What Is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?

What Is Considered a Plumbing Emergency in Deacons Corner, MB?

As a homeowner, you'll call a plumber in many situations, but not every plumbing issue is an emergency. For example, if a faucet drips or a sink drains slowly, you can probably wait a day or two before contacting a plumber.

In other cases, like extensive leaks, you should quickly call the top plumbing services in Deacons Corner, MB. Learn what is considered a plumbing emergency.

Recognizing Plumbing Emergencies

As a rule, any plumbing issue that puts your property or health in danger is an emergency. If you run into any of the following situations, don't wait. Call a plumber ASAP and follow their instructions while you wait for professional help.

1. Major Water Leak

While a minor leak is a problem that a plumber can typically resolve during normal business hours, a significant leak needs quick action. Leaks can cause irreparable damage to your home. Moreover, if a leak goes undetected for some time, you could end up with a stubborn mold and mildew problem that can also cause serious health issues.

If leaking water reaches electrical wiring, it can create a short circuit and fire hazards. Protect your health and your property by calling an emergency plumber right away.

2. No Running Water

You'll also need to call an emergency plumber if your taps stop running. Without running water, you can't even flush the toilet or wash your hands, so you need a professional who can fix this problem ASAP.

If you live in Manitoba and your faucets suddenly stop running or only produce a trickle on a frigid winter day, it's possible that your pipes froze. This situation is more likely to happen in pipes close to exterior walls.

Frozen pipes are at high risk of bursting, especially as they thaw. That's because water creates high pressure against the ice as it starts flowing again. A professional plumber will know how to thaw pipes safely and fix any pipes that have already burst.

3. Sewer Backup Issues

Sewer backup issues are another problem that makes homeowners ask, "What is considered a plumbing emergency?"

A sewage backup looks like a toilet, bathtub, or sink that overflows instead of draining properly. This usually happens because of clogs in your piping. Paper towels, wipes, hair, and anything else that doesn't dissolve in water easily can block pipes.

A clogged main drain may also cause backups, in which case you'll typically notice several faulty drains rather than just one. You'll also likely notice a foul odor.

Contaminated water flowing back into your home can be a serious health hazard since it contains dangerous pathogens. Do your best to avoid touching any dirty water while you wait for the plumber.

4. Burst Pipe Crisis

A burst pipe also counts as a plumbing emergency. Burst pipes can cause serious leaks and flooding hazards.

Flooding is the nightmare of any homeowner. Water can damage walls, insulation, flooring, and your home's whole structure. Uncontrolled flooding can also ruin your furniture and appliances. 

As we mentioned above, pipes can burst because of freezing. Corrosion, age, improper installation, and tree roots that grow into plumbing could also cause burst pipes. A professional plumber will replace your piping and let you know how you can prevent this type of disaster.

5. Gas Leaks

If you suspect a gas leak, take no chances and call a plumber immediately. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous. Exposure symptoms include headaches, dizziness, a flu-like feeling, and breathing difficulties. In extreme situations, victims had suffered loss of consciousness and death. Children and pets are at an even higher risk.

Gas suppliers add bad-smelling compounds to natural gas to make any gas leaks easier to recognize. Pay attention to sulfury rotten-egg smells in your home. A whistling or hissing noise near a gas line may also point out a leak. Another possible sign is orange rather than a blue flame in your furnace or stove.

6. Sudden Water Heater Failure

In some scenarios, a broken water heater is just an inconvenience. If it happens in the middle of winter in Manitoba, it's an emergency. Extreme cold combined with no reliable hot water source may cause hypothermia, especially in children and other sensitive individuals.

Water heaters can stop working because of malfunctioning heating elements, sediment buildup, low water pressure, and other reasons. If your water heater runs on gas, also be alert to any suspicious smells. 

What To Do in a Plumbing Emergency in Deacons Corner, MB

Once you understand what is considered a plumbing emergency, your next question may be, "What do I do while I wait for the plumber to arrive?" 

Depending on the situation, you may need to:

• Shut off the water supply. If you're dealing with a leak or a burst pipe, turn off the water supply to the affected area (in case of smaller leaks) or shut off the main valve.
• Turn off your water heater. If you shut off the water supply, make sure you turn off your water heater so it doesn't overheat and burst.
• Soak up water. Use rags or towels to absorb excess water while you wait for the plumber. Remove any furniture, rugs, and appliances that could suffer water damage.
• Clear the area. Make sure the plumber can access the affected area easily. Keep children and pets away from any leaks or contaminated water.
• Wash your hands. If you have to touch any dirty water or contaminated areas, wash and sanitize your hands thoroughly afterward. 

A word of caution: never attempt any DIY repairs in a plumbing emergency. This could be dangerous, and you'd likely only cause further damage. 

Dealing With a Plumbing Emergency in Deacons Corner, MB? Call King's Services

Now that you know what is considered a plumbing emergency, it's easier to plan your next step when a plumbing disaster strikes.

At King's Services, we provide fast response in any plumbing crisis. We also offer general plumbing services like septic tank cleaning, water heater repair, and repiping.

Call us 24/7 for emergency plumbing services in Deacons Corner, MB.