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The 10 Most Common Plumbing Emergencies

Homeowners face plumbing emergencies regularly. It could be clogged sinks, leaking hoses, taps, or sewer backups. Such concerns can be stressful for you and your family. So, if you need a professional plumber to help you fix such concerns, Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is here for you. We offer the best piping solutions for your home to ensure that your piping system functions properly. Here are some typical plumbing emergencies that homeowners face.

1. Leaking Taps and Outlets

The main cause of this kind of leak is usually worn-out taps or outlet parts. This happens over time due to friction. Normally, leaking taps and outlets might not seem like an emergency. However, that leakage can amount to massive water charges, rust, and mold growth over time. Therefore, it is vital to work with a professional plumber to fix the problem as soon as possible.

2. Toilet Clogs

Your toilet is the most used part of your plumbing system, so issues such as clogging or corrosion constitute an emergency. Some reasons why a toilet might clog include flushing non-flushable objects. If you find yourself dealing with a stubborn clog, or if your toilet frequently gets clogged, you may have a larger issue at hand. Consider working with a plumber who can fix the problem fast.

3. Faulty Water Heater

Imagine preparing to shower only to find the water is ice cold. Normally, lack of hot water implies a problem with the water heating system. Alternatively, there could be an electrical fault, pipe leakage, or broken pipe preventing hot water from flowing into your home. You should seek the service of a technician to determine the cause of the problem. They will help resolve the concern, allowing you to enjoy hot water once more.

4. Leaking Pipes

Leaking pipes are problematic because they can cause destruction to your property and increase your water charges. They often lead to low water pressure in your home. It is crucial to address the problem as soon as you notice it to minimize damage.

Look out for any damp spots, wood rot, or surges in your water bill. If you notice any of these signs, work with a technician to identify the cause. Generally, there are several issues that lead to leaking pipes, such as corrosion, soaring water pressure, and age. Identifying the causative factor will make it much easier to address.

5. Burst Pipes

Another concern that homeowners face is burst pipes. This normally happens during winter when a home isn’t heated adequately to keep water from freezing inside the plumbing. When water freezes inside the pipes, it causes them to expand, which could eventually lead to a crack. Other causes of burst pipes include soaring water pressure, degraded pipe material, and old age.

Since they cause water spillage and a surge in your water bill, burst pipes constitute plumbing emergencies. Therefore, you should seek emergency plumbing services immediately to help remedy the problem and prevent further destruction.

6. Clogged Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal is a useful resource in your home because it allows you to discard food waste easily. However, it is worth noting that not all food items should go down the drain. Some of them, such as bones, coffee grounds, and nutshells, lead to clogging. If you discard such items through the garbage disposal, you risk clogging the system.

A clogged garbage disposal is quite problematic because it leads to drainage clogs or further destruction to the disposal. Therefore, you should treat the situation like an emergency and seek immediate repair to fix the problem before it escalates into further issues.

7. Sewage Backup Into the Home

It’s a no-brainer that sewage backup in your home is a plumbing emergency. The situation is a potential health hazard. A sewage backup can also result in property destruction due to mold and mildew growth and wood rot. Of course, that’s not even mentioning the horrible stench that accompanies the sewage.

Some issues that cause sewer backups into your home include clogged drains and overflowing sump pumps. When the issue affects your home, it is important to avoid touching the sewage because it harbors disease-causing organisms. Instead, seek the services of a plumber to help address the problem before it escalates into a health hazard or property destruction.

8. Soaring Water Pressure

Does your plumbing system make clanging sounds when you open the tap? Or have you noticed an unexplainable surge in your water charges, yet there are no leakages in your system? Then, you could be experiencing an increase in water pressure in your home. This issue is problematic because too much water can cause your piping system to burst or leak. You should have a professional assess the water system to determine the cause and handle the repair as soon as possible.

9. Runny Toilet

If your toilet sounds like it constantly has water running through it, there is a problem. This situation is known as a running toilet. Most people might not consider this to be a problem, but when you ignore it, you could see an increase in your water bill, especially if too much water runs through the toilet. In some cases, up to 200 gallons per day are lost, resulting in hefty utility charges at the end of the month.

The main cause of the running toilet problem is the flapper valve wearing out. It causes water for the toilet tank to flow unobstructed. A toilet with sediment buildup might also have this problem. Whatever the cause, it is imperative that you work with a technician to help repair the toilet. It will help you contain the soaring charges incurred from constantly running water.

10. Faulty Washing Machine Hoses

Normally, washing machines themselves are extremely durable. However, the connecting water hoses are not usually as strong and may wear out over time. These hoses could experience issues such as mold, rust, leakages, bursts, and clogs. Such problems affect the washing cycle and could lead to secondary problems with the washing machine. Therefore, it is important to act immediately when you notice any concerns with the water hoses. You can prevent further issues with the washing machine and save money on wasted water.

As you can see, your home’s plumbing system has a lot of components that could be subjected to plumbing emergencies. When you need to address leaking hoses or a clogged toilet, contacting a professional is one of the best ways to handle the problem fast so that you can get on with your day.

Rite-Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is here for you when you need expert plumbing work. We offer quality services designed to help restore the integrity of your piping system. We also provide heating and cooling installation, repair, and maintenance services, along with indoor air quality assistance. Our company is A+ rated by the BBB, and we’re proud to serve the entire Tucson, AZ area. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.