8 of the most common plumbing emergencies
Common emergencies our plumbers repair
Plumbing emergencies can be frustrating, and time-consuming. Whether you own a home or a commercial property, it's important to understand the most common plumbing emergencies and to keep an eye out for the warning signs when these faults are about to occur. If you are experiencing any of the following faults call an emergency plumber as quickly as possible to keep damage and disruption to a minimum.
Burst pipes
Burst pipes are one of the most common plumbing emergencies, and they're typically caused by freezing temperatures. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst. This can happen to both interior and exterior pipes, try to keep your boiler's thermostat at a consistent temperature throughout the winter to prevent sudden changes in the outdoor temperature from affecting your pipes.
Leaking pipes
Leaking pipes can be caused by a variety of factors, including corrosion, high water pressure, and physical damage. If you notice water stains on your walls or ceilings, it's important to have a plumber inspect your pipes to determine if there's a leak.
Clogged drains
Clogged Drain Unblocking can be caused by a variety of things, including hair, soap scum, food particles, and grease. When these materials accumulate in the drain, they can cause a blockage that prevents water from flowing through.
Leaking taps
Leaking taps are usually caused by worn-out or damaged seals, which allow water to seep through the tap even when it's turned off. This can waste a lot of water over time and can also lead to higher water bills. It’s best to get a plumber out to either repair or provide a replacement and install a new tap.
Running toilets
A running toilet is usually caused by a faulty flapper valve, which is responsible for sealing the tank and preventing water from constantly flowing into the toilet bowl. If the flapper valve is damaged or worn out, water can leak into the bowl and cause the toilet to run continuously. Not only will this cause disruption due to noise, but it can cause a dangerous increase in your water usage if not repaired quickly.
Low water pressure
Low water pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including clogged pipes, water leaks, and malfunctioning fixtures. If you're experiencing low water pressure throughout your home or building, it's important to have a plumber inspect your system to determine the cause.
Sewer backup
A sewer backup can occur when a blockage prevents wastewater from flowing through the sewer line. This can cause sewage to back up into your home or building, which can be extremely unsanitary and dangerous to your health. If you believe you are experiencing this fault get in contact with an emergency plumber now.
Boiler failure
Boiler failure/ error codes can be caused by a variety of factors, including sediment build-up, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a damaged heating element. If your boiler fails, it can leave you without hot water and heating, which can be a major inconvenience. Ensure you get your boiler serviced every year to reduce the risk of an all-out failure – if you are experiencing a loss of heating and hot water get in contact with an emergency boiler engineer now!
It’s undeniably useful to understand the 8 most common plumbing emergencies in the unlucky event you may have one in your own home. However, if you do experience a plumbing emergency, it's important to call a professional plumber as soon as possible to minimize damage and ensure the problem is properly fixed and your home can return to normal.
