Top 5 Plumbing Emergencies – and What to Do Until Help Arrives

1. Burst Pipe: Causes, Damage, and How to Handle It

What Is a Burst Pipe?

A burst pipe is one of the most serious plumbing emergencies you can face. It occurs when a section of the pipe ruptures, allowing water to flood the surrounding area. Burst pipes can happen for a variety of reasons, including freezing temperatures, excessive water pressure, or the natural wear and tear of old plumbing systems.

Common Causes of Burst Pipes

• Frozen Pipes: In areas like Edmonton, where temperatures regularly drop below freezing in the winter, frozen pipes are a leading cause of burst pipes. As water freezes, it expands, exerting pressure on the pipe until it eventually bursts.
  
  
• Corrosion and Wear: Old pipes, especially those made of galvanized steel or cast iron, can corrode and weaken over time. Corrosion causes the pipes to become brittle and more susceptible to bursting.
  
  
• High Water Pressure: Excessive water pressure can strain pipes, especially in older plumbing systems, leading to bursts.
  
  

What to Do If You Have a Burst Pipe

A burst pipe requires immediate action to minimize water damage. Here’s what you can do until professional help arrives:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply: Locate the main water shutoff valve and turn it off to stop the flow of water. This will help prevent further flooding and water damage to your property. In case of a burst pipe in the winter, ensure the valve is properly insulated to prevent it from freezing.
   
   
2. Drain the System: After turning off the water supply, open all faucets and flush toilets to drain any remaining water from the pipes.
   
   
3. Locate the Burst: If it’s safe to do so, try to locate the burst pipe. It’s important to know exactly where the problem is so that the plumber can address it quickly.
   
   
4. Contain the Water: Use towels, rags, or a bucket to contain any water that’s leaking out of the burst pipe. Place plastic sheets or tarps on the floor if necessary to protect flooring or furniture.
   
   
5. Call a Professional Plumber: Burst pipes can be difficult to fix on your own, and improper repairs can lead to more damage. Call a professional plumber immediately to repair the pipe and assess any damage to your plumbing system.
   
   

Why Professional Help is Crucial for Burst Pipes

A professional plumber can:

• Assess the full extent of the damage and recommend the best repair solution.
  
  
• Repair the burst pipe with durable materials to ensure the issue doesn’t recur.
  
  
• Inspect your plumbing system for other signs of wear and tear, such as corroded pipes or weak joints, that could result in future leaks.
  
  

2. Clogged Drain: Causes, Solutions, and How to Fix It

What Is a Clogged Drain?

A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face. It occurs when debris or foreign objects block the flow of water in a pipe, leading to water backup in sinks, showers, or toilets. While some clogs can be cleared quickly, others require professional attention to avoid serious plumbing issues.

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

• Hair and Soap Scum: Over time, hair and soap residue can build up in the drain, especially in bathroom sinks and showers, causing a slow drain or complete blockage.
  
  
• Grease and Food Waste: In kitchen sinks, grease, fat, and food waste can build up in pipes, eventually causing a blockage.
  
  
• Foreign Objects: Sometimes, foreign objects such as toys, small household items, or even jewelry accidentally fall into the drain, causing a serious clog.
  
  
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can grow into pipes, causing blockages, especially in older homes with clay or cast-iron pipes.
  
  

What to Do If You Have a Clogged Drain

Here’s how to address a clogged drain until help arrives:

1. Try a Plunger: For a clogged sink or toilet, a plunger can often dislodge the blockage. Make sure to use a plunger designed for the type of drain you are dealing with (e.g., a toilet plunger for toilets and a sink plunger for sinks).
   
   
2. Use a Drain Snake: If the plunger doesn’t work, a drain snake (also known as an auger) can be effective in breaking up or pulling out the clog. Insert the snake into the drain and rotate it to break up the blockage.
   
   
3. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar: A natural solution of baking soda and vinegar can help clear minor clogs. Pour ½ cup of baking soda followed by ½ cup of vinegar into the drain. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
   
   
4. Boiling Water: For clogs caused by grease, pour boiling water down the drain in stages. Be sure to do this slowly to prevent damage to the pipes.
   
   
5. Call a Professional Plumber: If the clog persists, or if you’re dealing with a severe blockage, it’s time to call a plumber. A clogged drain can lead to significant water damage if not addressed quickly.
   
   

How to Fix a Clogged Drain

If you’re asking “how to fix a clogged drain” yourself, the DIY methods mentioned above may work for minor clogs. However, professional plumbers have the expertise to handle more serious clogs using specialized equipment, such as hydro jetting, which cleans pipes thoroughly and safely.

Why Professional Help is Crucial for Clogged Drains

Professional plumbers offer:

• Expertise in identifying the root cause of the clog (e.g., tree roots or damaged pipes).
  
  
• Tools and equipment like video inspection cameras and hydro jetting to clear the toughest blockages.
  
