Frightening Plumbing Emergencies That Scare Homeowners
Autumn is a spooky season for plumbing. The seasonal weather changes can wreak havoc on a home's plumbing system. Returning rains cause soils to expand that can stress joints in water pipes and sewer lines. Gutters clogged with fallen leaves can cause water to back up in gutters and landscape drains. Cooler temperatures threaten to freeze exposed water lines and hose bibbs. With all of these threats to a plumbing system, it's a wonder that any homeowner makes it into winter without their nerves wrecked.
At some point, homeowners will have to deal with plumbing emergencies. Knowing who to call and what to expect can help calm the fears of having plumbing problems.
What Causes Burst Pipes?
Burst pipes are a common cause of damage and require immediate plumbing services. Burst pipes can quickly flood a home, ruining floors and walls, or compromise a foundation outside the home if it happens under a slab. Burst pipes usually happen without warning and are difficult to prevent.
The causes of burst pipes can include:
- Expanding soils
- Old piping
- Mechanical stress
- Damage
- Improper installation
- Freezing
Preventing the need for emergency plumbing from burst pipes, homeowners should take advantage of pipe inspection services. A qualified plumbing contractor can check the water pressure and make recommendations for pipe installation to prevent the need to call for emergency plumbing help.
Toilet and Drain Overflow
One of the most frightening things a homeowner can experience is the sight of a toilet backing up all over the bathroom floor or a sink full of dirty water that refuses to drain. Cleaning up the mess made by an overflowing toilet can take hours and be a hazardous mess.
Drain problems are almost always caused by poor drain management. It is good practice for homeowners and occupants to get in the habit of properly disposing of things that shouldn't be inside of drains. For example, cooking grease should be discarded in the trash can, and only toilet paper and waste should be flushed down toilets. Hair stoppers should be added to bathroom drains to prevent hair from becoming a serious clog.
Apart from good drain practices, homeowners can utilize routine drain cleaning services to prevent the need for emergency plumbing services. Routine services can keep drains from overflowing by periodically cleaning any build-up out of them.
Sump Pump Failure
Sump pump failure can be a potentially catastrophic plumbing emergency. Sump pumps are installed to help remove excess water from places where it isn't possible to install gravity drains like low spots in lawns, poorly drained foundations, or basements. When sump pumps fail, the resulting flooding can be damaging and force expensive repairs on the homeowner's part.
Sump pumps generally last a long time, which is why most homeowners forget about them. They usually sit out of sight and operate faithfully until they fail and allow homes and lawns to flood. Once they fail, the only recourse is to call on the services of an emergency plumbing contractor. Inspections should be carried out on the pump annually by a qualified person to prevent the need for emergency plumbing services. Inspections can ensure that the pump is operating correctly and that drain lines are intact and clear.
About Green Hills Plumbing
Green Hills Plumbing has been serving the area for over 50 years. They offer a complete line of services, including drain cleaning and emergency plumbing repair. With fully-stocked trucks, their technicians can often make emergency repairs immediately, preventing wasted time from chasing down parts. Contact them for dependable Nashville emergency plumbing services.
