Can a situation be deemed an emergency if the problem does not have you trying to call an emergency plumber to your home after hours or on weekends? A plumbing emergency is an issue that requires immediate attention from a licensed plumber to prevent costly damage to your property, but the degree of urgency, and the risks attached to it, will make the difference in terms of the specialized plumbing team you should call to take care of it. Examples of common and worrisome plumbing situations include burst pipes, sump pump backup, and sewer backup, but do those really count as emergencies?
We know plumbing emergencies can be stressful and overwhelming, so the sooner you get help, the better. Understanding what counts as an emergency can make it easier for you to handle the situation safely and effectively, and also help you asses how urgent it really is to call a plumber: do you need an emergency plumber to come as soon as possible to your property, or can you call an equally experienced plumbing company capable of fixing a wide range of plumbing situations without the extra cost of emergency services? Let’s review this in detail.
The most common plumbing issues include:
1) Burst pipe
Burst pipes are one of the most common and severe plumbing emergencies that require attention. Pipe bursts are mainly caused by cold temperatures, poor installation, or wear and tear over time. If it’s not addressed quickly, this can cause flooding and costly damages to your property and personal belongings. If you have a burst pipe, the first step will be to turn off the main water supply to your property, which will contain the situation for the time being. At this point, the urgency of the situation will be mostly under control, so you can comfortably call a plumbing expert company, such as us, to fully resolve the issue. We will assess the situation and repair the pipe to prevent further water damage.
2) Clogged drain
A clogged drain can cause water to back up and lead to flooding or extremely slow draining, which can be very upsetting. This is caused by hair buildup, soap, or mineral deposits. As simple as this problem might seem, drain clogs can cause damage to your plumbing system and pose health concerns due to bacterial growth. A clogged drain is certainly a cause for concern, but luckily it does not require you to immediately call an emergency service. First, we strongly advise you not to use store-bought drain cleaners to resolve the clogged drain as they can damage your pipes, resulting in extra repair costs. Instead, you can call an expert plumber to take care of the situation. Here at STL Plumbing Experts, we use rooter machines and specialized equipment to clear the blockage and prevent damage to your pipes and plumbing system and will quickly resolve your issue.
3) Sewer backup
Sewer backups are very unpleasant and can cause significant property damage as well as pose health problems. This occurs due to blockages in your main sewer line, which then causes waste to back up into your property. A backed-up sewer can cause bad odors, contaminated water, and bacterial infections. If you experience a sewer backup, we recommend you stop using water on your property and shut off the main water source. Depending on the severity of the situation, this particular case might be best resolved by calling for an emergency plumbing service.
However, depending on your budget and exactly how urgent this matter really is, an experienced plumber can also help you resolve the issue. If you hire our expert plumbing services we will begin by inspecting and identifying the cause of the backup. We will then use the information gathered during the inspection to determine the best process to clear your main sewer line. Our team will use advanced equipment to clean the affected area and prevent contamination to make sure your property is back to normal in no time.
4) Leaking water heater
A leaking water heater situation can range from a small and annoying leak to a real issue that can cause damage to your property and pose a health risk due to electrical hazards, although, in our expert experience, it often tends to be the first scenario.
Leaking water heaters are mainly caused by corrosion, high water pressure, and age. They can cause water damage and increase your water bill. If you notice a leaking water heater, turn off the water supply and power supply, and contact a licensed plumber. The urgency of the situation will depend on your specific case, but the fact that you need to turn off both your water and power supply indicated it could be a good idea to contact an emergency plumbing service. However, our team of highly skilled plumbers is perfectly capable to give you a hand here. Our expert plumbers will assess the damage and repair or replace the hot water heater to ensure your safety in no time.
5) Sump pump backup
When your sump pump fails or becomes overwhelmed during a flood or storm, it can lead to a backup causing significant water damage. Sump pump backups are caused by faulty installations, clogged discharge lines, power outages, and mechanical failure. If you experience a sump pump backup, turn off the power to your basement to prevent electrical hazards from occurring. At this point, the situation will be controlled, which gives you time to call a trusted plumbing company to take care of the rest.
In the case of a sump pump backup, we provide timely options such as a battery backup and a manual power flow option. Then, we will assess the faulty sump pump, extract standing water, and repair or replace the sump pump system as quickly as possible.
Contact STL Plumbing Experts In St Louis
If you’re experiencing a plumbing situation in St. Louis, it’s a good idea to assess the urgency to make sure you are calling the right team of experts to assist you. Here at ST Plumbing Experts, we have 30 years of experience and a highly skilled team that is fully equipped with advanced plumbing tools and ready to help you with a wide range of plumbing issues. Although we don’t offer emergency services, we can nevertheless quickly address plumbing problems, minimizing the potential for water damage, structural damage, and mold growth. We are available from 7 am-6 pm during the weekdays and you can reach us by appointment during the weekends. You can click here to contact us. You can also call us at 636-223-5068 or send us an email at service@stlplumbingexperts.com for a prompt, reliable plumbing service.
Recent Comments