Plumbing problems are rarely convenient, but not all plumbing issues are an emergency. If you’re calling for help, you need to know whether you’re dealing with an emergency or if you can wait for the next available appointment.
Here are some ideas to help you determine if you have a plumbing emergency.
1. Can You Turn It Off?
If you have a serious leak but can turn off the water to that area of the house or that particular fixture, you might not need an emergency plumber. You can turn off the water and contact a plumber to schedule service. However, if there is no shut-off valve to that fixture, and you have to turn off the main shut-off valve to stop a major leak, you’ll need to call for emergency repair.
2. Do You Need It?
You need some of the plumbing fixtures in your house daily and often multiple times a day. For example, you can’t go long without a working toilet or sink, but you may be able to go a couple of days without a washing machine. Determine how urgently you need the fixture, and that will help you determine if you have a plumbing emergency.
3. Is There a Weather Concern?
Weather concerns can lead to plumbing emergencies, too. If you have no water on a sweltering summer day, you’ll want immediate plumbing services to protect your health and well-being. On the other hand, if it’s below freezing and you have no hot water, you’ll need an emergency plumber to restore your comfort.
4. Is Damage Occurring?
Some plumbing problems cause damage to other areas of your home. For example, if your sewer line backs up sewage into your basement, you can’t ignore the problem. In that case, it qualifies as a plumbing emergency. On the other hand, if your sink is dripping, it won’t cause any additional damage if you wait a few days to fix the problem.
5. Can You Manage a Minor Fix?
You should never DIY plumbing because of the risks of worsening the problem, but sometimes you can cobble together a repair to hold the problem until help arrives. In that case, it may not be a plumbing emergency. On the other hand, if the problem is not something you can troubleshoot and it’s causing a significant inconvenience or damage to your home, then you have a plumbing emergency.
Public Service Plumbers is here to help if you have a plumbing emergency. Contact us online to schedule emergency plumbing services. We have over 60 years of experience, and we’re ready to put that to work for you.
