Is a Leaking Water Pipe an Emergency?

What is considered an emergency plumbing situation?

As much as 10,000 gallons of water are wasted annually in the average household from leaking pipes, does that make all leaking pipes a plumbing emergency? Nationwide, that is over one trillion gallons of water going to waste that could be used with purpose in over 10 million homes. But, before you make that emergency plumbing service call, you need to ask yourself if you have a true plumbing emergency.

Why does it matter if it is an emergency? The first reason is your bank account. Emergency plumbing calls can cost three times what a normal plumbing call does. The next reason is something similar to calling 911 to get your cat out of the tree takes first responders away from a true emergency, like a house fire. 

 So, what are the signs of an emergency plumbing issue? A few examples would be: 

• Water Leaks

Not every water leak will constitute an emergency, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Even the smallest leak can turn into an emergency plumbing matter in time. A water leak can have an effect on your home’s structural integrity, even silent leaks. 

Mildew and mold form, creating health issues like asthma, itchy eyes, and respiratory symptoms. A water leak can create a fire hazard if it comes in contact with electrical wiring, short circuits, and wires. So yes, a water leak that you can’t repair yourself right away is an emergency plumbing matter.

• Water Stains

Water stains on the ceiling aren’t a copy of the Sistine Chapel and its famous Renaissance art. These types of stains usually show up once a water leak has been happening for some time, and the same is true with water stains on the floor. If you’re concerned with water stains on the ceiling or floors, especially if you’ve had an increase in your water bill, you have an emergency plumbing matter. 

• Busted or Damaged Pipes

Busted or damaged water pipes that have caused a flood is a viable emergency plumbing matter. Left unattended, it can damage your home’s structure with gallons of water flowing. The ceiling, floors, wall, furniture, and other personal belongings can be damaged, and the safety of your family is in jeopardy.  When you discover these situations, especially when accompanied by sagging ceilings or buckling floors, shut the water off and make that emergency plumbing service call. 

• Water Pressure Decrease

If you notice a sudden drop in water pressure, it can indicate you have a busted or damaged water pipe, whether it is at one faucet or every water feature. This can also indicate you have a clogged aerator, but that would typically affect only one faucet. Multiple outlets with low water pressure would dictate an emergency plumbing service. 

• Toilet Overflowing

A toilet overflowing can be caused by a variety of reasons from an issue inside the tank to a clogged sewer line. Either way, this can quickly become a nightmare and if you can’t get the problem fixed immediately yourself, turn the water off to the toilet and call for an emergency plumbing service call. 

• Drains Clogged 

If your home has never had a clogged drain, just wait. This is an inevitable problem that every home will have at some point. You can do your part to avoid this from happening by watching what you flush down the toilet and pour down the drains. But they still happen. 

So, when is a clogged drain dictate an emergency plumbing service call?  When you have slow drains, bubbling water, or puddles of water in the house or yard, and you’ve done everything you have in your arsenal that hasn’t helped, call a professional plumber and request an emergency plumbing service. 

• The Water Heater 

Having hot water isn’t just an expected luxury in the home. Today, it is a necessity to kill bacteria, germs, and viruses. If you wake up one winter morning and there isn’t any hot water for a shower, you probably have frozen pipes and this can lead to bigger problems. 

• If this lack of hot water is accompanied by the smell of gas, this can be an extremely serious issue that needs immediate attention. Make that emergency plumbing service call immediately and if the smell of gas is all through your home, evacuate everyone to a safe place and call 911.

• Sewage Back-Up

Your sense of smell will be the biggest indicator that there is a problem. If you’ve not noticed a smell but you’ve noticed backed-up water in the kitchen sink or bathtub, this is a health hazard and should be addressed sooner than later. Make that emergency plumbing service call, the ROI will show in your family’s health and well-being.

How can emergency plumbing be prevented?

One way to prevent emergency plumbing issues is to have your home’s plumbing regularly inspected by a licensed plumber. This will include having all plumbing-related appliances, drains, equipment, faucets, and plumbing lines inspected, including the water heater. 

Additional things you can do is to avoid flushing things down the toilet that shouldn’t be flushed. This includes diapers and wipes, food, hair, animal waste, and female hygiene products. Avoid pouring FOG (fat, oil, grease) down the kitchen drain is a big step to avoiding emergency plumbing service calls for sewer line problems.

When It Is All Watered Down

If you simply walk away from a busted water pipe, an overflowing toilet, or a clogged drain you can’t clear, what are the potential risks? Extensive water damage! From the flooring and walls to the ceiling and the foundation, as well as your personal belongings. Additionally, you’re putting your family’s health and safety at risk with mildew, mold, wet flooring, and more.

Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. offers 24/7 emergency plumbing repair in Dallas, TX. Call us at (214) 402-5454 to set up an appointment.