No one likes dealing with plumbing repair emergencies, but unfortunately, they happen. Some common plumbing repair emergencies include burst pipes, overflowing toilets, and leaks. Keep reading to learn what to do in each of these situations.
What are some plumbing repair emergencies?
Many plumbing repair emergencies include frozen pipes, burst pipes, leaks, and gas leaks. Frozen pipes are a typical plumbing repair emergency. When the water in a pipe freezes, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst. If you notice that your water is not flowing as usual or is coming out slowly, there may be a frozen pipe somewhere in your home. Burst pipes are another typical plumbing repair emergency. A burst pipe can cause extensive water damage to your home and property. Knowing how to identify a burst pipe and what to do if you have one is essential.
A burst pipe usually occurs when a water line freezes and then thaws. The ice inside the pipe causes it to expand and crack. Water will start flowing out of the crack in the pipe and will continue to flow until the pressure from the water line is released. A leak can occur anywhere in your plumbing system, from a faucet or valve to the main water line. Leaks can also affect your roof. If you notice a sudden increase in your water bill, it may indicate a hidden leak.
Gas leaks can occur due to a broken pipe, a faulty appliance, or construction work on the home. If you think there is a gas leak in your home, do not try to fix it yourself. Call a plumber or a gas company.
How do you fix plumbing repair emergencies?
To prevent pipes from freezing, keep them warm by running hot water through them or wrapping them with insulation. If a pipe does freeze, thaw it gradually with warm water. Never use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe. If you think you have a burst pipe, turn off the main water valve immediately. This will stop the flow of water into your home. Then, call a plumber for help. Do not try to fix the problem yourself, as it can be dangerous.
The plumber will need to find where the break in the pipe is located and then repair or replace it. If there is significant water damage, he may also need to dry out your home and property. You can do several things to help prevent a roof leak, including regular maintenance and inspections of your roof and gutters. If you do experience a roof leak, here are some common repair tips. First, check the flashing around your chimney and vents.
The flashing is the metal piece that seals these areas and helps water run off the roof. If the flashing is damaged or missing, it can cause a roof leak. You should also look for broken or missing shingles. Shingles may be damaged by high winds, hail, or age. If missing or broken, they will allow water to seep through the roof decking and into your home. Additionally, inspect the eaves troughs and gutter screens for debris build-up.
Debris in the eaves troughs can clog up the gutters and cause them to overflow, leading to a roof leak. Gutter screens should also be checked for holes or tears that could allow water into the gutter system. In terms of gas leaks, a gas leak in a home can be an extremely dangerous situation. If you smell gas or your carbon monoxide detector goes off, you should evacuate the home and call the fire department.
