Emergency Plumbing Services

When you have a plumbing emergency, time is of the essence. It can be a burst pipe, a clogged drain, or a malfunctioning water heater. Any delay in addressing the problem can snowball into costly and irreversible damage to your property and well-being.

You never know when a deceptively minor plumbing malfunction can turn into a catastrophe.

With timely and appropriate action, you can steer clear of such tragedies. Below, you will find crucial knowledge about plumbing emergencies and a step-by-step guide on how to deal with them.

Components of a Plumbing System

To deal with a plumbing emergency effectively, you should have a basic understanding of a plumbing system.

A plumbing system forms the backbone of any residential or commercial building. Plumbing systems are networks of pipes, fittings, and fixtures running from room to room and bringing water, gas, and waste in and out of the building.

Plumbing systems differ in size, scale, and complexity between residential and commercial properties. At their core, though, all plumbing systems are made up of three main parts:

Water Supply— The part of the plumbing system that brings water into a building from the main water supply line.
Drainage and Sewage—The part of your plumbing system that carries wastewater and sewage away from your home, office, or business into the main sewer line.
Gas Fittings— The part of the plumbing system that carries gas into a building for heating, cooking, and countless other uses.

Moreover, there are countless components working together to keep these three parts running. These components include:

Pipes— A network of pipes, typically made from copper, plastic, or steel, that carry water, gas, and waste.
Fittings— A variety of fittings, such as elbows, tees, and couplings, connect pipes and change the direction of the flow.
Fixtures— These devices are the parts of the plumbing system with which you directly interact, like sinks, toilets, and showers.
Valves— These are used to regulate the flow of fluids (water, waste, gas) through the plumbing system.
Appliances— These include water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers, which rely on the plumbing system for input and waste disposal.

What Is a Plumbing Emergency?

Some plumbing malfunctions are more pressing than others. Any situation that endangers the safety and well-being of people or causes structural damage to your property constitutes an emergency.

Here are some examples to illustrate what constitutes a plumbing emergency:

Burst pipes— Burst pipes can cause significant damage to your property and potentially lead to flooding, water damage, and contamination. Moreover, burst pipes can damage the surrounding infrastructure as well.
Clogged drains— A clogged drain can cause water to back up, leading to flooding and contamination.
Malfunctioning water heater— A water heater malfunction can be a major inconvenience in your home and severely disruptive in hospitals, labs, restaurants, and other businesses.
Broke, clogged, or overflowing toilet— If your toilet isn’t flushing properly, it can compromise your health and disrupt your daily routine.
Gas Leak— Gas leaks pose a serious safety risk and should never be taken lightly.
Sewage backup— A sewage backup can create serious health and safety risks and potentially weaken the foundation of a building.

At first glance, some plumbing malfunctions may not seem like a big deal. But given the stakes, it’s always better to be cautious and address the problem as soon as you detect it.

Some businesses may even face legal action due to a plumbing emergency. Think of gas leaks in a restaurant or a slip hazard in a hospital; if someone gets hurt on your property because of a plumbing malfunction, you will likely be held responsible. That’s why it’s important to spring to action when dealing with a plumbing emergency.

Difference Between Residential and Commercial Emergencies

As we saw earlier, all plumbing emergencies demand immediate action. However, the stakes are sometimes higher for commercial properties. While things like burst pipes and overflowing toilets are annoying and even dangerous regardless of the setting, commercial property owners may face worse ramifications. Commercial buildings tend to have larger and more complex plumbing systems due to the higher number of people they serve. Hence, the stakes of a plumbing emergency are often higher because these buildings are subject to safety regulations and legal accountability.

A homeowner may get away with a wet spot on the wall without addressing it. But a B&B owner will be more concerned due to stringent health codes. At the end of the day, though, both the homeowner and B&B owners risk mold and structural damage and need to take immediate action.

5-Step Guide to Deal With a Plumbing Emergency

A plumbing emergency can be annoying and even scary. But don’t worry; stay calm and follow the following steps to deal with the emergency safely and effectively:

Turn off the main water or gas supply to minimize any further damage and loss.
Take all necessary safety precautions, especially if there is a fire or electric shock hazard. Vacate the premises if necessary.
Once you have curbed any immediate danger, call a professional emergency plumbing service. As they hit the road, the plumber may give you some instructions.
Try cleaning up the mess to minimize long-term damage and clear a path for the plumber. But if the site is a safety hazard, wait until the plumber arrives.
Document any damage to your property, no matter how big or small. Take photos, videos, and notes to help with insurance claims.

Count on Us to Handle Your Plumbing Emergencies

Don’t wait until it’s too late. At Plumbing Services Peoria, the motto when it comes to plumbing emergencies is “better safe than sorry.”

A plumbing emergency demands immediate attention, be it a clogged toilet or a burst pipe. Luckily, our plumbing services are available 24/7, and you can count on us to be there for you when you need us the most.

We’re just a call away. We’ll dispatch our team quickly, diagnose the issue, and get to work fixing it as soon as possible. So don’t panic— give us a call, follow the steps given above, and let us take care of the rest!