It’s easy to start panicking when the toilet won’t flush immediately or when your shower drain is slow to remove water from the tub. However, there’s a difference between a plumbing nuisance and a true plumbing emergency. As a homeowner, it’s critical to understand the difference between the two to avoid unnecessary panic and an unnecessary visit from your emergency plumber. Here are some of the signs you should pick up the phone and give us a call right now.
A Risk of Flooding
Flooding represents an immediate threat to your health and safety, as well as the structure of your home. It does not take much water flowing out of a pipe or failed sump pump to create inches of water that linger in your home and lead to water damage and mold. Flooding, whether from a sewage backup, water valve failure, or burst pipe, is always considered a plumbing emergency, and you should contact your plumber as soon as possible.
Numerous Clogged Drains
A single clogged drain is something you should take care of, but it doesn’t represent an immediate threat to your ability to use the plumbing in your home. This is particularly true if you have multiple sinks, toilets, or showers. However, multiple clogged drains at the same time can be a sign of deeper problems. In some cases, this can lead to hazardous sewage backups. If you notice that multiple drains are slow to drain or completely clogged simultaneously, you have a plumbing emergency on your hands.
Sewage Backup Issues
Raw sewage is a serious issue, as it can lead to health problems if you are exposed to it. If you have a sewer line backing up in your house, it is an immediate plumbing emergency. If you ignore a sewer that is backed up, it can even lead to untreated sewage flowing back through the drains in your home. We can address the problem immediately to protect your health and safety.
What Is Not an Emergency?
In order to understand what a plumbing emergency is, it can also be helpful to know what types of things are not considered an emergency. Some of the things that you can schedule appointments for include:
- One drain that is draining slower than usual
- Preventative maintenance for your water heater or furnace
- Inspections
- Appliance installation, including washing machines or garbage disposal replacements
- Small repairs like running toilets or faucets that are dripping
Avoid a Plumbing Emergency with Master Plumbing
Give Master Plumbing a call at (301) 650-9100, or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you with just about anything plumbing-related! We have received Angie’s List Super Service Award recognition for plumbing and drain cleaning every year since 2007, in addition to the Best Plumber award from Best of Bethesda. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today—you won’t regret it! To see examples of our projects, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!