When it comes to plumbing, almost anything that goes wrong seems like an urgent situation. Everyone wants their toilets, sinks, and tubs to work perfectly. So when these items start acting up, uncertainty sets in. Is it an emergency if something is wrong? Should you do it on your own or call a plumber instead?
The thing is, it can be almost impossible to draw the line between a minor plumbing issue and a true emergency. A general guideline is that any concern that could cause extensive damage or cost a steep price is an emergency. However, it’s not always simple to tell when that might be.
That said, there are a few emergencies that you must address immediately, like the following:
- No running water.
- A failing water heater.
- A stopped-up drain is stopped up.
- A backed-up sewer.
- A burst pipe.
What to Do
The most important thing to remember in any plumbing situation is to remain as calm as possible. Plumbing issues can be stressful, but solving them ASAP is best for your peace of mind.
No matter how aggravating the situation is, follow these steps for a quick resolution:
- Don’t panic.
- If necessary, shut off the water.
- Regardless of the time of day, call a professional plumber.
- Take shallow and deep breaths. The plumber is on their way and will handle this for you.
- Remember that whatever is happening with your plumbing, your professional plumber has no doubt encountered this before. They are here to work with you and guide you through the stress of plumbing emergencies.
What to Not Do
With so many tutorials and videos available on the internet and at the local home improvement store, it’s tempting to try and fix a small plumbing problem on your own. A quick trip to the store will have you all set, right? But things are not always quite that simple. Unless you are a professional plumber, you may turn a minor inconvenience into a major emergency. Some plumbing problems require professional attention even if you consider yourself handy around the house.
There are situations that a homeowner with the right knowledge and equipment can handle:
- A dripping faucet.
- A clogged drain.
- A mispositioned sink stopper.
However, if in doubt, it is best to call a plumber.
You will want to avoid trying to handle more serious plumbing issues if you are not properly trained. Such issues can include:
- A leaky pipe.
- A broken pipe.
- A broken appliance or fixture.
If you find yourself facing any of those issues and do not feel comfortable handling the situation on your own, it is time to call an emergency plumber.
Bonus Tips
Here are other emergencies that are better left to a plumbing service:
- Cutting into a wall.
- Problems with a water heater.
- Any trouble with a sewage line.
Specialized plumbing tools and very specific skills are needed. The average homeowner just isn’t prepared to take on these repairs and could end up causing extensive damage. A plumbing repair is the way to go.
Conclusion
Don’t be a martyr when it comes to water problems. You can contact Wooten Knockout Plumbing in Tulsa to repair minor or major problems in no time. Call us today at 918-367-8887!
