Depending on its severity and the hardware and appliances involved, a plumbing emergency is one of the worst things that can happen to your building. Sometimes the problem isn’t evident until considerable damage has occurred, which will continue until a qualified professional can arrive to fix the problem. You might see the problem as it occurs, such as when a garbage disposal stops working after being filled with garbage it couldn’t handle. Any plumbing problem is bad, but usually there are symptoms that a storm is brewing before it begins to rain. Recognizing these signs can be the difference between a scheduled repair visit from bluefrog Plumbing + Drain or an emergency visit from us in the middle of the night. Here are five signs that you should call a plumber before you suffer a serious problem.
1. Hot Water Problems
Most buildings have water heaters with various sized tanks of water that are kept hot constantly so that it’s available for immediate use. These tanks can run out of hot water, and the fresh water in the tank needs to be heated. However, if you run out of hot water within a few minutes of turning it on, your hot water heater has an issue that requires an experienced plumber‘s attention.
A master plumber will check the heater’s fuses and gauges. If nothing is burned out or malfunctioning, your heater could be leaking, which can seriously damage the building’s flooring and foundation. Water can also leak onto the wall and weaken it, which can jeopardize your family and lower the value of your home or force you to remodel. Even a small leak could still lead to constant damp spots where mold can grow and be dispersed by the HVAC system. That’s why it’s important to contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain if you notice any unusual problems that recently developed. It’s always best to nip plumbing problems in the bud.
2. Burst or Frozen Pipes
An unexpected cold snap can freeze your pipes quickly. As they freeze, the water inside will expand and can split the pipes. If that happens, you’ve got even bigger issues coming your way. As the ice start to thaw, the excess pressure will make the cracked pipes leak and spray water behind your walls. Until a plumber examines the situation and devises a solution, don’t try to thaw the pipes yourself. That can lead to more split pipes or even fires. Rather than making the situation worse, it’s better to minimize the effect. A plumber can stop further damage and repair or replace any pipes that were burst or split.
3. Clogged or Blocked Toilets and Drains
No matter how careful you are, your drains and toilet are going to become clogged occasionally. Your water should run through the drain rapidly with no hesitation. If the sink fills when you run the water and the stopper is open, your pipes could use some attention. If your toilet doesn’t fill correctly after it’s flushed, or if it takes more than one flush to clear the toilet, you have a problem that would be best handled by a plumber.
There’s no denying that clogged drains and blocked toilets can be disgusting and stinky. Some people will use a plunger as soon as even a minor problem occurs. However, continued use of a plunger or ignoring an obviously clogged drain can cause the clog to get so big and be located so deeply in the pipe that it could harm the flooring and even your walls. Pouring lye into standing water will make it toxic, so it’s wiser to call the professional and have the clog or plug dealt with properly.
4. Leaking Septic System
Septic systems can last a very long time if they were installed correctly and nothing bad happens to them. Among the worst things that can occur to a septic system are an overflowing tank, clogged pipes or a saturated leech field. The pipes that take the waste water from the inside of the building to the septic tank must remain clear to guarantee the best performance. The pipes are usually buried 2 or 3 feet underground, which is where trees and shrubbery roots grow as well. It doesn’t happen overnight, but those roots can eventually pierce and clog the PVC pipes that carry the waste water to the tank. When that happens, the pipes must be replaced by a plumber.
Tank overflow and a saturated leech field are somewhat related. Usually a septic tank overflows because the liquid inside it cannot leech out of the tank and onto the leech field, where it is absorbed by the ground. The tank could be clogged by roots or mud, or the leech field itself might have such a high concentration of waste water already that it can no longer absorb more. To see if your septic system’s leech field is unable to handle more waste water, walk around the septic tank in ever-widening circles. If you find an area that is soggy and squishy, your leech field is not working. Obviously, in any of these cases, you’re in over your head and need to get a professional to handle the problem for you.
5. Clogged Sewer Line
Drain clogs are bad, but sewer line clogs are even worse. Only a pro should take care of sewer line clogs. A master plumber from bluefrog Plumbing + Drain can handle sewer clogs and provide a camera inspection during the cleanout so that you know the sewer line has been completely cleared.
These five signs are excellent indicators that you need to give us a call to schedule a plumbing check-up. We can head off major problems for you by giving your plumbing system a clean bill of health. We’re available for everything from preventive maintenance to emergency repairs and replacements. bluefrog Plumbing + Drain is your friendly neighborhood plumber.
