If there’s a flood in your basement or a toilet is overflowing, it’s pretty clear that you have a plumbing emergency on your hands. However, there are many other situations that require the immediate attention of a professional to prevent extensive or costly damage. Here are five cases when you should call an emergency plumber right away.
A drain is clogged Over time, a buildup of grease, hair, food scraps and other debris can cause blockages in your sink, shower or bathtub drains. Since this problem can quickly lead to backups and flooding, it’s best to call a plumber as soon as you notice a slow drain.
A toilet is acting up Whether it’s clogged, leaking or refusing to flush, a malfunctioning toilet needs to be fixed right away. In addition to being a major inconvenience, a problematic toilet is at risk of overflowing, causing significant damage and creating a health hazard.
A pipe bursts A drop in temperature can cause the water in your pipes to freeze and expand, thereby increasing the pressure inside the pipes and potentially causing them to burst and flood your home. To avoid this type of damage, you should deal with frozen pipes immediately.
A loss of hot water This problem can be caused by a water heater malfunction, a plumbing leak or an electrical issue. You should also treat a leak in your water heater as an emergency since it can lead to a loss of hot water or flooding.
A sewer backup If this plumbing disaster occurs, swift action is the best way to limit the cost and scope of the damage. Keep in mind that multiple drain clogs, gurgling toilets and foul smells coming from your drains can signal an impending backup and these signs shouldn’t be ignored.
What to do in the meantime In the event of a plumbing emergency, be sure to shut off the main water supply or the connection to the affected fixture right away. Next, you should assess the damage and call an emergency plumber to fix the problem. If necessary, take pictures of the scene to include with your insurance claim.
Emergency plumbers in Southwestern Ontario
At Pitton Plumbing & Heating Inc., we understand that urgent situations can happen at any time. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Hamilton, Niagara Falls and the surrounding communities. Our plumbers can take care of a wide range of repair and maintenance tasks to keep your plumbing in optimal condition. For more information about our services or to request a quote, contact us today.