Emergency Plumbing Services

Ideally, you should not delay when it comes to plumbing emergencies. The longer you wait, the more damage can be done to your property and belongings. However, some plumbing issues are more pressing than others. Depending on the severity of your emergency, you may need different services. Below, we take a look at what they are. But before that, we look at some differences between commercial and residential plumbing to give you an idea of what could be more urgent.

Difference Between Residential and Commercial Plumbing

Residential plumbing and commercial plumbing systems have some similarities, but there are also some key differences. Here are a few:

Size and Scale: Commercial plumbing systems are generally larger and more complex than residential ones, due to the greater number of people and appliances they need to serve.
Code Requirements: Commercial plumbing systems are subject to stricter code requirements and inspections than residential ones, as they serve more people and often have more stringent health and safety regulations.
Materials and Fixtures: Commercial plumbing systems often use heavier-duty materials and fixtures than residential ones, due to the greater wear and tear they experience.
Maintenance and Repair: Commercial plumbing systems require more frequent maintenance and may be more expensive to repair than residential ones due to the larger scale and complexity of the systems.
Specialized Equipment: Commercial plumbing systems may require specialized equipment, such as grease traps and backflow prevention, not typically found in residential systems.

What Is an Emergency in Plumbing?

Plumbing does not only refer to your toilet and sink but also everything from your water lines to your drainage pipes. A plumbing emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention and action for the problem to be fixed and the home’s plumbing system to be restored. Some common examples of plumbing emergencies include overflowing toilets, backed-up sewers, broken water heaters or pipes, and no hot water. A plumbing emergency can cause major damage to your property if not dealt with immediately.

Examples of Plumbing Emergencies and Their Effects

Here are some common plumbing emergency scenarios:

Burst Pipes

When a pipe bursts, it can cause water damage to walls, floors, and ceilings. It can also cause mold and mildew to form in your home. If the burst pipe is in an area where there is electrical wiring, it can cause a short circuit and even start a fire.

Overflowing Toilets

An overflowing toilet can be a hazard for several reasons:

Water Damage: A toilet that is overflowing can cause water damage to the floor and any nearby items, such as carpets or rugs. This can lead to costly repairs or replacements.
Slip and Fall Accidents: If the floor around the toilet becomes wet and slippery due to an overflowing toilet, it can increase the risk of slips and falls, which can lead to injuries.
Contamination: If the toilet is overflowing with raw sewage, it can cause contamination of the area and potentially cause health issues.
Structural Damage: In some cases, an overflowing toilet can cause structural damage to the building if it is not addressed promptly.

Water Heater Malfunction

Your water heater is one of the most invaluable appliances in your home, so it's important to be familiar with some of the most common water heater issues you may face and what causes them. Let's take a look!

Water leaks: Water heater leaks are commonly caused by corrosion, cracks and loose connections. Signs of water leaks include water puddles around the heater.
No hot water: If the hot water is not working in your home, the heating elements may be broken or worn-out.
Foul odor: If your hot water has a strange smell, there's a chance that there is a buildup of bacteria in the tank.

If you notice any of these signs of a malfunctioning water heater, it’s important to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible.

Sewage Backups

A sewage backup is a plumbing emergency because it can cause significant damage to your home and property. Sewage backups are caused by clogged drains, tree roots growing into sewer lines, broken or cracked pipes, or septic tank problems. Such a backup can cause a terrible smell and lead to significant health risks from contaminants in the water. You may also be faced with extensive water damage and repair costs.

How to Respond to a Plumbing Emergency?

Whether you have a broken pipe or an overflowing toilet, plumbing emergencies can be stressful and time-sensitive. It is important to follow the proper steps when responding to a plumbing emergency.

Turn Off Your Water The first step when responding to a plumbing emergency is to turn off your water supply. It will help minimize the damage caused by flooding or a broken pipe. If you have an overflowing toilet, turn off the water at the toilet's shutoff valve. But if you have a broken pipe, locate the main water shutoff valve in your home and turn it off.
Call a Professional Once you have turned off your water supply, it is time to call a qualified plumbing technician. In most cases, a professional plumber will be able to solve your problem quickly and safely.
Clean Up the Mess If you have experienced flooding or water damage, clean up the mess properly. Depending on the extent of the damage, this may involve mopping up the water and drying out the area. It is also important to keep in mind that water damage can cause serious health risks, so wear protective clothing and gloves when cleaning up.
Take Precautions It happened once. It shouldn't happen again. Once the plumbing emergency is under control, take steps to ensure it doesn't happen again. Check for any loose pipes or fittings, and make sure there are no blockages in your drains. If necessary, have a qualified plumber come in to inspect your plumbing system.

Rely On Us for Plumbing Emergencies

Even if you're extremely diligent in maintaining your plumbing system, emergencies can still occur. From a broken water heater to a ruptured pipe, there's always the chance that something could malfunction. At Crossroad Plumbing Solutions, we understand how stressful plumbing emergencies can be. That's why we offer 24/7 emergency services to repair any of your plumbing needs. Whether it's a burst pipe or a malfunctioning water heater, our team of experienced professionals has you covered.

Call us today to talk to a representative.