Nobody likes a middle-of-the-night call to the plumber. Fortunately, most plumbing situations that we receive calls about are generally not urgent and require a simple water turn-off until morning or the weekday, therefore avoiding a hefty bill. However, there are certain plumbing situations that require immediate attention due to their dangerous nature. These are some of the most problematic plumbing situations that could be dangerous to you and your family:
1. Burst Pipes
Just what it sounds like – a massive gush of water due to a burst pipe can flood a basement or a whole house in no time. Property damage is a huge factor here, but so is risk of electrical shock and waste contamination due to flooding. If you can and the damage isn’t yet extensive, try finding the valve to turn off the water to your house to offset any further complications. If not, call the plumber right away and get ready for a long cleanup.
2. Gas or Sewer Leaks
If you’re smelling that sulfur or rotten-egg smell in your house, there’s a good chance you’ve got a gas leak. Even if you suspect you have a gas leak, leave your house immediately and call the plumber or gas company to come fix the problem. Long-term exposure to gas can cause illness or even death. Sewer leaks aren’t quite as immediately dangerous, but the odor is unpleasant and certain sewer gasses can cause health problems in the long run.
3. Back Flow Issues
Plumbing is based on two things: sending bad water away from your home and bringing good water back. A back flow problem occurs when contaminated water travels back towards your house and into your pipes. This can contaminate clean water and lead to health problems. If you suspect you have a back flow problem, contact a plumbing service immediately.
If you have any of these plumbing issues or have another plumbing-related emergency, contact Pioneer Plumbing and Heating to resolve them quickly and get your plumbing back into working condition.