blocked drains

Although there are numerous issues that a homeowner has to contend with from time to time none are more aggravating and troublesome than plumbing emergencies. Many plumbing experts will tell you that these situation are attributed to homeowner negligence or oversight rather than defective components and materials. Unfortunately, these annoying and potentially costly problems are not uncommon.

Preventative care and maintenance will decrease the risk of experiencing most plumbing emergencies. However, it will also ensure that your drains, fixtures, and pipes continue to operate properly. It will also enable the homeowner to identify potential problems so that those inconveniences do not occur with any frequency.

The following are the 5 most common plumbing emergencies that we are called out to repair:

Blocked drains or toilets

If you have a plumbing snake or plunger you can try to dislodge the obstruction yourself. If this doesn’t work then your only option is to contact an emergency plumber to correct the problem.

Burst pipes

Before the plumber arrives to resolve this issue you should locate your home’s shutoff valve and stop the flow of water. This will enable you remove a lot of the water that has accumulated from the leak and help you to prevent any further damage from occurring. Also, turn your cold water taps on to remove any remaining water from your pipes.

Frozen pipes

This is a common problem throughout the Columbus area given the cold Winters we experience. If the freeze is hard enough the water in your pipes will expand and could cause them to burst. Again, you want to close the shutoff valve. Gently thaw out the pipes that are the closest to the taps using hot water bottles to avoid further damage. Insulation placed around your pipes before winter sets in will help you avoid this problem.

Gas leaks

This is not something that even a skilled DIY’er should attempt to correct given the deadly nature of the problem. Your best option is to evacuate the premises and contact 24-hour plumbing company or your local gas company’s emergency hotline.

Leaking fixtures

Once you have closed your main shutoff valve, check the traps on your fixtures for debris, food particles, hair, soap scum, and anything else that may be obstructing them. This will prevent any overflowing from occurring.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, call us immediately after you have taken the recommended steps to prevent further damage or danger. Even if you suspect there may be a problem, we encourage you to contact us so we can evaluate your situation and make our recommendations.