How to Identify a Plumbing Emergency

How to Identify a Plumbing Emergency

It is important to know the difference between a common plumbing issue and a plumbing emergency, as the latter can do a great deal of damage to your home and can cost you many thousands of dollars. These types of emergencies usually have a few key characteristics to alert you that you need a professional plumbing service to handle this type of situation right away. 

Common Plumbing Emergencies Include:

• Burst pipes
• Clogged drains
• Overflowing toilets
• Water heater malfunction
• Gas leaks

There are other types of plumbing emergencies, but the above are common issues that must be handled immediately. Signs you may have one of these plumbing emergencies include:

Water Coming From an Unknown Source

If you find water, such as wet spots or stains on walls, ceilings, or floors, but do not know where it is coming from, this is a sure sign you need a reputable, professional company such as JT Plumbing Heating and Air. It is critical that you find the source of the water leak and contact us immediately to minimize potential damage to your home.

Water Coming From a Known Source, But You Cannot Stop It

If you know where water is coming from, but cannot stop it yourself, this is a sure sign you need a reputable, professional company like JT to handle the situation. Again, the sooner you contact us, the more likely you can minimize the potential damage and the cost to repair any such damage.

Leaking Water Either Has Or Is About To Cause Extensive Damage

If there is so much leaking water that is flooding your home, such as your basement, to where extensive damage has already occurred or is about to, shut off your main water line and contact us immediately.

Other signs

While the above signs almost certainly indicate an emergency, you should also stay vigilant for: strange sounds and unpleasant odors coming from your drains, which could indicate a clog or backup in your plumbing system; sudden drops in water pressure or no water at all, which could indicate a burst pipe or a problem with the main water supply line; slow drainage for sinks, showers, or toilets, which could indicate a clog; or a sudden increase in water bills, which could be due to a leak or other plumbing issue.

How To Avoid Plumbing Emergencies

• Regular maintenance and inspections
• Avoid flushing materials that should not be flushed
• Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain
• Be careful with DIY repairs

In the event of a plumbing emergency, it’s important to take swift action to prevent further damage to your home. Always consult with a professional plumber, but in case of emergency, you can shut off the water supply, turn off the gas supply, or take safety precautions, such as avoid contact with water or any electrical appliances in the area of concern or, if you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, evacuate your home and call the gas company or emergency services immediately.

By being aware of the signs of a plumbing emergency and knowing what to do in case of one, you can avoid extensive damages to your home and keep your family safe. Contact us right away for any concerns or for emergency plumbing service in your Loveland, Fort Collins, or Northern Colorado home.