Knowing the Difference Between Problems and Emergencies
Plumbing problems can be scary because they can seem so abrupt. The plumbing inside a home is one of the most remarkably reliable things that people find in their lives. Plumbing can exist for decades without so much as a leak, so it can be all the more shocking when problems strike.
When plumbing problems arise, homeowners need urgent professional help to get everything back on track. However, the level of urgency for each plumbing problem is different. Some situations require immediate attention regardless of the hour, while other issues can be stabilized and wait until business hours to make repairs.
Read on for a handy guide about examples of different plumbing situations.
Emergency: Broken Pipes
A plumbing emergency is usually defined as a problem that can cause more damage than simply a repair. This is precisely the case when it comes to broken pipes. Pipes in the home carry large amounts of water under moderate pressure. When they break, they can rapidly flood an area. The damage that broken pipes can cause can include:- Ruined walls and carpets
- Buckled wood and laminate floors
- Foundation and landscaping damage
- Mold problems
- Flooded basements and rooms
Any broken pipe needs emergency repair. The best-case scenario is that the homeowner quickly turns off water service and calls a professional.
Problem: Clogged Toilets
Clogged toilets are probably one of the more distressing plumbing problems that anyone can encounter. Who wants to see soiled water backed up into a toilet? Despite how gross a clogged toilet can be, it isn’t an emergency that requires immediate attention. Most households are equipped with at least one other toilet, so while it may be inconvenient for people living in the home, it won’t cause damage to anything else in the house. Even in an extreme case where the toilet has backed up onto the floor, simply shutting off the water supply and cleaning up a small mess is as bad as it will get. Call a plumber during business hours and explain the situation. A technician will respond quickly.
Emergency: Sewer Line Problems
A clogged toilet can be a symptom of an actual emergency. Sometimes the first place people notice a sewer line problem is in the performance of the toilet. In this case, a clogged toilet is definitely an emergency. When the only sewer line that serves a house is clogged, no fixture will be able to be used, and no drainage will flow out from the house; the home effectively is without plumbing. Often sewage will be seen backing up into bathtubs or leaking out of sewer cleanouts outside.
To maintain modern conveniences and sanitary conditions, sewer line problems must be attended to immediately. Professional plumbers have various skills and tools that will allow them to get the sewer flowing again regardless of the hour. Sometimes they may uncover more significant problems, but they can stabilize the situation and return later for more serious repairs.
About Green Hills Plumbing
Green Hills Plumbing is an emergency plumber serving the Nashville area. Unlike other companies, they offer after-hours service with no additional fees. Their skilled technicians are ready to solve any plumbing problem, day or night. Give Green Hills Plumbing a call today for emergency plumbing services in Nashville, TN.
