Most homeowners have a traditional rubber plunger on hand if the toilet has a minor clog or if hair needs to be removed from the shower drain. However, there are some instances where a professional plumber is needed to address a plumbing emergency. Look at five emergencies when a plumber’s expertise is needed.
Frozen Pipes
When pipes freeze, it can lead to costly damage to a home. As an example, if a homeowner forgets to remove the garden hose from an outdoor spigot, the water can’t drain out of the hose bib. Instead, the water freezes inside the pipe causing it to crack or burst. When the ice melts, it can pour out inside a home’s walls, onto floors and even through ceilings. A plumber can locate the damage to the pipe and fix the problem. Replacing pipes needs to be done according to regulations so everything works as it should.
A Leaking Water Heater
Like other devices in the home, a water heater works for a certain number of years before it needs to be replaced. The number of years your water heater works depends on the amount of usage and its brand along with other factors. A water heater leaks due to corrosion inside the tank. Oftentimes, this is not a slow leak. A large amount of water may start to flow out into the basement, the utility room, or wherever the water heater is located. This can cause damage to flooring, walls and any possessions stored in the same area. A plumber can remove a leaking water heater and replace it with one that is energy efficient.
A Broken Sewer Line
A broken sewer line needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The odor and mess are unmistakable. A plumber has the equipment to find the crack or other damage to the line and fix the problem.
An Overflowing Toilet
An overflowing toilet can be caused by a stubborn clog or a clog somewhere far down the pipes attached to the toilet. A plumber has the equipment necessary to look into the pipes and spot the clog. More importantly, this professional has the tools to remove the clog making it travel out of the house or bringing it up so the debris can be disposed of safely. Shutting off the water to an overflowing toilet is the first step. A qualified plumber can take care of the rest.
A Leak in an Overhead Pipe
In most homes, many pipes run through the ceilings as well as behind the walls. An overhead pipe that is leaking can easily start to dampen and soften the ceiling material. For instance, a pipe attached to a washing machine located upstairs in a home can leak and start dripping through the ceiling. This is a situation where a plumber is needed. The plumber can stop the leak and survey the damage, so the homeowner can move toward making arrangements to repair the ceiling.
Lastly, it is best to call a plumber Atlanta GA right away when these situations crop up. Homeowners who try to perform temporary fixes or attempt to make the repair themselves can unintentionally create more issues that need repair.
