The Most Common Plumbing Emergencies

The Most Common Plumbing Emergencies - Not only are plumbing emergencies an inconvenience, but they can also leave a lot of expensive damage behind. You will likely experience a plumbing emergency at some point and knowing how to handle it is key. 

Your homes plumbing system is integral to your every day lifestyle and there are several common issues we see each day as licensed plumbers. From a frozen pipe repair service to clearing or repairing a leaking toilet, your local plumber can help with it all.

For many people, determining if a plumbing problem is an emergency or not can be a challenge and knowing when you need emergency plumbing services is vital to helping you save money (and headache) in the long-run.
To help, we’ve put together a list of issues that almost always need same-day plumbing work. Let’s dive in! 

A Fractured/Burst Water Pipe

Burst pipes are plumbing emergencies Toronto plumbers are commonly called on to fix. Pipe leaks frequently occur when frozen pipes thaw or when a pipe is quite old and worn. Depending on where the pipe leak occurs, it may not be possible to stop the flow by cutting off the water supply to the property. An uncontrolled flow of water can be incredibly damaging and expensive.

Even if the flow can be halted by cutting off the water supply, occupants can’t live safely without access to running water. A same-day Toronto plumber is needed to stop the leak, repair the pipe, and carry out any other necessary remedial work.

Faulty Main Water Shutoff Valve

When struggling with a burst pipe, what most people first think to do (correctly) is to shut the water supply off, using the main water shutoff valve. Unfortunately, like any other plumbing infrastructure, this valve can get damaged or worn, then fail when you need it most and you can't turn off the water pressure.

If this happens, it’s best to call a professional plumber to replace or repair the main water shutoff valve. Experts have the knowledge, experience, and tools to do the job efficiently and correctly. 

Backed-up Sewage Pipe

Signs that you have a backed-up sewage pipe include slow draining (or non-draining), sinks, showers, and baths. Backflow in toilets or baths is also likely to be a problem. A sewer backup is an emergency because it means there’s no way for wastewater to exit your home. Without a fast, emergency drain clearing service, your home could swiftly become uninhabitable. A telltale sign your sewer is getting clogged or backed up is smelling odors coming from the drains.

A Blocked Toilet

For homes that have more than one toilet, a blocked toilet isn’t necessarily an emergency, as occupants can simply use the functioning toilet until a plumber can attend during scheduled hours, however that being said, clogged toilets are definitely on our list as one of the most common plumbing emergencies.

If it’s the only toilet in the house and/or the property is home to vulnerable people (including invalids, the elderly, or younger children), then it’s vital to call out a professional plumber to remove the blockage.

A gurgling toilet is usually an early sign that your toilet is not working properly. Having a running toilet in your home will cost you in water usage from the city and if left long enough, those costs will exceed the cost of hiring a plumber!

An overflowing toilet however, will need to be serviced ASAP because the last thing a homeowner wants is a water damaged bathroom, or worse. Water from clogged toilets, clogged sinks and clogged drains can cause serious damage to your home.

Blocked toilets can be hazardous to health, especially if backflow has occurred. Why risk it? Call a same-day emergency plumber in Toronto and get your toilet unblocked promptly.

Leaks Through Your Electrical System

Even a slow leak can become a life-threatening hazard if the water is dripping through your homes wiring. Electricity and water are potentially a lethal mix. Leaks often occur through pot lights which means there is a leak in the ceiling. If you see this, you may need a leaking ceiling repair where the ceiling needs to be opened up and the source of the leak investigated.

If you notice any signs of a water leak that may have compromised your electrical wiring, switch the electricity off immediately and call an emergency plumber and an emergency electrician. The plumber will fix the source of the leak, while the electrician can check your wiring to ensure it’s safe to use.

Other Plumbing Emergencies

The above scenarios are common plumbing emergencies, but many other plumbing issues may create a crisis for a household, particularly if there are specific medical needs that mean a working bath, shower, or washing machine must always be available. 

Something as simple as a dripping tap from a leaky faucet can be an emergency if you can’t get it to stop, and it’s keeping everyone in the household awake! Constant or repetitive leaks can also result in high water bills, and nobody wants to waste money like that. A professional who offers a faucet and taps repair service is only a phone call away when a plumbing issue is inconveniencing you at any time.

Emergency Plumbing Service in Toronto

 If you’re living in Toronto and have a plumbing problem on your hands, the professional plumbers from DrainWorks Expert Plumbing are available when you need us most. Our time-served team of friendly, professional, licensed plumbers provides fast, effective, and competitively priced plumbing services across Toronto and the surrounding area.

Contact us today!

416-486-0000