It’s unfortunate that plumbing problems can appear out of nowhere, causing a large, unwelcome headache. If you’ve suddenly encountered an issue with your plumbing system, you might be wondering if you should call a plumber for emergency services. However, it can sometimes be difficult to know if the issue requires immediate attention.

So, what are plumbing emergencies exactly? In the simplest terms, you’ll want to call for emergency service if you think the problem will damage your home or put your household in danger. Let’s discuss what is considered a plumbing emergency in more detail.

Water Leaks

When you encounter a water leak of any kind, you’ll want to call an emergency plumber as soon as possible. These leaks can happen for several reasons, from burst pipes to a leak in your washing machine hose. Burst pipes are often the result of frozen pipes, corrosion, and high water pressure.

When learning what counts as a plumbing emergency, know that the size of the leak doesn’t matter. Even the smallest leaks can cause water damage in your home, especially if they aren’t addressed promptly. Most — if not all — Charleston, SC plumbing companies will agree that water leaks deserve immediate attention, and putting off a repair can put your home at risk.

Overflowing Toilets

An overflowing toilet can be caused by a damaged float mechanism, an unexpected clog, or a similar problem. Before you contact a plumber, turn off the water at your toilet’s water supply. You’ll find the water supply behind your toilet. This is an important step, as it should help temporarily relieve the issue.

When discussing what counts as a plumbing emergency, know that anything that severely inconveniences you and your household should be addressed quickly. If you only have one toilet in your home and it is overflowing or out of service, call a professional plumber for help.

Multiple Clogged Drains

If you’re still wondering what is considered a plumbing emergency, turn to your drains. If several drains throughout your home have clogged simultaneously, you’ll want to seek professional assistance at the earliest opportunity.

One clog in your kitchen or bathroom drain isn’t a big deal; these issues are one of the most common plumbing problems and can usually be addressed later. However, multiple drain clogs suggest that there is a larger issue occurring with your plumbing system, such as a clogged or broken sewer line.

Sewer Backups

While sewer backups are inconvenient and frustrating to deal with, they are also unsanitary. This plumbing issue is often caused by sewer line problems, including tree root intrusions. As you start to better understand what counts as a plumbing emergency, always take your household’s wellbeing into consideration. No homeowner wants their family encountering frequent sewer backups.

Water Heater Failure

Although it’s easy to take hot water for granted, our water heaters can malfunction or break down when we least expect it. However, you might not immediately think that being without hot water is an emergency.

So when it comes to water heaters, what is considered a plumbing emergency? Overall, you’ll want to take the outdoor temperature into account. If the weather outside is cold or even below freezing, not having access to hot water can be dangerous. Fortunately, calling for emergency services or scheduling plumbing repairs will fix the problem.

Contact LimRic for Emergency Plumbing Services

Whether you’re facing a leaky pipe or a malfunctioning sump pump, knowing what issues require your instant attention can be challenging. When learning what counts as a plumbing emergency, just remember that there are several factors you can consider. First, determine if the plumbing problem will cause water damage if not handled promptly. Then evaluate how the issue affects your daily routine and family’s wellbeing.

If you’re still unsure what is considered a plumbing emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out to LimRic. Our experts will help you find an appropriate and timely solution. Contact our Edisto Island, SC plumbers to learn more about our emergency plumbing services!

What Is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?