As a homeowner, the plumbing system plays a very important role in the overall comfort and function of your home. Plumbing emergencies are no fun and can end up costing a lot of money if not handled right away. It is important to have a trusted and reliable plumbing company just a call away in such situations. Here, we discuss the five most common plumbing emergencies that we deal with at Beyer Plumbing.
1. Clogged Drains
Drains can be clogged due to a number of different reasons. Grease, hair, and soap scum are some of the things that can build up in your drain pipes over time. Signs that you are building up to a total clog include foul smells coming from your sink drains and slow draining.
Sometimes a clog isn’t the result of a long-term buildup. It can happen relatively quickly when things are put down the drain that should not be. Some things that we commonly see include feminine products, wipes, diapers, papers towels, toys, Q-tips, and cat litter. None of these things should be put down the drain or flushed down the toilet.
If you are experiencing slow draining or foul smells, it is important that you do not use drain cleaners on the regular. It is OK to use them once in a while, but if the problem persists and you find yourself pouring drain cleaner down your drains on a weekly basis, then there is a problem beyond what can be fixed by these chemicals. Drain cleaners can actually degrade the lining of your pipes and cause leaks. It is better to call a professional plumber to solve your problem.
2. Overflowing Toilet
An overflowing toilet is a very unpleasant experience. It is usually the result of a clog further down the drain. A plunger might be able to clear the clog enough to get the toilet to not overflow. However, if you find yourself plunging your toilet every other time you use the bathroom, then you need to give us a call to fix the problem. It may be best to avoid using that bathroom if it is an option until we can remedy the situation.
You may also want to have a discussion with the other members of your household about not using too much toilet paper at a time and what not to flush down the toilet. The most common cause of overflowing and clogged toilets is wipes. Even the ones labeled as “flushable” should not be flushed. They do not disintegrate like toilet paper and stick to each other and to the walls of your sewer lines. Over time, they will build up to a blockage that will cause sewage backflow into your home and overflowing toilets.
3. Sewage Backup
A sewage backup in your home is probably one of the worst things you can experience next to a fire. With proper knowledge and best practices, this problem can be avoided. A sewage backup is caused by a total clog in the line. There is nowhere for the sewage to go except back up the drains and into your home. Wipes, diapers, feminine products, and other cotton products like cotton balls and Q-tips are some of the most common causes of sewage backup. Grease, bones, food scraps, soap scum, and hair are other common causes of clogs that lead to sewage backup.
A sewage backup could affect just one room or your entire house. A blockage in your main sewer line usually results in it backing up first in the basement if you have one. Most Texas homes do not have basements, so you will have sewage backing up in your bathtub, sinks, and anywhere there is a drain.
Sewage backups can be a potentially dangerous health hazard. As you can imagine, everything that you put down your drains, including human waste, is backing up into your home. Even after the clog in your sewer line is fixed, there will be a lot of cleaning and sanitizing that will need to be done in order to make your home healthy and safe again.
4. Burst Pipe
Burst pipes can happen in potable water lines or sewage lines. Both can be the result of freezing, tree root intrusions, or other factors such as severe clogs or the ground shifting or sinking. If you have a water line burst in your home, the first thing you need to do is turn your main water supply off. Then, call us to get the pipe fixed right away.
When a sewer line bursts, there isn’t much you can do in terms of shutting it off. You should avoid flushing the toilet, running water in your sinks, or putting anything down the drains in your home until the problem is fixed.
5. Leaking Water Heater
Most of us don’t realize how much we rely on hot water until we don’t have it. Without hot water, you will not be able to go about your daily activities, such as cleaning, doing dishes, and showering. Without proper maintenance, a water heater can develop issues that lead to leaks.
A leaking water heater can cause extensive damage to your home. A small leak may go unnoticed until the flooring and walls become soggy, requiring a replacement. In some cases, a water heater will start to leak profusely and is immediately noticeable. But if you are not home when this happens, you might be looking at extensive water damage. A leaking water heater can be the result of mineral buildup, age, or a malfunctioning pressure regulator, to name a few.
Depending on the cause of the leak, we can provide you with emergency water heater repair. However, some issues are beyond the scope of repair and may require a replacement. Luckily, we offer a range of water heater options. Whether you want a traditional water heater or to upgrade to a more efficient tankless model, we have you covered.
San Antonio’s Plumbing Professionals
If you experience any of the above plumbing emergencies, do not hesitate to call us at Beyer Plumbing. We are one of the largest plumbing companies in the area and offer 24/7 emergency services to all of San Antonio and the surrounding area. Our motto is “If water runs through it, we do it.” We can handle residential, commercial, and construction plumbing projects. Our plumbers are always professional and reliable, and you can always trust the results.
We hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and have been serving the area with expert plumbing services since 1990. At Beyer Plumbing, we have been certified and awarded by the state of Texas, BLE, PHCC, C12, and ABC. You can trust us for leak detection, water softener systems, drain cleaning, water quality solutions, inspections, and much more. Call us at Beyer Plumbing today to learn more about our services and what we can do for you!
