Did you know that the average household’s minor leaks can add up to over 10,000 gallons of wasted water a year? That’s the same amount of water needed to wash 270 loads of laundry. And that’s just for minor leaks, not even a major plumbing emergency.
Most individuals don’t see a need to contact plumbing services for something as minor as a leaking faucet or a small drip from a pipe. They see them as minor annoyances, but nothing so major as to need to get a professional. Maybe they’ll even fix it themselves, one day.
But when should you contact a plumbing company for assistance? Unfortunately, plumbing emergencies are usually pretty obvious. Even worse, if you own your own home, they’re inevitable. To make sure you’re ready for the unavoidable plumbing problems that arise from time to time, here are three of the most common plumbing emergencies and simple steps you can take to address them.
Blocked Drains and Toilets
It may not seem like an emergency worthy of contacting plumbing services immediately to get your toilet or drains unclogged, but it definitely can be. Blocked drains or toilets can cause overflows into the bathrooms, and depending on the blockage, you might not be able to unclog it yourself. It is especially important to shut off the water supply in extreme cases of overflow. No matter the source of the clog, a trained plumber will be able to diagnose and remedy the problem right away.
Water Overflow
What should you do if a faucet is suddenly leaking water all over the house? Again, the first thing you should do is shut off the water immediately. For most household faucets, a valve is usually located right under the sink. Once you’ve stopped the immediate flow of water, contact a plumber and begin to clean up and move possessions off of the affected floor. Try to mop up as much standing water as possible before the plumber arrives, as this water will slowly soak into the floor of your home.
The Dreaded Cold Shower
If your home’s hot water has suddenly disappeared completely, then you almost certainly have a serious problem with your hot water heater. If you live in an older home, then it’s possible that this crucial appliance has simply reached the end of its long life. In this case, you’ll need a local plumbing or HVAC company to schedule a water heater installation. Otherwise, there are several possible explanations, including a leaking water heater or an electrical problem. Check for leaks and blown fuses, then contact plumbing services for an inspection.
For a variety of common plumbing problems, one of the most important things to know as a homeowner is exactly where your main water valve is located. Knowing this information can limit the overall damage you experience to your home and your possessions in the event of a plumbing emergency.
If you have any questions about what you can do to avoid these common emergencies, or want more info on plumbing services in Mahwah, NJ, please give us a call!