Plumbing emergencies in Virginia Beach, VA, are possibly every homeowner’s nightmare. What’s worse is these situations catch many homeowners off guard. Some may notice unusual signs but downplay the issue, only for it to blow up right in their faces. Here, we look at what constitutes a plumbing emergency so, you can call a 24/7 plumber before the situation gets out of hand.
What’s a Plumbing Emergency?
A plumbing emergency is any scenario that’s more severe than normal. A typical case may include damaged water lines, clogged drains, leaks, or more. The risk of water damage or compromising the safety of occupants is usually high.
While some plumbing issues seem easier to fix on your own, it’s best to leave emergency plumbing to the experts. Knowing when to call an emergency plumber and who to call may mean the difference between making a plumbing issue worse and getting the best fix in time.
Emergency Plumbing Situations
Maybe you’re the type of person that enjoys tinkering with stuff or tackling DIY projects around your home. You walk into the bathroom and realize the walls need a fresh coat of paint. Since the room is too narrow to bring in a ladder, you step on the toilet seat to apply the wall paint where the wall meets the ceiling. You need just one foot to get to the section and decide to step on the sink. In the blink of an eye, the sink drops to the floor, water jets spraying the wall and the ceiling. You have no idea what to do.
If such a thing happens to you, the best thing to do is to cut off the valve for the water supply into your house, on the city side. Plumbing fixtures usually have a shut-off near them. If you can’t figure out what to do and time is of the essence, call your emergency plumber. The quicker you can stop the water flow the less likely you’ll experience significant water damage.
Clogged Drains
Don’t ignore those clogged drains in your home. They might be a sign of an impending plumbing emergency. Grease, hair, and tree roots are the main culprits and may cause your drains to clog or drain slowly. Anything that shouldn’t go down the drain can potentially lead to a blockage. Check the shower drain cover or screen for hair, then pull them out with needle-nose pliers or your fingers. You may also remove the stoppers from slow drains and the hair will come out.
If the issue is a clogged toilet, use a plunger or an auger. Run hot water down your kitchen sink drain to melt the lumps of grease. The water will dislodge them as long as they haven’t built up for long. If the sewer water is backing up into your tub, it’s likely that tree roots have sneaked into your main sewer line. There should be a clean-out cap on the outside of your house that lets you access the main line.
Removing tree roots from your sewer line isn’t a pleasant job. It’s best to leave it to professionals. They have high-tech equipment that can take a snapshot of the sewer line and locate the problem. Once they find the roots, they can remove them using root cutters. If some roots have made their way, a section of your pipe has to be replaced before the entrance route is repaired.
Sudden Pressure and Temperature Drops
A sudden drop in water pressure in your home could be an indication something serious is about to happen. Contact the water company first. If their technicians come and determine that your house is the only one that has the issue, it could be an indication of a leak along your plumbing line. The leak might be anywhere between the water meter and the house’s interior. A leak in the wall or up in the ceiling can lead to serious water damage, but a leak in the yard may not be as devastating. However, contact your local plumber in Virginia Beach.
Any hot water loss is an indication of a heater problem. The cause could be a defective part or a faulty unit that needs to be replaced. If the water heaters are electric or gas, hire a licensed professional. Replacing both often requires a permit because of the safety concerns surrounding them.
Stop a Plumbing Emergency Fast
If a water line breaks or bursts, you have a narrow window to act to stop water damage. Contact the 24/7 Emergency Plumber at A1 Sewer & Drain for a quick response. We’ll fix your problem at a reasonable price.
