11 Most Common Plumbing Emergencies (and Finding the Right Plumber)

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What Are the Most Common Plumbing Emergencies?Understanding Common Plumbing Emergencies

We all dread plumbing emergencies. You know how it goes. You’re having a perfectly normal day when suddenly there’s water where it shouldn’t be! Don’t worry, though; we’re walking you through everything you need to know about handling the most common plumbing problems and saving yourself some headaches (and money) along the way with the right plumber.

And if you’re in Charlotte, NC, our Dependaworthy Benjamin Franklin Plumbing folks have your back. Our team specializes in all types of emergency plumbing services and guarantees to fix it right, or you don’t pay.

What Counts as a Plumbing Emergency?

A plumbing emergency is an issue that causes damage to your home or throws a major wrench in your daily routine if you don’t take quick action. You know, things like pipes bursting (yikes!), sewage backing up (double yikes!), or your water heater deciding to take an unplanned vacation.

These aren’t problems you want to put off until next week. They tend to get worse pretty quickly.

Common Plumbing Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Let’s break down those common plumbing nightmares.

1. Leaking Pipes

Have you found a leaky pipe? If you have, turn off that water supply right away. Pipes can leak because of freezing, corrosion, or high water pressure.

While you might be tempted to slap some plumber’s tape on it and call it a day, that’s like putting a band-aid on a broken arm. You’ll want a pro to find and fix the real issue. Trust us on this one.

2. Clogged Sinks

We’ve all been there. The sink’s draining slower than a snail in molasses. Hair, grease, food bits, they all love to team up and create a clog.

Sure, you can try the old plunger trick or that baking soda and vinegar combo. This science experiment can certainly help fix minor blockages (plunger or plumbing snake) and dissolve stubborn buildup (baking soda and vinegar) in your pipes.

But if that drain’s still giving you grief (maybe you have some bathroom or kitchen sink emergencies), it’s time to call in the experts.

3. Running Toilets

Nothing’s more annoying than a toilet that just won’t quit running. Not only is it driving you crazy, but it’s also flushing your money down the drain through higher water bills. A wonky flapper valve, sediment buildup, or a broken float are often the culprits.

So, sometimes, it’s as simple as replacing the flapper. However, if that doesn’t do the trick, you’ll want a professional to take a look.

4. Low Water Pressure

Isn’t it frustrating when your morning shower feels more like a light drizzle? If you experience low water pressure, it usually means something’s up. It could be mineral buildup (especially common in older homes), a sneaky leak, or your pressure regulator throwing a fit.

Start with the simple stuff, like cleaning out your showerhead. But if that doesn’t help, you’ll need a pro to dig deeper.

5. Water Heater Troubles

Nothing wakes you up quite like an ice-cold shower! If your water heater’s acting up or you spot a puddle around it, don’t wait around.

These issues tend to snowball, and before you know it, you could be shopping for a new unit. A good plumber can tell you whether it’s worth fixing or if it’s time to say goodbye to your old water heater.

6. Dripping Faucets

Drip… drip… drip… This is becoming maddening, isn’t it? Not to mention wasteful (a spike in your utility bills is proof of that)! Usually, the culprits are worn-out washers or seals causing the drama.

While it might look like an easy DIY job, having a pro handle it means they can spot any other issues lurking in your plumbing while they’re at it.

7. Leaking Washing Machine Hose

Here’s a hairy thought. Those washing machine hoses can burst when you least expect it. Think of them like your car tires. They need regular check-ups and replacements every few years as they wear out over time.

If you spot a leak, shut off the water right away (you don’t want an indoor swimming pool in your laundry room!).

8. Clogged Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal isn’t a magic food vanisher (though that would be nice!). So, overloading it will cause it to jam without a doubt.

We recommend skipping the harsh chemicals when it gets jammed up with things like grease or tough veggie scraps. They often do more harm than good. Let a professional clear it safely and show you how to keep it running smoothly.

9. Worn-Out Fixtures

Do you have leaky faucets or temperamental showerheads? Just like us, fixtures get old and wear out after years of use.

Sometimes, a replacement is the best gift you can give your home. It feels like a mini-makeover for your plumbing!

10. Sewage Backup (The Big One)

Let’s be honest, this is the nightmare scenario. If you smell something funky or hear your drains making weird gurgling noises, don’t ignore it.

Whether it’s tree roots getting too friendly with your pipes or a major clog, you’ll want this fixed ASAP. Trust us, this isn’t a DIY project.

Besides getting back to your regular household operation, this is a matter of avoiding health risks.

11. Broken Water Lines

This one’s a real troublemaker. So, water lines can break due to freezing temperatures, tree roots, or shifting soil.

Watch out for signs like mysteriously wet spots in your yard or water that looks like someone dropped a tea bag in it.

Prevention is your best friend here. Keep those pipes cozy in winter and get regular checkups.

How to Choose the Right Plumbing Service

When it comes to choosing a superhero plumber, you want someone who:

1. Have Local Knowledge

A plumber who knows your neighborhood (and its quirky plumbing issues) like the back of their hand comes in handy during plumbing emergencies.

Dependaworthy Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Charlotte, NC, combines experience and local insight to deliver quality service.

2. Is Licensed and Insured

Always hire a plumber who has all the proper paperwork. Licenses and insurance are super important.

This guarantees qualified work and protects you from liability if something goes wrong.

3. Offers Range of Services

Can the plumber handle everything from a drippy faucet to a full-on plumbing emergency? Look for a plumbing company that offers everything from small repairs to major installations.

Dependaworthy Benjamin Franklin provides a comprehensive list of services to meet all your emergency plumbing needs.

4. Has Customer Reviews

Ideally, you want to find a plumber who has happy customers singing their praises. That’s because reviews and testimonials provide valuable insights into a plumber’s reliability and professionalism.

Dependaworthy Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has built a strong reputation for exceptional service and satisfied clients.

5. Clear Pricing

The plumber should also give you a straight talk about pricing. No surprise bills, please! Transparent pricing is non-negotiable, so be cautious of vague estimates.

Dependaworthy Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers honest quotes, so you know what to expect.

6. Emergency Availability

The plumber shows up when you need them. After all,  plumbing emergencies don’t check your calendar first.

Dependaworthy Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is ready to handle emergencies any time, day or night.

For folks in Charlotte, NC, Dependaworthy Benjamin Franklin Plumbing checks all these boxes. Our trucks are like rolling plumbing supply stores. Ready for whatever your pipes throw at us.

Fixing Common Plumbing Emergencies with Dependaworthy

Plumbing emergencies are never fun, but they don’t have to be a total disaster, either. Stay on top of maintenance, and when things do go wrong (because, let’s face it, they sometimes will), don’t hesitate to call in the pros.

If you’re in Charlotte, Dependaworthy Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is just a phone call away, ready with top-tier emergency plumbing services. We’ll show up on time, fix what needs fixing, and leave your home as clean as we found it, maybe even cleaner. After all, we’re DEPENDAWORTHY (Dependable + Trustworthy).