you find them helpful!
What constitutes a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency typically involves issues that immediately threaten property or health. These include burst pipes, extensive water leaks and sewage backups.
Is it necessary to call an emergency plumber for a minor leak?
Minor leaks should be addressed promptly to prevent potential escalation into a more significant problem. Sometimes, this may involve shutting off the local water source if the leak is minor or contained in a single area. However, calling an emergency plumber is advisable if the leak is causing extensive damage or cannot be contained.
Can I wait until morning to fix a burst pipe?
Burst pipes can cause significant water damage within minutes. It’s crucial to shut off the main water supply and call an emergency plumber immediately to mitigate the damage and restore your plumbing system.
Does an emergency plumber charge more for after-hours service?
Emergency plumbers often charge higher rates for after-hours service due to the urgency and inconvenience of responding outside regular business hours. Clarifying rates and charges when you call is important to avoid surprises.
What information should I have ready when calling an emergency plumber?
When calling an emergency plumber, be prepared to provide details such as your address, the nature of the problem, and any relevant observations (like the extent of water damage or visible leaks). This helps the plumber assess the situation and come prepared.
How can I prevent plumbing emergencies in the future?
Regular maintenance and inspections of your plumbing system can help prevent emergencies. Address minor issues promptly, know the location of shut-off valves, and consider upgrading old plumbing fixtures to reduce the risk of sudden failures.
Need the Immediate Help of a McHenry Emergency Plumber?
If you’re facing one of the significant issues listed above, you don’t want to hesitate. Calling a reliable McHenry emergency plumber is a must! Thankfully, B-N-K Plumbing is ready to assist around the clock, with zero blackout dates. Call by clicking the button below to receive immediate assistance.
