4 Common Plumbing Emergencies and How to Avoid Them

Your plumbing is one of the most important systems in your home. Plumbing is needed in many aspects of your home such as cooking, washing dishes, taking showers, flushing the toilet and a lot more. Sadly, a lot of homeowners don’t give their plumbing system much thought until a problem arises. 

Here are some of the most common plumbing emergencies, along with some tips on how to avoid them. 

Leaky pipes

At first glance, leaky pipes may not seem like a big deal. But if not addressed immediately, it can cause extensive damage to our home and personal belongings. Stained walls, flooding, poor water quality, and mold growth are just some of the ways leaky pipes can wreak havoc on your home. 

To prevent this from happening, it is important to address the problem as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the damage will be. 

Sewer system backup 

This is probably the worst plumbing problem one could ever face. Just imagine the horror of sewage water pooling inside your house, along with the nasty smell that comes with it. Disgusting! This will not only lead to expensive repair, it can also cause health hazards. If this happens, be sure to vacate the affected areas immediately.

Clogged toilets

You’re still pulling your pants up when you realized that the water is rising closer and closer to the rim. Your toilet is clogged, now what? I know it’s difficult, but try not to panic. 

What you need to do is to stop the water from going into the bowl. Turn off the water using the valve behind the base of the toilet. Another way is to make sure that the rubber flapper is in place. Take off the lid of the tank. Reach in and push the flapper back into place. Now, you can call a plumber to address the problem.

Clogged drains 

Clogged or backed up drain is one of the most common problems homeowners face. This is often the result of flushing large items down the drain. The good news is that, it can easily be avoided by being careful about the things you put down the drain. 

Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. Flushing dense, stringy or bulky materials can cause a clog.