  
• Preventative advice on how to maintain your drains and prevent future clogs.
  
  

3. Leaky Faucets: Causes, Prevention, and What to Do

What Is a Leaky Faucet?

A leaky faucet is a plumbing issue that most people encounter at some point. It occurs when a faucet continues to drip even when the valve is completely turned off. While it may seem like a minor issue, leaky faucets can waste a significant amount of water over time and increase your utility bills.

Common Causes of Leaky Faucets

• Worn-out Washer: Most leaky faucets are caused by a worn-out rubber washer, which no longer creates a tight seal when the faucet is turned off.
  
  
• Corroded Valve Seat: The valve seat connects the faucet to the spout, and corrosion can cause water to leak through.
  
  
• Loose Parts: Over time, faucet parts such as nuts and screws can become loose, causing leaks.
  
  
• Water Pressure: High water pressure can sometimes cause a faucet to leak, especially if the faucet is old or made from weaker materials.
  
  

What to Do If You Have a Leaky Faucet

Until the plumber arrives:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply: Locate the water supply valve under the sink and turn it off. This will stop any more water from leaking and help conserve water.
   
   
2. Inspect the Faucet: If you feel comfortable, inspect the faucet to check if any parts are visibly worn or damaged. If the washer or other components appear damaged, you may be able to replace them temporarily until the plumber arrives.
   
   
3. Use a Container: Place a container or towel under the faucet to catch any water that may continue to drip.
   
   
4. Call a Professional Plumber: Leaky faucets can often be repaired by a professional plumber who will replace the worn-out parts and fix the issue properly.
   
   

Why Professional Help is Crucial for Leaky Faucets

Professional plumbers can:

• Accurately diagnose the cause of the leak.
  
  
• Replace damaged components with high-quality parts that ensure the faucet works properly.
  
  
• Check for other underlying issues, such as high water pressure, which may be contributing to the leak.
  
  

4. Water Heater Failure: Causes, Solutions, and What to Do

What Is Water Heater Failure?

Water heater failure is another plumbing emergency that can leave you without hot water, which is essential for daily tasks like showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry. Water heater failures can occur due to electrical malfunctions, sediment buildup, or faulty components.

Common Causes of Water Heater Failure

• Sediment Buildup: Over time, minerals in the water can build up in the tank, affecting the efficiency of the water heater and potentially causing it to fail.
  
  
• Thermostat Malfunction: If the thermostat is faulty, the water heater may fail to heat water properly or even overheat.
  
  
• Corroded Tank: In older water heaters, the tank may corrode, leading to leaks and failure.
  
  

What to Do If Your Water Heater Fails

If you experience water heater failure:

1. Turn Off the Power: For electric water heaters, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. For gas water heaters, turn off the gas supply.
   
   
2. Check for Leaks: Inspect the area around the water heater for signs of leakage. If you notice water leaking from the tank, you may need to turn off the water supply.
   
   
3. Call a Professional Plumber: Water heater repairs are often complicated and may require replacing components such as the thermostat, heating element, or the entire unit. A professional plumber can diagnose and repair the issue.
   
   

Why Professional Help is Crucial for Water Heater Failures

A plumber can:

• Properly diagnose whether the water heater needs a repair or replacement.
  
  
• Safely replace faulty components or install a new water heater.
  
  
• Advise you on water heater maintenance to prolong the lifespan of your unit.
  
  

5. Sewer Line Backup: Causes, Solutions, and What to Do

What Is a Sewer Line Backup?

A sewer line backup occurs when the sewer line that carries wastewater from your home becomes clogged or damaged, causing wastewater to back up into your home. This is a serious plumbing emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent flooding and contamination.

Common Causes of Sewer Line Backup

• Tree Roots: Tree roots can infiltrate and block sewer lines, especially in older homes with clay pipes.
  
  
• Grease and Debris: Pouring grease, oil, or large quantities of food waste down drains can lead to clogs in the sewer line.
  
  
• Damaged or Collapsed Pipes: Old or damaged pipes may collapse, causing a blockage in the sewer line.
  
  

What to Do If You Have a Sewer Line Backup

1. Stop Using Water: If you notice a sewer backup, stop using water immediately. This includes flushing toilets, running faucets, or using the dishwasher. Using water can worsen the backup.
   
   
2. Contain the Wastewater: If there’s already wastewater backup in your home, use towels or buckets to contain it, but avoid direct contact with the contaminated water.
   
   
3. Call a Professional Plumber: A professional plumber will use specialized equipment to clear the blockage and repair any damage to the sewer line.
   
   

Why Professional Help is Crucial for Sewer Line Backup

A plumber can:

• Use video inspection equipment to locate and identify the cause of the blockage.
  
  
• Clear the blockage using hydro jetting or augers.
  
  
• Repair or replace damaged sections of the sewer line.