A Guide to Common Plumbing Emergencies

If a kitchen or shower faucet is dripping, the problem may be more annoying than serious.

It is easy to take indoor plumbing for granted. Using a sink, flushing a toilet, and having safe water to drink, cook, or clean with is a part of modern living. Plumbing is often only fully appreciated once things go wrong. Some of the most common plumbing problems and their solutions are listed below.

Leaking fixture

If a kitchen or shower faucet is dripping, the problem may be more annoying than serious. After shutting off the water, look closer to determine the cause. Often an o–ring or a washer is the source of the issue. A homeowner can easily replace these items. Unfortunately, there is also a chance that something may be broken in the faucet itself, which will require a professional plumber to repair.

Blocked drain

When a drain is blocked, it is the result of a long–term issue. A homeowner may have noticed the drain was slow before the problem occurred, indicating debris building up and slowing the water flow. A homeowner can use a plunger to help push the blockage through. While drain cleaners are another simple solution, use them with caution as they can cause damage to both old and new pipes.

Overflowing toilet

An overflowing toilet is similar to having a blocked pipe. When flushed, too much toilet paper and waste can cause a toilet to overflow. This also happens if there is a blockage farther down the sewer pipe. The water from an overflowing toilet places waste and bacteria on the floor of a home creating a health hazard. If a plunger or a snake does not solve the problem, contact a plumbing company for assistance.

Broken pipe

Of all the plumbing problems a home could have, a broken pipe can do the most harm. A broken pipe not only leaks water onto the floor, it can damage the ceiling and walls around it and become a breeding ground for mold. If a sewer drain pipe has burst, the toilet water will likely leak into the house. The location and type of break will determine the cost of the repair. This is an emergency that should not be ignored. Call a plumber professional immediately.

Much Better Plumbing is the premier residential and commercial plumbing service for homeowners and businesses in the Las Vegas area. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call us today at 702-996-5220.