Plumbing emergencies never seem to occur at a convenient time. And when they do, they’re often expensive.

The best thing you can do in a plumbing emergency is to shut off your water immediately. This is the only way to prevent further damage and save money until a plumber can arrive.

Burst Pipes

A burst pipe is a major Emergency Plumbing in McKinney TX situation. It can cause flooding, water damage and lead to health issues if not addressed immediately. In some cases, a homeowner will be able to save their home from extensive damage by taking preventative action.

Some of the most common causes of burst pipes are corrosion, freezing temperatures and clogs. Water pipes are prone to corrosion because they are exposed to the elements, especially in unheated areas such as basements, attics and crawl spaces. Cold temperatures can cause them to freeze, which puts them under a lot of pressure. Clogs are also a major problem for pipes, as they can cause the water pressure to build up to the point where the pipe ruptures.

If you suspect a pipe has burst, turn off the water main valve immediately. This can be found at your water meter or where the main line enters your house. Next, move all your furniture and belongings away from the affected area and shut off any electrical devices in the room. Finally, open all the doors in your home to promote airflow and help dry the area.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can be an Emergency Plumbing in McKinney TX situation, particularly if they lead to backups in toilets or other fixtures. To prevent a clog, make a habit of checking the water level in your home’s drains regularly and cleaning any visible catches or traps. You can also try a simple DIY solution like pouring equal parts baking soda and salt down the drain, letting it sit for 20-30 minutes, then following up with hot water.

For serious clogs or those that don’t respond to DIY methods, it may be time to call in the pros. Be sure to turn off the water flow at your home’s main valve before calling for help, as this will reduce the amount of damage caused by the clog and keep it from getting worse while you wait for an emergency plumber. Also, be sure to use towels, rags, and heavy-duty paper to soak up any excess water as you wait for help.

Water Heater Leaks

Water heater leaks can be just as serious as burst pipes. They often happen at unexpected times and can lead to costly repairs and water damage if left untreated. Emergency plumbing services are needed to fix leaky water heaters and restore any damage they cause.

One of the most common places to find a leak from a water heater is the nipples at the top of the tank. These connect the cold water inlet and hot water outlet pipes to the water heater. Pooling water in these areas might also be caused by a faulty T&P valve (temperature and pressure relief valve) which allows steam or water to escape from the tank when the pressure builds up too much.

The location of a leak tells plumbers a lot about the problem and can help them determine its cause quickly. Knowing this information helps homeowners be more prepared for when their plumber arrives. It also saves time as they can shut off the water at the main valve to their home before the plumber arrives.

Sewer Backups

If the sewage system backs up into your home, it’s time to call in an emergency plumber. Raw sewage contains bacteria, viruses and germs that can make you and your family sick if you come into contact with it. It can also contaminate your belongings and cause permanent damage to your house’s structure and foundation.

Sewage backups are often caused by an overloaded sewer system during heavy rains. They can also occur due to blockages in the residential sewage pipes that connect to the main sewer line. These blockages can be caused by root infiltration, debris buildup or the natural material deterioration of old pipes.

Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding sewage backups. Have your sewer drain lines inspected and repaired on a regular basis, especially if you live in an older home. In addition, only flush toilet paper and human waste down the drains, and don’t dump cooking grease or other items down the garbage disposal.