As a premier provider of emergency plumbing services, we’ve seen it all. We’ve been called out all over to deal with everything from burst pipes to overflowing toilets and everything in between.
But it’s not always clear what exactly constitutes plumbing emergencies. What might seem like one could actually just be a stressful situation that you might even be able to initially mitigate on your own. Knowing what is and is not a plumbing emergency could help you save both time and money. Learn more with these FAQs.
How do I know if I have an emergency?
A plumbing emergency occurs when something goes wrong with the system that is more severe than usual. This can mean that a whole host of issues has potentially arisen, including damaged pipes or gas leaks. These instances can mean potential damage to your home or to your family’s safety if it’s not immediately addressed, so there’s no time to waste. A gas leak, in particular, is the most pressing example. If you smell gas or believe there’s a leak somewhere, get your family out immediately, and call the fire department.
When does something become an emergency?
The line between a real troublesome plumbing problem and a true emergency can be a thin one, and knowing when to call an emergency plumber can be a bit subjective. Take a water leak, for example. In and of itself, a water leak isn’t necessarily an emergency (a small amount of water leaking onto a tile floor likely isn’t going to threaten the integrity of your home any time soon).
However, if you can see visible damage in the walls or ceilings from such a leak, then that’s a different question altogether. This means that there is likely already unseen damage that’s probably worsening by the day, so it’s probably a good idea to call in the pros for emergency service.
What other plumbing occurrences can be considered emergencies?
One of the most pressing things that can happen to a home’s plumbing system is a burst pipe, typically as a result of frozen water inside. This usually occurs in colder weather, so make sure that you’ve done all that you can to keep your pipes warm and protected to prevent this in the first place.
Accidents do happen, so if you see water pressure fluctuating wildly, smell rotten eggs or see discolored water, these can be all signs that you need an emergency plumber ASAP to address a potential burst pipe. These can send hundreds of gallons of water into your walls in no time, so don’t hesitate for a moment—make the call.
Plumbing emergencies always seem to spring up when you least expect them (and when you are the least prepared to deal with them), so keep our contact information close by to quickly get in touch.
Our team at Big City Plumbing, LLC has worked with customers on all manner of severe plumbing issues during our almost 15 years in business, so call us today to tap into our wealth of experience.