When it comes to plumbing issues, almost anything that goes wrong can seem like a plumbing emergency. We all want our toilets, sinks, and tubs working perfectly. So when things go wrong, uncertainty sets in. Is it really an emergency? Should you fix it yourself or should you call an emergency plumbing service?
It can be almost impossible to draw the line between a minor plumbing issue and a true emergency. A general guideline is that any plumbing issue that could potentially cause extensive damage or cost a large sum of money should be considered an emergency. The problem is that it’s not always easy to tell when that might be the case.
That said, there are a few plumbing emergencies that we always consider to be emergencies at Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC. If you are facing one of these situations, you should call an emergency plumbing service right away.
How Do I Know if I Have a Plumbing Emergency?
It is easy to misjudge the severity of a plumbing issue. Since you can’t see into the pipes, it is impossible for you to know what is actually happening behind the scenes. A minor problem, such as a recurring drain clog, could actually indicate more serious problems with your pipes. The tricky thing is that you often have no way to know for sure!
A professional plumber, on the other hand, has both the proper tools and the experience needed to “see” what is actually going with your plumbing issue behind the scenes.
Ultimately, there is only one way to be certain as to whether or not you have an emergency and that is to call a local emergency plumber. If you have even the slightest suspicion that your plumbing issue could be an emergency, it’s always a good idea to ask a professional. Emergency plumbers will come out to your house at any time, including nights or weekends, to diagnose your plumbing issue and advise you on the best way to proceed.
However, there are some situations that are definitely plumbing emergencies and require an urgent call to a plumbing repair service:
- Lack of running water
- Water heater failure
- A stopped drain
- Sewer that is backing up
- A burst pipe
If your plumbing issues include any of the above, you should call an emergency plumbing service immediately.
What Should I Do If I Have an Emergency Plumbing Issue?
The most important thing to do when you have a plumbing issue is to stay calm. As the top commercial plumber in Charlotte, NC, we have seen every plumbing situation possible. We can assure you that your plumbing issues can be fixed.
No matter how overwhelming the situation may seem, follow these steps for peace of mind:
- Don’t panic.
- If necessary, shut off the water.
- Regardless of the time of day, call an emergency plumber.
- Exhale…the plumbing service is on its way and will handle this for you.
Keep in mind that whatever is happening with your plumbing, your plumbing company has no doubt dealt with this situation before. They are here to work with you and guide you through the stress of plumbing emergencies.
Can I Try to Fix It Myself?
With so many tutorials and videos available online, it’s tempting to try to fix a small plumbing problem by yourself. A quick trip to the local home improvement store and you’ll be all set, right? Unfortunately, things aren’t always quite that simple. When it comes to plumbing repairs, there is a world of difference between a dripping faucet and a leaking pipe.
Unless you are a professional plumber, you run the risk of turning a minor inconvenience into a major emergency. And even if you consider yourself to be handy around the house, there are times when you will need to call an emergency plumbing service.
There are a few instances when you can try to do the repairs yourself, which can include:
- A leaky faucet
- A clogged drain
- A mispositioned sink stopper
In general, you should be able to fix any one of those issues easily and quickly. Just remember to proceed with caution. If at any time you no longer feel comfortable with the repair work or the problem seems to be getting worse, it is time for you to call an emergency plumber contractor. They can take over the repair work before anything turns into a bigger problem.
When Should I Call an Emergency Plumbing Service?
Time is crucial when it comes to plumbing emergencies. The longer you wait before calling, the greater the risk becomes for causing costly water damage to your home. At Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC, we will always advise you to call a plumber repair service immediately if you think you may have an emergency.
Jobs to Save for a Plumber
It’s tempting to try to save money by taking on plumbing repairs on your own. A quick online search will yield plenty of advice for ways to solve your plumbing issues. But this can actually end up costing you more money if you get halfway through a repair and can’t complete it. So the sooner you call a plumber, the sooner your issue will be fixed!
Here are a few of the situations that are better left to a plumber:
- Jobs that require cutting into a wall
- Problems associated with a water heater
- Any trouble with a sewage line
In these cases, specialized plumbing tools and very specific skills are needed. The average homeowner just isn’t prepared to take on these repairs and could end up causing extensive damage. A plumbing repair service is the way to go.
Who Should I Call for My Plumbing Emergency in Charlotte, NC?
Just reach out to Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC, of course! We provide 24-hour emergency plumbing repair in the Charlotte area. Call us at (704) 289-6858 or contact us online and let’s talk about how we can solve your plumbing issues.
No emergency? We offer a variety of other repair and installation services to keep your plumbing working efficiently.