Plumbing emergencies can be messy! They can also cause extensive and expensive damage to your home beyond a broken pipe, faulty appliance, or a clogged drain. Walls, floors, and possessions can be damaged by water and can be difficult to spot, such as a hidden leak. Or, plumbing emergencies can be obvious, such as an overflowing toilet or a ruptured water heater. What follows are common plumbing emergencies you may encounter and what to do about them if this happens in your home.

WATER HEATER EMERGENCIES

Your home’s water heater is one of the most important appliances you have. It provides hot water when and where you need it at any time. Some of the water heater problems and emergencies you want to avoid are failing parts that leave you with no hot water, water heater leaks, and a ruptured water heater.

Electric water heaters contain one or two heating elements that heat water to the thermostat’s temperature setting. If you don’t receive any hot water or the water is intermittently hot, you may have a faulty heating element that needs replacing. For hot water problems with a gas water heater, your plumbing professional should take a look at the combustion components. Finally, a broken dip tube affects hot water output for both electric and gas water heaters.

Water heater leaks can cause a plumbing emergency in your home by the way of water damage. Water heater leaks can occur due to failed gaskets, a faulty pressure relief valve, and a leaking water heater tank. The best way to avoid any of these water heater plumbing problems is scheduling water heater service with your plumber each year.

REGULARLY CLEAN THE KITCHEN DRAIN

A slow draining or clogged kitchen sink is usually the result of a pipe blockage that has been building up over time. This happens when your pipes aren’t cleaned regularly and when hot grease is poured down the sink and solidifies. The solidified grease traps food particles, which over time can cause the sink to clog up.

To avoid clogged sinks and slow draining sinks, be mindful of what goes into the sink. Clear dishes of any food into the trash bin before you place them in the sink or dishwasher. Use a sink strainer to catch food particles before they get washed down the drain. If you have a slow-draining kitchen sink, an inspection by your plumber can get to the root of the problem before it causes a plumbing emergency.

TOILET BOWL EMERGENCIES

Another common plumbing problem that can be avoided is an overflowing toilet. Only flush waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Even if disposable wipes say they are safe to flush, it’s better to discard them in the garbage and not in the toilet. If your toilet repeatedly overflows, it could be time for a new toilet.

Water leaks are another common toilet problem that are typically caused by old worn-out parts. Water leaks usually occur from failed tank gaskets or a wax o-ring that needs to be replaced. Call your plumber for a service call to remedy the problem.

INSULATE WATER PIPES

A broken pipe can cause water damage very quickly inside your home. Broken pipes can occur at any time of year, but they are more frequent during cold weather when pipes freeze and pressure inside increases. Make sure that all the pipes in your home are insulated to help prevent a ruptured pipe plumbing emergency.

CLOTHES WASHER HOSES

Your clothes washer is another appliance that has the potential to cause a plumbing emergency. Check the hot and cold water hoses that are attached to the clothes washer. Are they black rubber hoses? Rubber hoses are known to burst and spill water inside homes. Replace rubber hoses with stainless steel braided hoses to prevent ruptured hoses.

If you have a plumbing emergency in your home, contact the professionals at MN Plumbing & Home Services at (952) 469-8341. We provide trusted and reliable plumbing services for hundreds of satisfied customers each and every month!