- Clogged Sinks -A minor clog will lead to a slow draining sink, but a serious clog will result in the sink being unable to drain any water at all. Clogged sinks are an urgent plumbing problem because they severely impact your daily activities, from cooking and cleaning to critical cleanliness.
- Leaky Faucets-There’s nothing more annoying than listening to a leaky faucet all night long. Leaks are
a common plumbing emergency, particularly in homes with older or original fixtures. This is because
parts of the faucet can deteriorate or loosen over time. Leaky faucets have caused everything from mold
to rust and high water bills. - No Hot Water-The shock of turning on your shower and experiencing a discharge of ice-cold water is
probably not one you’d like to repeat. Often, a lack of hot water is caused by issues with the water
heater, a burst pipe, or an electrical problem. In any case, cold water coming from the hot water tap
needs to be addressed immediately. - Leaky Water Heater -As your hot water heater ages, it becomes more prone to leaks and drips. When
your water heater leaks, the wasted water can drive up your water bills, so it’s best to have emergency
repairs performed right away. While a leaky valve can be repaired, if your water heater is over 10 years
old or has extensive rust, then replacement is your best option. - Clogged Toilets -Toilets are the most frequently used plumbing fixtures in the average household. This
means that they suffer from the most wear and tear of any plumbing fixture. Clogs are caused by a
variety of things, from flushing non-flushable products to flushing items larger than the toilet is designed
to handle. Early signs of a clogged toilet include refusing to flush, overflowing, and having a high-water
level that won’t go down. - Running Toilet -Does it sound like water is running continuously through your toilet? A running toilet
can consume as much as 200 gallons of water a day. Running toilets are usually caused by a worn-out
flapper valve; this allows water to flow freely from the tank into the toilet. In some cases, running toilets
may also be triggered by sediment buildup. This is more likely if you live in an area that has hard water. - Clogged Garbage Disposal – Clogged garbage disposals are usually caused by putting non-organic
waste down the disposal, running the disposal without water, or grinding tough and fibrous materials like
corn husks or potato skins. If your disposal is no longer grinding food, won’t turn on, or makes alarming
sounds when it’s on, you should have an emergency plumber inspect it for damage or possible
replacement. - Burst Pipes -Burst pipes are most common during winter when water freezing inside the pipes
expands and causes the pipe to crack. However, other factors can result in a burst pipe, including aging
pipes and pipes made of certain materials. A burst pipe is a very real plumbing emergency because the
water spilling from the pipe can cause a lot of damage to your home. If you notice wet spots on your
walls or a sudden, massive spike in your utility bill, call a plumber right away! - Worn-Out Fixtures -Plumbing fixtures don’t last forever, and they’ll eventually wear out to the point
where they don’t function like they are supposed to. Faucets, showerheads, valves, handles, and spigots
should be replaced regularly to keep your home’s plumbing system running efficiently. The older your
fixtures become, the more prone they are to issues like leaks, breaks, and expensive water waste. - Backed-Up Sewer System – Sewer issues can cause raw sewage to back up into your home through
multiple drains, including the toilet, bathtub, and kitchen sink. Backed-up sewers are a plumbing
emergency because they’re a serious threat to your health and safety (in addition to causing a messy and
unpleasant situation!).
For more information on the ten most common plumbing emergencies and where to turn for help, visit https://socalplumbers.com/. If this article has been helpful and you would like to join the SoCal Plumbers mailing list to receive similar useful information, please go to https://socalplumbers.com/email-signup/.
