Dealing with a plumbing emergency is extremely stressful as you try to mitigate damage to your property. According to recent data, burst pipes account for nearly 37% of all emergency plumbing calls.
Having access to a 24/7 plumbing service is the best way to protect your Downers Grove, IL home.
Read on to for some of the top signs you might need an emergency plumbing service so you know exactly when to call.
Water Leaks
Although leaking water doesn’t always mean that you’re having Downers Grove plumbing emergencies, it’s usually a sign of a major problem. A water leak can affect your home’s structural integrity, and sometimes, you might not even know it’s there until it’s too late.
Over time, a leaking pipe or appliance can cause mold and mildew to grow inside your home. This creates a serious potential health hazard that can also negatively affect your home’s foundation, roof, and other areas.
A water leak might also present a fire hazard if water gets to the electrical wiring in the home which can cause an electrical short. The longer you wait, the more a water leak will cost you. If you can’t identify the source of the leak or even if you just see a small leak somewhere inside your home, it’s a good idea to contact your local emergency plumbers right away.
Not sure if your water is leaking from a burst pipe or a water main break? Learn more in our “What Is a Water Main Break vs. a Burst Pipe? Key Differences Homeowners Need to Know” blog.
Water Pressure Issues
If you notice that the water pressure inside your home is suddenly low, it might be the result of a damaged pipe, which can cause a major leak later. When the water pressure is low at more than one faucet, it’s time to contact an emergency plumbing service.
One possible cause of low water pressure is a clogged aerator. This should only affect one sink, but if more than one aerator is clogged, it will create low water pressure in each of them.
A failed pressure regulating valve could also be the culprit of low water pressure in the home. Once the valve fails, it causes the water pressure to rise or drop, depending on how the unit falls. In this case, it’s also wise to contact a skilled plumber who can troubleshoot and address the issue.
When to Call An Emergency Plumbing Service: Clogged Drains
A clogged drain isn’t just annoying, it’s also unsanitary. Everything from paper towel bits and hair to soap scum can eventually cause pipes to become clogged over time. Avoid throwing certain items in the toilet and remove hair from tub and shower drains as often as possible.
Even if you take preventative measures, sometimes, a clogged drain is inevitable. If you can’t unclog the drain yourself, it may be time to contact an emergency plumbing service.
Allowing drains to remain clogged can eventually result in even bigger issues like a possible burst pipe or overflowing water that comes back up from the drain. In some cases, a tree root can cause blockages and that’s not something homeowners can see with the naked eye.
Look for bubbling water, puddles of water in the shower or sink, or slow drainage. If you notice any of these signs, then it’s a good idea to contact Plumbing Pros for a professional inspection or some urgent plumbing repair.
Overflowing Toilets
An overflowing toilet is certainly never a good thing. This frightening problem might be due to a clogged pipe or a damaged floating mechanism, but it’s always recommended that you contact a professional plumber for help.
Try using a plunger first to see if that unclogs your toilet. If using a plunger doesn’t work and your toilet continues to overflow, then it’s most likely a more serious underlying plumbing emergency at play.
You might have to turn off your home’s water supply to address the issue. As for the toilet, you’ll want to find the water valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to turn it off. Once you do this, it’s also advised that you call an emergency plumbing service as well.
Visible Water Damage in the Home
Even if you don’t see a water leak, there could be issues lurking under the surface. If you notice visible signs of water damage, there’s a good chance that something much more serious is happening.
Water stains on the ceiling are a clear indication that you have a water leak somewhere. In most cases, that leak has likely been happening for quite some time. If the ceiling is sagging, then you definitely need to turn off the water main immediately and contact a plumber ASAP.
Water damage on the floor is also a sign that there’s something wrong. No matter where the damage is or how bad it appears, it’s crucial to contact an emergency plumbing service so they can address the issue.
The sooner the problem is found and corrected, the less damage your home will incur. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it will also save you a ton of money on repairs and insurance claims as well.
Sewage Backups
If your sewer line backs up, the smell will be extremely hard to miss since there are very few things that smell worse than sewage. You might also notice water coming up into your kitchen sink or whenever you flush the toilets in your Downers Grove, IL home.
Not only is a sewer backup a plumbing issue, it’s also a health hazard. The sewage backup can release airborne contaminants that can lead to a variety of potentially serious health problems. If you suspect that your sewer is backing up, you should contact an emergency plumbing service right away.
Don’t Wait Till a Problem Becomes an Emergency
Remember these signs if you think you might need to contact an emergency plumbing service, and if you’re still deciding who to call, see how local plumbers in Downers Grove stack up before you’re in crisis mode. The sooner you identify the problem and contact a professional plumber, the more heartache and money you’ll save.
If you have any questions about plumbing or if you need help with plumbing emergencies in your Downers Grove home, contact the experts at Plumbing Pros online, via text, or give us a call today!
