The feeling of waking up at night to the sound of running water under your flooring will scare anybody. Your house is supposed to be a refuge, but when it floods, all your security goes out the window instantly. In a recent survey done by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, water damage has been found to contribute more than forty percent to the total property claims made in Canada. This means that you should have an emergency plumber in Concord available to sort out the problem. The least amount of water can invite problems such as mould and wood rot, which will cost thousands to fix. Read on to find out the problems that call for emergency plumbing services immediately.
Recognizing a True Plumbing Emergency
Not all dripping faucets or slowly draining sinks need you to get a plumber in the middle of the night. Understanding what qualifies as an emergency will save you the trouble of worrying for nothing.
- Uncontrollable streams of water coming from a burst pipe or leaking supply lines that your primary valve can’t control.
- Overflows of sewage and dirty water through basement floor drains, toilet, and shower areas.
- Complete stoppage of water in your whole house without notification from the city.
- Gas leaks near your water heater and hot water accumulating in a rusty water tank base.
Four Urgent Plumbing Disasters That Require Immediate Action
There are some plumbing issues that may become a big disaster in just a few seconds with no chance to prepare for them. Information on such plumbing issues may help you cope with them beforehand, thus saving your property from the inevitable damage.
- Frozen or Ruptured Pipes
Low winter temperatures cause the expansion of water that accumulates in an exposed copper pipe. As a result of this, the pipe will be destroyed by the built-up pressure, that pours several litres of water through your drywall per minute. Go to your basement and turn your main water supply valve off right away (it has to be turned clockwise). Also, open all the faucets in your house.
- Dangerous Wastewater Backflow
If your sewer main is blocked, your lowest plumbing fixtures will be flooded with wastewater from your sewage system. The smell in your kitchen, gurgling toilets when you use your kitchen sink or dark-colored water accumulating in your drains are some indications of the sewage backflow problem. The water contains hazardous bacteria that can be harmful for your family’s health. Don’t use any plumbing fixtures in your house.
- Undetected Leaks Behind Walls and Ceilings
Leaks hidden behind drywalls and joists in ceilings can go undetected until you start noticing stains and paint sags that turn yellow in color. By the time that the signs become noticeable, rotting wood in the frames and growth of mold are well under way by now. Experienced technicians through the use of fast leak detection services pinpoint your exact location inside the wall from the outside.
- Sudden Failure of Water Heaters
Water heaters leaking gallons of hot water into your utility room are a matter of minutes at best. Turn off the valve located above the tank of your water heater and shut off any power to it if it is electric.
Smart Steps to Take Before Help Arrives
Waiting around for a technician to come is excruciating as water continues to spread out all over your floors. Quickly taking charge of the situation will help prevent damage to your structure as well as your property.
- Turn off the water supply in your home immediately so everyone in your family knows how to do it.
- If water enters any electrical sockets or appliances, turn off the electricity through your main electrical box.
- Remove all carpets, electronics, and valuables from the area of the rising water.
- Take a couple of photos of the water damage before starting to mop.
- Collect the water using towels and buckets.
Making the Choice Between Repair and Replacement
Homeowners can always ask themselves if they should go for a temporary fix or a permanent one. Considering plumbing repair vs replacement in Vaughan is determined mostly by the age of your piping system, the level of damage and your budget in the long term. If you have only one copper joint that needs to be fixed in a new piping system, you can just fix it.
But if you have an old galvanized iron piping system that has leaks all over the house, then replacing it is the best choice. Likewise, having only one clogged kitchen sink should not worry you because you only need to repair it. But if your old clay piping system clogs because of tree roots, replacing it is the best option.
Simple Habits to Prevent Future Plumbing Nightmares
Stopping a disaster is preferable to fixing one. By adopting these simple seasonal habits, you will be able to maintain your pipes year-round without a hitch.
- Insulate your pipes prior to the freezing winter in the unheated areas of your home, such as your crawlspace or garage.
- Do not flush any cooking oil, grease, coffee grounds, or wet wipes through your toilet or your kitchen sink.
- Test out your sump pump each spring by pouring water into the basin to check the float switch is working properly.
- Replace those old rubber washing machine hoses with the braided stainless steel ones once every five years.
Get Immediate Professional Help Today
While a plumbing emergency is sure to create stress, knowing how to handle the situation will see you transform chaos to an easy fix. Turning off your main water valve and getting professionals to assist you will ensure that you do not lose your house or family members. If you are currently facing an emergency such as a leak, a burst pipe, or a clogged drain, don’t wait until it causes any further damage to your home. Contact your trusted emergency plumber in Concord today to get back to peace of mind. Contact Vaughan Plumbing and Sewer at (647) 547-2440 for reliable emergency plumbing services in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada.
