What Are the Most Common Plumbing Emergencies?

How quickly can a plumber come out?

An emergency plumber is usually available 24 hours a day and will come out as soon as possible after they receive your call. The plumbers at Inland Pro Plumbing prioritize emergencies and fast and effectively make repairs. Our goal is to make sure your plumbing is working dependably again.

How do you avoid plumbing emergencies?

Most people take their plumbing for granted when it’s functioning properly. But, it’s wise to stay alert to problems that could lead to costly repairs. Some things to watch out for include:

• Minor leaks: A little bit of water leaking around faucets or even drips might not seem like a problem, but it can lead to costly repairs. Periodically, check for leaks or drips around pipes, faucets, valves, dishwashers, refrigerators, toilets and other fixtures and appliances.
• Water pressure: Keep an eye on your water pressure. Low pressure from showers or faucets, for instance, often signal leaks are present. Low pressure throughout the home could even indicate a water main leak. Keep tabs on fluctuating water bills, as well. High bills, especially when there’s less usage, may signify leaks.
• Clogged drains: Stay alert to what goes down your drains, especially hair and food scraps, as these materials are the usual suspects when it comes to clogs. Keep an eye on drains that are moving slower than normal. This usually means they are clogged.

What is the most common plumbing item to fail in a residential home?

Emergency plumbers typically answer calls for clogged drains and toilets, as well as leaky faucets and pipes. These are some of the most common repairs that we make. Leak repairs usually involve either patching the leak or replacing the pipe or fixture. Another common repair service that we provide is water heater repair and replacement.

We also tend to problems such as constantly running toilets as well as low water pressure. Something like a constantly running toilet usually involves replacing the flapper or valves, which are fairly easy repairs. Low water pressure can be complicated. It could indicate anything from a clog or minor leak to a break in the main water line.

How long do broken pipes take to fix?

As with most repairs, the time it takes to repair a broken pipe will vary. If the break is small and not severe, a pipe can be repaired in a single afternoon. Severe breaks, especially underground, can take much longer. This will depend on the type of repair and the location of the break. Severe breaks or breaks in underground pipes or pipes behind walls or under floors can take several days or a week or more to repair.

How do you know if your pipes are bad?

When it comes to emergency plumbing repair, bad pipes are a leading reason plumbers are called out. Here are a few things to look for to tell if your pipes are bad:

• Standing water: Any water puddling under sinks or around toilets or anywhere in your home is typically a sign that you have bad pipes. Catching these leaks quickly can save you money in costly repairs later on.
• Leaky faucets: Dripping faucets are sometimes more than a nuisance. While it could just mean a simple repair, it could also mean you have bad pipes. At the very least, leaving that drip untouched will waste a lot of water.
• Noisy pipes: Your pipes should never make noises like rattling or whining. Noises are a sure sign of a problem that a professional can diagnose and repair.
• Discolored pipes: Discoloration, particularly around joints, are signs that you have a leak.
• Slow drains: If water is slow to drain this means you have a clog. Clogs near the drain are often something you can clear yourself. But if something like tree roots or other debris is causing a clog further down the line, then you’ll need the help of a professional.
• Foul odors: If you’re catching bad smells from drains you probably have a problem in your sewer lines. Sewer odors usually mean problems with traps or vents and will need prompt attention.
• High water bills: A sudden, unexpected increase in your water bill is frequently a sign that you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing pipes.
• Dirty water: Any water that comes out of your pipes should be clear. Any sort of discoloration could mean anything from rust to sewage in the water.
• Bubbling paint: If the paint on your walls or ceiling begins to bubble or crack, you probably have a pipe leak in those areas. You might also have a roof leak. A plumber with good leak detection equipment should be able to tell whether the leak is coming from your pipes or from your roof or other source.
• Dark green patches on the lawn: If you see dark patches on your lawn, this may indicate a problem with your sewer line.