Prepare for Common Plumbing Emergencies
One of the best rules for homeowners to learn is that it is important to expect the unexpected. One minute, things can seem fine, and the next, homeowners can have a real emergency on their hands. As such, homeowners should prepare themselves for common plumbing emergencies.
Sure, this may not seem like the most interesting topic, but preparation is critical given how common these plumbing emergencies are. When homeowners know what to do in such an emergency, it makes life much easier! Below is a breakdown of the top 3 plumbing emergencies for homeowners to beware of.
Emergency 1: Toilet Overflow
The first plumbing emergency that homeowners should look out for is toilet overflows. These are usually caused by excess contents in the toilet, such as excess waste, toilet paper, or foreign objects. When this happens, the water and the contents cannot properly flush down the toilet, which leads to a clog and potentially an overflow.
Professional plumbers can help with toilet overflows if homeowners cannot handle them on their own. They will typically cut off the water supply to the bowl and then use a plunger to clear the contents. This should work in most cases, but professionals will also handle more complex backups if needed. Ultimately, after clearing the clog, they can restore the water source and test that the toilet is properly flushing.
Emergency 2: Sewage Backup
The second plumbing emergency that homeowners should look out for is sewage backups. These can be extremely dangerous given that they often involve sewage contents and can ultimately impact the quality of groundwater. Depending on the circumstances, sewage backups can also affect the in-home plumbing fixtures by preventing proper drainage.
Clogs or backups typically cause sewage backups in the drain pipes or the main sewer line. There can also be external factors that impact the sewer lines, such as invasive tree roots, which may also lead to sewage backup. Regardless of the cause, homeowners should call for professional help immediately if they experience sewage backups, as these are very serious matters.
Emergency 3: Pipe Burst
The third plumbing emergency that homeowners should look out for, perhaps the most serious, is pipe bursts. One of the biggest causes of burst pipes is weather changes. When the weather gets cold, water already in the pipes will start to expand, and this frozen water can put excess stress on the pipes, thereby causing them to burst.
These bursts are extremely dangerous, as they can do a huge amount of damage in a relatively short period. Not only is the pipe burst concerning in itself, but this can lead to heavy water damage, and it can be an electrical hazard if there are nearby appliances around. Since water is conductive, this can put homeowners and their families at high risk of electrocution.
About Befort Plumbing & Heating
Befort Plumbing & Heating of Aurora, CO is a full-service plumbing company that believes in providing quality solutions at affordable prices. Their team of highly skilled technicians provides fast and accurate solutions custom-made to fit each of their clients' unique needs. Call them today for plumbing service!
