Plumbing is one of those home systems we don’t spend much time thinking about–until an emergency arises. The good news is that you may be able to fix some of the more common plumbing emergencies yourself. Martens Plumbing & Heating breaks them down below. See what you can do, and if you need help, don’t hesitate to call.
Clogs
Whether it happens in your toilet or sink, drain clogs are definitely an annoyance. If your sink or tub is slow to drain, it may be frustrating–but if you have a complete clog, it becomes an emergency. You can try to unclog it yourself using your fingers or a long, thin object like a clothes hanger or drain snake to loosen the blockage. If neither of these methods is successful, you’ll need to call in a professional.
Toilet clogs are also serious, especially if your toilet begins to overflow. If you find yourself in this situation, resist the urge to continuously flush the toilet. Try using a plunger to loosen the clog yourself. If repeated attempts don’t work, professional help is needed.
Limited/No Hot Water
There’s nothing like a nice, hot shower. So when your shower or bath water runs cold, you’ll definitely take notice. Not only does lack of hot water affect your comfort but also how your washing machine and dishwasher function.
Sometimes lack of hot water can be a fluke, but if you notice it’s gone for a day or more, it’s time to address the issue. It could be due to a problem with your hot water heater. In this case, it’s best to call for emergency service, since it could be difficult to pinpoint the exact problem with the water heater on your own.
Burst Pipes
If you live in an older home, or if your pipes freeze, they can be more susceptible to bursting. These are usually signaled by a large amount of water either rushing out of your pipes or flooding your basement.
To reduce the risk of burst pipes, never let the temperature in your home go below freezing. If your home is old, be sure to check your pipes every so often to make sure there are no leaks, as this could lead to an eventual burst. If it does happen, you will need to contact a plumber right away to fix the problem and avoid further damage.
Martens Plumbing Offers Regular and Emergency Service
Are you still having problems with your home plumbing? Martens Plumbing is at your service. Some of the many common plumbing emergencies we can assist with include kitchen and bathroom plumbing, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, water leaks, garbage disposals, and clogged and frozen pipes. You can also check out our plumbing & water FAQs for more information.
Call us at 262-363-7146 or contact us online next time you have a plumbing issue, and we’ll send out one of our experts right away.
