What exactly is a plumbing emergency, and when should you call the experts at WaterSmart for a quick fix?
Here are some issues that can easily be flagged as a plumbing emergency.
Contact us immediately if you detect a plumbing emergency.
What Is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?
1. Damaged or leaking pipes
A burst pipe in your basement will be easy to detect, and you will want to get an emergency plumber on the phone right away.
Smaller leaks, however, are a tipoff that a plumbing emergency may be pending, and you will want to get that repaired before it becomes disastrous.
Head down to the basement from time to time and make sure there is no dripping or pooling.
Another sign of damaged or leaking pipes is a spiking water bill. Don’t allow that to get out of hand. Call a plumber asap and avoid future high water bills and even greater repair costs down the road.
Damaged or leaking pipes can lead to a serious plumbing emergency.
2. Clogged Toilets
A clogged toilet can become a flooded bathroom, and nobody wants that.
There are a couple of ways to tackle this before it becomes a plumbing emergency.
METHOD #1: PLUNGER
Use a plunger to get rid of your clog.
A force-cup plunger will work better than a regular one. Place the bulb of your plunger into your toilet drain and pump it using as much force as possible. Let up on the handle slowly to allow a little water to get in, letting you see if the drain is now clear.
If it isn't, repeat the process.
METHOD #2: CLOSET AUGER
For more difficult clogs, you can use a closet auger, also known as a toilet auger.
Place the end of your closet auger in your toilet drain hole. As you push the rotor down, twist the handle.
Be careful not to scratch the bowl while you are doing this though.
Don’t keep filling the toilet while it’s clogged, and don’t try to flush it down without attempting to do one of the above.
A clogged toilet doesn’t have to become a plumbing emergency.
3. Sump pump problems
A sump pump is a very useful device installed in the lowest part of your basement or crawl space.
It removes excess water around the foundation of your property and pumps it away.
There are several reasons why your sump pump may not be working.
Clogs
Overheating
Malfunctioning float switch
No power
A functioning sump pump is significantly important in keeping your home safe from water damage, especially when you experience heavy rainfall from a storm or if your land is overly wet.
It is important to make sure that your sump pump is working properly at all times so that you can avoid water damage to your property.
For this reason, you should periodically test it to make sure that it is functioning well and will be working when you really need it.
If you are not sure how we can help.
Watch this video to see how a sump pump works:
HOW A SUMP PUMP WORKS
4. Clogged showers or tubs
Showers and tubs often get clogged with hair, toys, and other forms of debris.
Additionally, hard water causes buildup in your pipes and can also cause some clogging.
You can try plunging the drain or using a chemical drain cleaner. However, the latter might end up damaging pipes if not used properly.
Your best bet is to call a professional if the problem persists.
Constantly and unsuccessfully trying to fix a clog might cause a bigger clog or permanent damage to your residential piping.
Don’t let clogged shower drains persist.
Plumbing Emergency? Call WaterSmart
If you live in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, contact WaterSmart for the best local plumbers.
WaterSmart is a locally owned and operated full-service plumbing and water softener company that has been in business for almost 30 years,
We know plumbing and our expert master plumbers can fix any plumbing issue that you have and any installation that you need.
Our high-quality workmanship, plumbing expertise, and customer-focused service are what have kept us in business for so long.
Contact us for your next plumbing job.
“Their plumbers are amazing! Persistent in finding the source of the problem, totally cheerful throughout, arrived right on time, eager to educate us on how to avoid the problem in the future... everything you’d want in a plumber.”
“6 Stars (if possible). Had a surprise leak in the basement - called multiple competitors for quotes ($400-$500 range). Watersmart came and saved the day! Gave me my options on the spot - Had everything fixed and working perfectly for less than HALF!!!!
I have also purchased a softener from here years ago in my previous house - if you consistently have a high water bill, or you’re forever buying salt, CHECK THESE GUYS OUT!!!! Actually amazed me how efficient their units are.
You owe it to yourself - just make the call, its easy.”
