The Homeowner’s Checklist for Spotting Hidden Plumbing Repair Issues
Most of us have seen the funny scare prank videos, when children put bottles of water inside shoes, place them on a path outside the bathroom, and make a call to dad: “Dad, water is running out of the bathroom!” The videos make for a funny prank video, but real plumbing emergencies are not funny at all. That is why it is important to call Doctor Cool Plumbing for help as soon as possible during a plumbing emergency.
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Plumbing problems can be quite complex.
- The supply side of potable water is under pressure. Even tiny pinhole leaks will spray large amounts of water very quickly into the home. Most supply water lines are behind walls, under the floor, or running through attic spaces, while
- Sanitary sewer is gray or black water (black water carries human waste). Sewer lines use gravity to move wastewater, so all pipes must run downhill. Sewer lines are also installed behind the wall and under the floor, but never in the attic.
- Repairs often require extensive remodeling repairs, since water and wastewater can cause extensive damage that can lead to significant health problems.
Make sure to locate your home’s water shut-off valve for emergency situations and know the number for emergency repairs.
What are the most common emergency plumbing repairs that Doctor Cool Plumbing gets called to?
1 Clogged Drains
It might not sound like an emergency, but how long can your family go without the kitchen sink? Bathroom sinks or tubs? The toilet? How long could your family do without all these essential structures? The major source of clogs in kitchen sinks is food, cooking fats, oil, and grease. These substances were warm and liquid when they entered the drain, but solidified as they cooled. The problem with bathroom sinks and tubs often includes hair combined with soap and other sticky cleaning products. Toilet clogs are most often a combination of human waste with other matters that should be disposed of in the trash and not down the drain.
2 Indoor Leaks
Remember, the leaking water will be either clean, potable water under pressure or dangerous wastewater. Easy leaks are uncovered and clearly accessible, while hard leaks are behind closed walls or under floors. These leaks may be difficult to find, causing damage for lengthy periods. The first indication might be a wet spot on the wall (or ceiling) or unexplained wet spots on the carpet.
3 Outdoor Leaks
It should be relatively easy to determine the path supply and wastewater lines take across the lawn. This is good general information, but it can be essential when dealing with a leak between the home and municipal systems. Remember that the supply of water is under pressure, so the water moves quickly and often travels downward. That makes it harder to find until a very large hole develops. Wastewater seeps out of the pipe slowly and tends to pool and wick upwards. When this happens, the leak is much easier to find when the surface appears wet, green, and smelly.
4 Emergency Plumbing Repair
Plumbing emergencies can also be a combination of any or all of those listed above. An outdoor plumbing leak usually affects the indoor plumbing, backing up wastewater into the home. Repairs will usually require periods of time when the water is required to be shut off.
The damage caused by plumbing emergencies often requires significant remodeling repairs, which are expensive and time-consuming. There is no time for delay, so call for assistance immediately.
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Don’t let a small leak turn into a costly home disaster that disrupts your daily routine. Our experienced team is ready to provide fast, reliable plumbing repair to restore your peace of mind and protect your property. Call Doctor Cool right now at (281) 301-1117 to book your plumbing repair appointment, or simply fill out our online contact form to get started today!