A plumbing emergency can be stressful, especially if it occurs in the middle of the night or on a holiday weekend. Fortunately, many emergency Plumbers Linden NJ are available 24/7.
In an emergency situation, it’s important to stay calm and take a few critical steps before calling a plumber. This will help prevent the problem from getting worse and save you money in the long run.
No Hot Water
When your shower, sink, or toilet is draining slowly or not at all, it can quickly become an emergency situation. The most common reason for this is a blocked or broken pipe, which may lead to extensive water damage in your home if left untreated. In this case, the first thing you should do is turn off your water supply as soon as possible. This is typically done by locating your home’s main shut-off valve and turning it clockwise. This will stop the flow of water into your home and buy you some time before an emergency plumber arrives.
Clogged kitchen or bathroom drains can also be a plumbing emergency, and these are often caused by mishandling of household items. Your drains aren’t trash cans, so don’t toss wipes, paper towels, or other non-biodegradable products down them. Your garbage disposal can also only handle so much, so don’t try to toss in large amounts of food scraps or fibrous materials like kitty litter.
Another potential emergency is discolored or smelly water, which could indicate a serious issue with your plumbing. If your water is suddenly brown or smells bad, call an emergency plumber right away.
Leaking pipes are another cause for a quick call to your emergency plumber. These can be caused by a number of things, including worn-out seals or corroded fittings. If you suspect a leak, shut off your water by turning off the valve under the sink or at the water meter. You should also turn off the hot water heater in your home if it is still working, as this can cause a lot of water damage very quickly.
If you can’t locate the source of the leak, try turning off your entire water supply at the house’s main valve, usually found in the basement or near the water meter. This will prevent gallons of water from entering your home until an emergency plumber can arrive to make repairs.
When you’re in need of an emergency plumber, it’s important to find a professional with the right experience and qualifications. You can check the quality of their work by asking for references and looking at online reviews. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from multiple plumbers before choosing one. This can help ensure you’re getting the best service at a fair price.
Clogged Drains
When a drain becomes completely clogged, it’s time to call in the professionals. It’s not just inconvenient for you and your family to not have access to running water, but it also can lead to a lot of damage if left untreated. You can try to clear a drain blockage yourself by straightening out a wire clothes hanger and using the hook end to fish around in your pipes for objects that may be causing the clog. You can also purchase a household auger or drain snake at most hardware and home improvement stores. If these do not work, you’ll need to call in a professional plumber for a more heavy-duty approach to clearing the clog.
Toilets can overflow for a number of reasons from a clogged flush to a broken float mechanism. If the issue is not dealt with quickly, it can cause a massive mess and even result in flooding the entire bathroom. It’s important to shut off the water supply valve to the toilet before calling a plumber. You can then use a bucket to contain the overflow until a plumber arrives.
Bathtub and shower drain clogs are common and often caused by hair, soap scum, and other debris that collects over time. While it’s not an emergency in most cases, a clogged drain can be very frustrating especially if you have young children. It is important to regularly clean your drains and pipes to prevent clogs from occurring.
A sewer backup is a plumbing emergency because it carries raw sewage and other harmful materials into your home. This is a health hazard that can cause illnesses and infections. It is also very expensive to clean up and repair. If you think you have a sewer backup, it’s best to call an emergency plumber immediately.
There are many other reasons to call an emergency plumber, including a noisy or leaking water heater, a dripping faucet, or a leaky roof. No matter what the problem is, it’s important to act fast and call a plumber as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage it can cause to your property and risk further issues down the road.
Burst Pipes
If a pipe bursts, it’s an emergency situation that must be dealt with immediately. A burst pipe can cause serious water damage to your home and belongings, and can also lead to mold and mildew problems if not attended to quickly enough. The best way to prevent burst pipes is by having regular maintenance done on your plumbing system. This includes having your plumbing components regularly checked, like the temperature and pressure of your water, and having any old or rusty parts replaced before they break down.
If you suspect a pipe has burst, start by turning off your main water supply. Find the shut-off valve in your basement, crawl space or garage, and turn it off as quickly as possible to minimize water damage. If you don’t have a shut-off valve, contact your local water authority to turn off the water flow to your house.
Next, try to identify which pipe has burst and where the water is coming from. This will help your plumber arrive more quickly and fix the problem sooner. If you have any valuables or important documents in the area of the burst pipe, move them to a safe location before flooding occurs. You may want to consider getting a wet/dry vac to pump out excess water and make the area more manageable before you call a plumber.
While you’re waiting for a plumber to arrive, check the area around the affected pipe for any electrical hazards. If there are any outlets or light switches within reach of the water, turn them off to avoid electrocuting yourself. You should also begin cleaning up the area as soon as you can, and try to remove any personal items from the flooded area (like furniture).
When your plumber arrives, inform them of what steps you’ve taken to mitigate the damage and what areas are still affected by water. It’s also a good idea to take photos or videos of the damage, which will come in handy later if you need to file an insurance claim.
Water Leaks
A burst pipe is one of the most serious plumbing emergencies. It can cause water damage throughout your home, lead to mould and mildew growth, and even compromise the structural integrity of your property. If you suspect a pipe has burst, shut off your water supply and call an emergency plumber immediately.
Water leaks aren’t always easy to spot, especially if they’re located underneath your home or in a hidden area. However, a sudden unexplained increase in your water bill, stains on the ceiling or walls, sagging floors, or excessive moisture are all indicators of a hidden leak. In addition, if you hear running water when no taps are turned on or notice that your energy bill has risen for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of a hidden leak.
Toilet problems are another common plumbing emergency that requires immediate attention. A leaking toilet can cause flooding and water damage, as well as create unpleasant odours. A faulty toilet can also be a health hazard, causing you to not be able to use the bathroom or wash your hands properly.
While not as serious as a burst pipe, a toilet problem is still a plumbing emergency that needs to be dealt with right away. If your toilet is constantly overflowing, isn’t flushing properly, or has a strong odour, it’s time to call an emergency plumber.
While many of the above issues are considered plumbing emergencies and need to be dealt with as soon as possible, there are some that can wait until normal business hours. Shutting off your water supply, locating the closest shut-off valve, and assessing the situation before calling an emergency plumber can help you save money and minimise damage. With regular maintenance, you can avoid most plumbing emergencies altogether. Contact us today to discuss your plumbing needs and to request a quote. We offer a range of services, including preventative maintenance to ensure your plumbing systems are working correctly. We can also help you with clogged drains, hot water heater repairs, and more. Our friendly team is happy to help!