A new homeowner needs to be aware of some of the perils of plumbing emergencies. These can be as small as a blocked drain or as scary as a burst pipe. Here are a few tips on what can happen and why it is essential to have the number of a plumber handy.
When a Pipe Bursts
This can be one of the most frightening of all plumbing emergencies. Pipes will be prone to bursting when temperature and increased water pressure prove too much for an old or decayed pipe.
If you have one pipe burst, you may be at risk of more if the rest of the system is aging as well. Know where your main shut off valve is and share that location with the rest of your family.
Have your plumber check for potential hazards and weak lines.
Tales of Overflowing Toilets
Here is a prediction for you. Toilets will overflow in your home. That is a pretty safe bet, as this is the most common of all plumbing mishaps.
If it was yourself who witnessed the event, then you might have been quick enough to shut off the water using the valve at the back of the toilet.
Or, if unfortunate, someone else made this mess. The worst news it could be is that there is something, delivered by young hands, down there and just the right size to block the flow of water.
You could, and probably will try a plunger, but try as you might this one is best handled by a plumber with the right tools for the job.
Bath and Kitchen Drains
A blocked drain competes with overflowing toilets for the grossest plumbing emergency. The stuff that collects in your drains should never be felt by human hands.
This fact, it seems, does not prevent this from happening from time to time. For the most part, a store-bought liquid drain cleaner might clear up the problem.
However, the situation worsens when something hard has fallen down the drain and mixed with the muck of food or human hair. This kind of blockage isn't for amateurs. Any mistakes can lead to much larger costs than that of a service call to a plumber.
Leaking Fixtures
This plumbing problem has served as the cliché for plumbers for years. When you have a leaking faucet, you might be tempted to grab your toolbox.
Consider that it may be more than just a cracked or torn rubber washer. You then may be looking at less of a repair and more of a replacement.
Don't waste time on something that isn't guaranteed to come out a success. An experienced plumber will have a wealth of knowledge about makes and models. They can make short work of your dripping frustrations.
