Unlike some other home emergencies, plumbing problems can come in many different shapes and sizes. With such variety, it can be difficult to assess whether a situation is really that big of an issue or if you have a bit of time before you have to call one of Medina’s top emergency plumbing services. While it’s never a bad thing to call an emergency plumber, it’s good to have a heads up on the different signs that indicate how concerned you should be about the situation. Here are some tips on how to know you’re dealing with a major plumbing emergency.
Burst Pipes
Burst pipes can cause multiple issues, and you may not be sure if the symptoms you encounter indicate anything serious. One or two of these issues may not be cause for concern and can often occur for other reasons beyond an emergency. But in conjunction, they may indicate a severe issue.
Signs of a Burst Pipe
- Fluctuating water pressure
- Corrosion, rust, and bad smells in water
- Clanging or hissing noises from pipes in walls
- Leaks in walls
- A higher than usual water bill
Overflowing Toilet
If your toilet is overflowing, you might want to hit it with a plunger and some elbow grease, especially if you know you had a few guests over for the big game. But if that doesn’t work, it might be time to call a professional.
Signs of an Overflowing Toilet
- Water doesn’t flush/takes a long time to flush
- Water comes back up after flushing
- Water backs up into the bathtub after flushing
When you notice any of these signs, the first thing you want to do is turn off the water that supplies your toilet. The valve is located behind your toilet, and turning it off will be a temporary reprieve before you call your plumber.
Broken Water Heater
A broken water heater can be a nightmare, especially if you are in the colder months of the year. No one wants to wake up for work in January with freezing cold water. Be proactive when noticing any of these signs, and call your plumbing company so they can take a look.
Signs of a Broken Water Heater
- Water leaking from the machine
- Inconsistent shower temperatures
- Unusual noises from your water heater
- Running out of hot water
Clogged Sewer Line
It’s one thing to have a toilet or sink line overflow. It’s another thing to have your main sewer line overflow. This issue can bring on plenty of new problems, and worst of all, there probably isn’t much you can do about it. These drains are buried deep in your home, and oftentimes these clogs occur due to things outside your control.
Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line
- Bubbling or gurgling signs during and after using a drain
- Flooding in one drain after using another (ex. Flooding in the bathroom after using washing machine)
- Multiple slow-moving drains
- Constantly having to plunge
Important Questions to Ask
It can be difficult to know for sure whether or not you’re in need of an emergency plumber or if your pipes are just going through the motions. If you want to better understand your situation and how to proceed, ask yourself a few questions:
- Do I NEED to use the affected fixture, or can I wait?
- Will leaving it alone make it worse?
- Am I enduring extremely hot/cold temperatures?
- Is there a way to turn the fixture off?
When in Doubt, Dan’s Drain Services Can Help You Out!
We know it can be challenging to assess what’s going on in your drains, and risking further damage is never a good thing. When in doubt, be sure to schedule an appointment at Dan’s Drain Services. We know a thing or two about plumbing and draining issues, ranging from clogged drains to toilets and water heater services. Contact us today, and our experienced professionals can get you the services you need without draining your wallet!
