Plumbing emergencies within your home or office can lead to a complete halt in your daily work and performance. Some common large-scale plumbing emergencies you may encounter include sewer line damage, broken pipes, and clogged drains. Even though such problems may look small, they can lead to significant property damage and health hazards in any building. Whether small or large, most buildings can get plumbing emergencies from time to time because of wear and tear from all the activities and foot traffic. Contacting a plumber in Maryland who understands how sensitive large-scale plumping issues can be in any kind of building should be your top priority. The plumber will diagnose the cause and offer solutions to repair it.
Common Plumbing Emergencies
Here is a list of common plumbing emergencies you may face:
Clogged Sewer Line
Clogged sewer lines are one of the most common plumbing issues. The clogging could occur due to various reasons like hard water buildup, blockages, or foreign objects thrown in the toilet. While you may unclog the sewer line using DIY practices, this could lead to other problems that may be linked to the main drain line. It is best to contact a professional plumber who deals with major plumbing issues to first diagnose the root of the clogging before finding the correct solution.
Clogged Drains
Most buildings have strategically placed sinks to serve the people who live there, business owners or clients. Clogged sink drains might mean that there is a greater underlying problem linked to the main drain line. This water often contains dirt and can start smelling, making it a priority plumbing emergency. You can use a drain snake or plunger to fix a clogged sink most of the time. However, in a larger setting, especially if the problem is linked to the interconnecting drain pipes and, perhaps, main drain line problems, you may have to contact a professional plumber with the right equipment to handle this for you.
Sewage Backup
Another health hazard for everyone involved in your building is sewage backups. Sewage backups occur due to some kind of damage or an obstruction in your main sewer line. This damage prevents proper wastewater drainage, meaning that flushing no longer works, and all the waste comes back to your home or office. This problem might usually go beyond your plunger, so contacting a professional plumber and telling them about your sewage problem will help you figure out whether it requires professional help.
Pipe Bursts
Pipes usually burst when there is a significant increase in the water pressure weakening the pipe joint. Excess water pressure can cause pipes to burst or lead to the failure of a plumbing fixture. You will usually hear a loud popping sound when a pipe bursts, but most people do not catch it. This problem can be worse in a commercial building as the pressure needed to pump water is usually higher, meaning the damage caused by the pressure is more. Contact a plumber immediately if you notice unexplained pooling water around pipe joints or any other telltale signs that indicate a burst.
Lack of Water
Water is essential for the smooth running of any business, not just restaurants and eateries. A good plumbing setup helps keep the property cleaner and everyone healthier. Sometimes, the entire neighborhood may suffer from a lack of water, and you will need to check if other buildings around have water. If they face the same issue, there could be a problem with the main water line, and the entire community may need to act. However, if it is just your property, a professional plumber should be contacted to investigate and repair the plumbing line. Since lack of water can arise from various reasons, proper inspections should be done. Video camera inspection under the building’s foundation could be a great way to diagnose the problem correctly. At the same time, equipment like a Jetter can be used to unclog even the most stubborn plumbing line clogs.
Things to Do In a Plumbing Emergency
Plumbing emergencies can occur anytime, and you need to act fast to avoid any major or irreversible damage. Here are some things you can do during a plumbing emergency while waiting for the plumber to arrive:
Switch Off the Water Source
When you have a plumbing emergency, the first thing you should do is turn off the closest water source. For example, if you have leaking pipes, turn off the water connection that feeds the pipes. You will have to turn off the main valve if the issue is more serious, like a broken pipe.
Turn Off the Water Heater
If you have a major emergency that needs you to turn off the main water line, you should also turn off water heaters in all the affected parts of the building. This should prevent excessive damage due to heat buildup or lack of water.
Repair Small Leaks if Possible
If you notice a small leak, you can temporarily fix it with a plumber’s tape. This tape seals leaks in pipes till they are replaced or repaired. If you don’t have a plumber’s tape, you can also use old rags and towels to reduce water loss. Again this is a temporary solution, and an emergency plumbing company should be called immediately.
Avoid Using Chemicals
If you have a clogged drain or toilet in your building, it can be tempting to use chemicals to unclog the drain. But it is best to avoid this and call a professional plumber. If used wrong, the chemical can potentially damage your pipes, even before discovering what is causing the plumbing issue. A plumber will identify the actual cause of the block and then repair it. Professional plumbers have equipment like video cameras that they can use to do underground video inspections to determine the cause of the blocks.
Assess the Damage
If you can identify the cause of the emergency, try to assess the extent of the damage. Remember to shut off the water connection before you check for any damages. The more information you have when you call a plumber, the easier it will be to describe the issue. The plumber will send a technician and equipment based on the information you have given.
Check all Electrical Appliances
Ensure you check all your water-based electrical appliances or appliances close to water pipes and turn them off to avoid damage and short circuits. Unplug them off the wall if possible! Once you have turned them off, check the appliances to ensure they are not damaged.
Use a Plunger
Plungers can be very handy during plumbing emergencies. They can sometimes save you hundreds of dollars. If you don’t have one, you can get one at your regular supermarkets. Place the plunger on the drain so that it creates a vacuum. Push and draw the plunger with force up and down over the waste. This will help break down and clear most soft blockages. If the plunger doesn’t clear the blockage, you will have to contact a plumber.
Contact a Professional Plumber
While all of the tips mentioned above will help you deal with the immediate problem, a professional plumber will help you find a permanent solution to your plumbing issue.
Visit https://www.bfplumbingmd.com/ for plumbing services in Maryland Owings Mills plumbers and regarding major scale plumbing issues like water pipe repairs and replacement, drain and sewer cleaning, water meter installations, fire hydrant repair, video inspection, and sewer pipe repair to different communities.
BFMD, LLC
4219-A, Hanover Pike, Manchester, MD 21102
410-440-5814