Any plumbing issue can feel like an emergency in the moment, and we’d argue that no matter what you should call for help. Our team has expert plumbers on call who can provide relief whenever you need it, even if the situation is not an emergency.
But we get it, if you’ve got plans or a busy day, you don’t necessarily want to ruin everything just because of a pesky leak or a drain clog. In that case, we’ve decided to give you some tips on how to determine if your plumbing issue is an emergency or not.
Keep in mind–plumbing problems still should be repaired, even when they’re not emergencies. But we’ll describe why certain issues are emergencies and why others aren’t. Just make sure you schedule plumbing in Cedar Rapids with our team of master and journeyman plumbers.
What’s Happening Right Now?
Before the anxiety settles in, take a deep breath and remember this cardinal rule of plumbing emergencies–take it one step at a time. You can’t be everywhere all at once and you likely can’t fix the root of the problem without the trained hand of a licensed professional.
Luckily, we’re here to guide you. Take a walk around your home and evaluate what’s going on.
- What sounds are being made?
- Do you see any dripping water or puddles?
- Where is the location of the problem? Is it happening in multiple places at once?
- Is the problem with clean water or dirty, contaminated water?
- Can you still sleep safe and sound overnight without the problem being fixed entirely?
These are the questions you’ll want to ask yourself to initially assess whether the problem is an emergency. If it seems like it needs to be fixed ASAP, then you’ll want to call our team and get someone over there immediately. Otherwise, you should still call for support, but you can wait until a convenient time to do so.
Determining the Severity of Damage
Next, you’ll want to examine the severity of the damage. For instance, a burst pipe is going to be much more severe when it comes to damaging your home than a pinhole leak. Burst pipes can gush water when they thaw in the winter, and that could waste gallons of water in a moment if you’re not careful. This water can be detrimental to your home’s health and lead to mold growth.
A pinhole leak, on the other hand, is so tiny that even when left alone for a few days, it will only leak a gallon or so. A bucket placed underneath it while you wait for support is usually going to be fine.
Short-Term Vs. Long-Term Consequences
Think of your plumbing system in terms of short-term vs. long-term consequences. Water dripping everywhere can have bad short-term and long-term consequences depending on how bad the issue is. In the short term, it will waste water and cause damage to your home and property. In the long term, it will allow for mold growth and bacteria.
Every problem has either long-term or short-term consequences that must be thought about before you can determine if it’s an emergency or just a regular plumbing concern.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.