houstonemergency
Plumbing leaks come in all shapes and sizes, from pinhole leaks in water supply lines to sewer lines crushed by tree roots. In the broadest sense, all plumbing leaks should be treated with urgency, but when is a leak a plumbing emergency in Houston?
From the plumber’s perspective, a smaller leak from an isolated faucet would not be considered a true plumbing emergency. A toilet with a small leak at the base indicates a cracked toilet flange and would be regarded as a plumbing emergency as the resulting leak can quickly damage floorboards, ceilings, and walls.
Homes that receive regular plumbing inspections are less likely to experience catastrophic leaks, as plumbing technicians are more likely to find a small leak before it becomes an issue.
How is the homeowner supposed to know the difference between a leak that is a nuisance or is a leak a plumbing emergency in Houston?
Most Common Signs of Leaks
Dripping Faucets: The most obvious is sometimes the most ignored. We tend to “get used” to a dripping faucet, perhaps we even miss the sounds of it once it is fixed. While a dripping faucet doesn’t rank as a plumbing emergency, any leak around your home needs to be addressed quickly. Leaking faucets never repair themselves and can waste hundreds of gallons of water every month, leading to higher water bills.
Water Heater Leaks: Any leaks around your water heater are certainly a cause for alarm, especially if the tank is leaking from the seam. Seam leaks on a tank-type water heater are a signal that the tank will fail soon, leaving behind forty to seventy gallons of water for you to clean up after. When it comes to water heater leaks, the answer to “is a leak a plumbing emergency in Houston?” in this case, is a resounding “yes”!
Damp Carpets, Water Stained Walls: Both symptoms are signs of water leaks that can occur beneath your home, or in your walls. Leaking pipes in upstairs bathrooms can cause water stains in ceilings and walls of the rooms below. Leaks underneath your slab or pier and beam foundation can lead to structural problems from rotting wood and foundation shifting.
No Water: Without access to running water, our ability to cook and clean is severely limited, and is a situation that needs to be addressed quickly. Lack of water supply to sinks, showers, and toilets could be the result of a burst supply line, which can release thousands of gallons of water every hour. If possible, turn off the main water supply valve in your home if you suspect a water supply line leak.
Still not sure if your leak is a plumbing emergency? Call Nick’s Plumbing and Sewer Services today to schedule a free estimate or free second opinion on repairing your leaks. Nick’s has been repairing emergency leaks for over forty years, and our licensed and trained technicians can diagnose and repair your leak the first time.
