Plumbing emergencies can turn into some of the worst scenarios imaginable. Promptly addressing a plumbing disaster is key to mitigating damage and saving money. For those living in Albany, OR, a plumbing crisis can come in many forms.
Burst Pipes
A burst pipe can quickly damage your home, especially in basements, crawl spaces and attics. If this ever happens, you must immediately shut off the home’s water supply and call a plumber. The most common causes of burst pipes include freezing temperatures and high water pressure. Neglecting regular plumbing maintenance increases the risk of pipe deterioration, which can also cause them to burst. Our plumbers will repair the damaged pipe section to address this plumbing emergency. In severe cases, it might be best to replace the whole pipe. If the pipes burst due to freezing, our team will want to insulate the exposed piping to prevent this from happening again in the future.
Leaky Water Supply Line
Your home has multiple water supply lines leading to different areas and appliances. For example, the refrigerator has a supply line like the dishwasher. Other home parts and fixtures with water supply lines include sinks, bathtubs, showers and toilets. Much like a burst pipe, a leaky water supply line can result in dangerous water leaks that damage your home. Signs of a leaky supply line include low water pressure, wet spots on the floor and increased water bills. You might also notice water stains around appliances or fixtures if the supply line becomes loose or starts leaking. The best way to fix this crisis is to turn off the water main and call a plumber.
Backflow Issues
Any time contaminated water flows backward into your clean water supply, this is a backflow emergency. It’s very important to fix this type of water crisis fast since it can introduce harmful bacteria and other chemicals into the water you drink and bathe in. Backflow problems usually stem from clogs in the sewer line, pressure changes in the water system or faulty plumbing fixtures. A plumber will know the exact steps to pinpoint and address the underlying cause. Much of the time, backflow issues are preventable by installing a backflow prevention valve.
Slab Leaks
The foundation of your home has a lot of plumbing lines running under and through it. If the pipes crack or experience corrosion, this can result in a slab leak. The most noticeable sign of a slab leak is water pooling under your floors, which can be difficult to see. Other signs include wet floors and higher water bills. Plumbers use advanced tools and techniques to find and repair slab leaks, like electronic leak detectors, pressure testing and infrared cameras. Scheduling a repair immediately is critical to preventing damage from these leaks.
Toilet Overflow
A toilet overflow might not seem like an emergency at first, but if it keeps happening, you should go ahead and contact a plumber. Most toilet overflows are the result of a clogged drain. You might be able to remove minor clogs using a plunger. However, the more serious clogs usually require drain cleaning or snaking, both of which are best left in the hands of professionals. Putting the wrong type of drain cleaner in a toilet can damage the drain and any connected pipes. Letting a professional snake a toilet is ideal because you might use the wrong tools or apply excessive force.
Flooded Basement
Flooded basements are typically the result of malfunctioning sump pumps. The standing water causes damage and increases the risk of mold growth. Over time, mold growth will not only damage your property but also harm your health. You should use a wet/dry vacuum to address a flooded basement to remove the standing water. You should also have a plumber repair the sump pump to ensure it can handle heavy rainfall and snow/ice melt.
Sewer Backup
Clogged sewer lines and tree root intrusions are the top causes of sewer backups. When ignored, sewer backups cause unpleasant odors and present major health risks. Sewer backups harm your health by exposing you to harmful bacteria and pathogens. The only way to address this plumbing emergency is to hire a plumber to inspect the sewer lines and clear obstructions. This might require the use of hydrojetting or rooter services.
Linn Benton Plumbing is here to help you with any plumbing emergency. We also offer fixture replacements, repiping, sewer repairs and more. Call us today to schedule emergency plumbing services for your home in Albany, OR.
