Knowing when you need to call a plumber in Maple Grove, MN, can help prevent damage and keep the cost of repairs under control. Some minor plumbing issues can give you time to react, but others are emergencies. Here, we explain how to understand the difference between the two.
1. Water Leaks
A sudden or major water leak requires immediate attention from a plumber. Even a small amount of water can cause extensive damage, including wood rot, foundation issues, and mold growth. You might spot water leaking from a specific pipe; in which case, you should turn off the water to that area until help arrives. Water might also be coming from your roof.
Once you have discovered the source of the leak, you will need to assess the damage. Minor leaks can often be repaired using specialized pipe repair clamps, epoxy, tape or sealants. More severe damage can be addressed by removing the section of the damaged pipe and replacing it with a new piece. Over time, joints can loosen and leak. Tightening these areas can often resolve the problem.
If underlying problems are causing leaks, a plumber might recommend upgrades or improvements to prevent future leaks and ensure the structural integrity of your home.
2. Flooding in Your Basement
Water that is pooling in your basement can be caused by a problem with your sump pump and requires immediate assistance. Standing water can lead to mold growth, which is a major health hazard. It can also destroy belongings, damage your foundation and lead to pest infestations.
3. Standing Water
Standing water in your sinks or tubs can be the result of clogs or backflow. A major clog can also put substantial pressure on your pipes, which could burst if you don’t act fast. Backflow occurs when water changes direction in your plumbing system. This can contaminate your clean water supply, causing health issues.
4. Sewer Problems
Problems with your sewer can occur because of several causes. Tree roots may have grown through your sewer pipes, resulting in leaks from cracks and holes. Clogs and blockages can be the result of flushing wipes, sanitary products and debris down your toilet. You may simply have an aging sewer system that is prone to corrosion or collapse. It’s common for heavy rain to overflow sewer systems, increasing the potential for flooding or backups. This risk increases when you skip routine maintenance and inspections.
Many sewer and drain service-related issues require emergency assistance since the backup of wastewater is an emergency that can affect not only your household but your neighborhood as well.
5. Loss of Water
It can be a major inconvenience to turn on a faucet or fixture and not have any water come out. A local issue might be the source of this problem, so call your local water municipality for more information. If the issue is confined to your household, however, you may have a major clog, broken pipe or frozen pipe if it’s wintertime.
Frozen pipes can burst, causing flooding and extensive damage. Look for signs of frozen pipes, which include leaks and bulging.
6. Signs of Water Heater Malfunction
Not only can a water heater issue leave you without hot water, but it can also be a safety risk because water heaters operate under pressure. They usually function at about 80 psi. Anything over that can lead to equipment damage. Most heaters can withstand pressure up to 150 psi, but this is a dangerous situation. Your unit has a pressure relief valve that will engage when high levels of pressure are present. Even that part can malfunction.
Watch out for signs of malfunction, such as high water pressure coming from your faucets, a spike in water temperature, loud sounds coming from your tank and water leaking. If you notice a problem, reach out to a professional for emergency assistance.
7. Gas Line Issues
You may have a gas line hooked up to your water heater. If you smell gas in your home, this can indicate a leak. Turn off the gas supply to your home right away and call for assistance. Make sure you exit your home in the meantime.
8. Toilets Overflowing
If your toilet starts to overflow, turn off the water supply valve that is usually located behind the toilet, sometimes near the floor. If there is still an overflow that occurs when the valve is turned off, there may be a more serious sewer issue occurring. This is an emergency not only because of the water damage that can occur but also because this creates an unsanitary situation in your home.
9. Mold Growth
Mold grows when moisture is present. If you notice areas that are persistently damp or find leaks, have a professional perform repairs right away. You may also need to hire a mold remediation company to safely clean any mold that’s present.
10. Water Alarms Sounding
If you have a water alarm in your home or an alarm connected to your smart device, take immediate action if you receive an alert. If you’re home, find the alarm that is engaged. If you don’t see any water present, there may just be an issue with your unit’s battery or sensor. If there is water present, enlist the help of a professional to figure out where the water is coming from and what needs to be done. In the meantime, try to keep the water contained in a small area. Turn off the water to any pipe or fixture that you know is leaking.
The Benefits of Professional Plumbing Assistance
Reputable plumbers have extensive experience and knowledge regarding a variety of plumbing emergencies and issues. Diagnosing the problem quickly and addressing it properly can help you avoid more serious damage. Whether you’re dealing with a hidden leak or major sewer issues, you shouldn’t take the repairs on yourself, which can lead to a problem becoming much worse if you don’t have the necessary skill set.
Professional plumbing work is also typically backed by a guarantee and warranty. This provides you with peace of mind if anything goes wrong again.
A professional can often provide you with maintenance, repairs or upgrades that will prevent problems in the future. Plumbing emergencies should be avoided to ensure the safety of you and your family while protecting your home and water supply.
All work should be done according to local code regulations for safety purposes. This protects you from fines and problems if you want to sell your home in the future. If you do plan on selling later, professional repairs and maintenance can increase the value of your home.
Drain Works Plumbing can help with emergency plumbing issues as well as routine maintenance to prevent problems. Our plumbing company can install water softeners, which can protect your appliances and plumbing from mineral deposits. Leak detection equipment can provide you with prompt notification that something is wrong with your plumbing system. Contact our team at Drain Works Plumbing in Maple Grove today to schedule an appointment.
