When you have a plumbing emergency, you need a 24 hour plumber that can solve the problem as soon as possible. But many plumbing emergencies actually happen slowly, over time. Read on to learn how to handle a plumbing emergency until your emergency plumber arrives.
The Pipes Are Freezing
When outside temperatures drop, un-insulated areas of your home also get freezing cold. It's important to keep your pipes insulated with wrap foam insulation to help shield them from plummeting temperatures. If your pipes are starting to freeze, though, you can delay the process by running a portable room heater in the basement where the pipes are located. In addition, keep the water running on low, since running water doesn't freeze as easily.
The Toilet is Backed Up
If your toilet is backed up and you detect a foul odor, chances are that the back up is further down in the system than your bathroom. Avoid using the toilet until your emergency plumber arrives. Using the toilet in this condition could result in a messy incident that will only make it more challenging for your plumber to fix.
The Kitchen Sink is Clogged
Kitchen sink clogs usually happen at the worst time, such as when you have guests over, or during holidays. Clogs typically develop over a long period of time, so it's important to keep the drain running clear as time goes on. Avoid putting things down the drain that can clog up later, such as hot oil and grease. As grease coagulates, it creates blockages that lead to clogged drains. If your sink is completely clogged, you can try plunging it until your emergency plumper arrives. Don't put caustic drain cleaners down the drain, since these can damage pipes and complicated repair issues.
The Water Heater is Leaking
A leaking water heater usually means that rust has developed on the inside of the water heater. Hard water deposits can build up over time on the bottom of the inside of the heater. Over time, this can lead to rust and eventual leakage. A water heater leak should be tended to as son as possible. Although it is not a dire emergency, it can result in a loss of hot water until a 24 hour plumber arrives. To avoid this in the future, invest in a plumbing inspection, which will include a look inside the hot water heater to ensure no rust is developing.
Emergency Plumbing Services
At Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer emergency 24/7 plumbing services for your home and business. Contact us today. We're here to help!