It’s not always clear when you need to call an emergency plumber. Water doesn’t have to be flowing from your ceiling, or up to your knees for you to phone a plumber—though if those things are happening, you wouldn’t be reading this and wondering when to phone. That’s why it’s good to be prepared when in an emergency. Continue reading to find out what an emergency plumber does, when you should call an emergency plumber and the best way to get in touch with one in your area.

What Is an Emergency Plumber?

As the name suggests, an emergency plumber is someone you can call if you have an urgent or emergency situation. A leaking pipe can quickly and severely damage a home, so you should contact a plumber as soon as possible when you are in an urgent situation. Moreover, having a list of emergency contacts on hand will ensure that you know who to call in case of disaster.

8 Reasons to Call an Emergency Plumber

There are many types of plumbing problems faced by homeowners in Chicago today. However, some are more common than others. To know when to call an emergency plumber, you need to understand what an emergency looks like. You can best define a plumbing emergency as water damage that can’t be traced to a specific source—you do not need to be underwater to qualify for an emergency. Here are the 8 most common plumbing problems that require an emergency plumber in Chicago.

Frozen Pipes

In Chicago, frozen pipes are common during the harsh winters. When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside the pipes outside our homes freezes. The expansion of the pipe when the water turns to ice can cause it to burst. A frozen pipe can prevent water from flowing inside our homes, so we cannot flush our toilets, take a shower, or even drink water. When your pipes are frozen, you should call an emergency plumber immediately rather than trying to thaw them yourself. The result could be further damage to your pipes and your home, so it’s best to hire a professional.

Burst Pipes

Speaking of busted pipes, one of the most common causes of house flooding is a burst or leaking pipe. While this plumbing problem is most evident in winter, it can occur at any time of the year. Even if it does not result in flooding, a burst pipe still requires an emergency plumber. Before you call an emergency plumber, shut off the main water valve in your home immediately. Doing so will minimize the damage caused by water. The damage that can be done by water soaking through drywall or flooring is irreversible, so you want to act quickly and contact an emergency plumber. They will locate the damaged pipes, repair or replace them, and check the rest of your plumbing for any further damages or issues.

No Water

When you suddenly lose your water supply, this is cause for concern and warrants a visit from an emergency plumber. Even though not having water isn’t as dangerous as the other issues we’ll discuss, it’s still an inconvenience and could even indicate other issues. Although most of us don’t drink water from the tap anymore, a lack of running water is still an emergency plumbing problem. Call a professional if the problem doesn’t resolve on its own.

No Hot Water

Having no hot water can be inconvenient most of the year, but for some people, it can be dangerous. There’s nothing worse than running out of hot water during the dead of winter. Cold water can shock the body, which can be dangerous for children or the elderly. When this happens, and you have no other means of generating hot water, don’t hesitate to get your water heater repaired. No hot water can be an indicator that your hot water heater isn’t working. Discolored water is one sign, but a freezing cold shower in the morning is the most obvious sign. Another thing you might notice is that your water has a strange smell to it. Consider calling a local plumber to check your water heater. You don’t want to put this off because a faulty water heater could be hiding leaks, and there is nothing worse than spending hours cleaning up water from its tank.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are inevitable in any home, but you should try to prevent them the best you can. Baby wipes, paper towels, and hair that end up in your pipes can clog the system, so don’t throw these down the toilet, and try to regularly remove any hair build-up in your drains. A clogged drain isn’t always preventable, though. It is possible, for instance, for roots to grow through cracks and create obstructions. In many cases, these cases are difficult to identify, which is why you’ll need the services of a drain cleaning plumber. Symptoms of clogged drains include slow drainage, bubbling water, puddles of water, etc. You should call a plumber if you notice any of these because they might indicate a more serious issue.

Sewage Smells

Obviously, sewage is a health hazard. Smell will play a role in noticing this issue—unless there’s clearly visible sewage. You’ll know if the sewer line is backed up because it smells like sewage. Another sign of a sewage backup is a backup of water in other drains. The kitchen sink might fill with water whenever you flush the toilet, for example. As with a gas leak, this is a major health hazard, so it qualifies as an emergency. Sewage backup releases contaminants into the air, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and gastroenteritis.

Overflowing Toilet

Overflowing toilets can also be an emergency. Consult a plumber if you can’t fix the problem yourself. The water is contaminated with bacteria, making it potentially harmful. If you’re not sure of the underlying cause of the problem, a plumber can help you.

Flooding or Signs of Flooding

A sudden inflow of water, with or without an immediate source, is a plumbing emergency. In many cases, flooding is caused by burst pipes, clogged sinks or toilets, or similar problems. During a flood, one of the biggest problems you will face is the damage to your home. When you don’t have a professional come out to fix the problem, you run the risk of more water damage to your home and the possibility of it flooding again. Get an emergency plumber to come out to your home if it’s flooding to not only stop the flood but to prevent it from happening again.

Contact Emergency Plumbing Services in Chicago

Grayson Sewer & Drain Services’ licensed plumbers can handle anything from a leaky faucet to a busted sewer pipe. By providing quality services, our plumbers can ensure your household’s health and safety. Contact us at (847)222-3038 or fill out a contact form on our website to chat with one of our representatives about all of your plumbing needs!