Let’s face it no one ever really expects to have a plumbing emergency, but they can happen to anyone, at any time. Things such as a burst pipe, a blocked sink or toilet and a flooded basement are all plumbing emergencies that can cause serious water damage if not addressed quickly. Now obviously in some cases, these may only be minor problems that you can deal with yourself especially if you have some DIY skills. However, in our experience, the fix is usually temporary and doesn’t completely resolve the problem. So, we thought we would have a look at some of the situations where it would be better to use the services of an emergency plumber.
When Your Toilet is Overflowing
If your toilet begins to overflow it is not only inconvenient but could also put the health of anyone living in or visiting your home at risk. While it may be possible to clear a minor blockage yourself with a plunger, once your toilet begins to overflow it is usually a sign that the problem is more serious. Toilets often become blocked as a result of unsuitable items being flushed down them and to ensure the problem is completely eradicated it is advisable to call in professionals. An emergency plumber will have all the correct equipment to unblock your toilet and get it flowing freely again in no time.
Frozen Pipes
When a pipe freezes it will usually expand which in time could lead to cracks and fractures which can cause problems in both your drainage and heating systems. If you find yourself with a frozen pipe you must call out an emergency plumber as allowing it to thaw will result in it cracking and leaks and flooding occurring. An experienced plumber will be able to thaw out your pipe in a way that prevents fractures, leaks and any other damage to your pipework.
When a Pipe Bursts
It is not always possible to prevent a pipe from bursting and when this happens you need to get in touch with an emergency plumber as soon as possible. If you don’t you could be faced with extensive water damage to large parts of your home. If you suspect you have a burst pipe the first thing to do is to turn off your water at the mains to try and help minimise any damage.
Blocked or Damaged Drains
An emergency plumber or drainage engineer should be your first port of call If you find yourself with a blocked drain in Chelmsford or anywhere else. There are several telltale signs that your drains could be blocked including slow draining sinks, a toilet that is backing up or if you notice unpleasant smells around grids or drainage outlets. When drains become blocked it is in your interests to get them cleared as quickly as possible to avoid more extensive damage and costly repairs.
No Hot Water
There are many reasons why you may have no hot water, could be a problem with your boiler or it could be a result of leaks in your pipework. Having no hot water is extremely inconvenient, especially in the depths of winter. There are not many of us who relish a cold shower in January, so the first thing to do is call an emergency plumber. They will be able to locate or diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate solution to any problem.
Hopefully, the information we have given you an idea of when calling an emergency plumber is the best course of action.