WHEN TO CALL A PLUMBER FOR DRAIN EMERGENCIES

Many homeowners are proud of their DIY abilities. From painting and doing yard work to taking care of some minor plumbing issues, it's a great idea to see what you can fix or take care of on your own before calling in a pro. There are some instances where it's necessary to contact a plumber right away. It's helpful to know how to identify these instances so you can give Roto-Rooter a call.

Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time. Whether you have reduced water flow, a clogged toilet or a leak that needs immediate attention, sometimes professional service is needed. The plumbing experts at your local Roto-Rooter are just a phone call away, offering quality service at an affordable price.

WHY DO I NEED TO CALL A PLUMBER?

You can actually do damage to the plumbing by trying to unclog a drain yourself. A common mistake when trying to clear a clogged drain is exerting too much pressure. This can cause a host of problems, including cracking or breaking the pipes. Another mistake is using drain cleaner for every clog, every time. Most drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage pipes, and with time, overuse of these cleaners can cause erosion and leaks. Certain types of pipes should never have drain cleaner used in them. Be sure to read labels thoroughly before using any clog remover product to ensure its safe use.

While DIY plumbing can be helpful, there are some instances when you should recognize your limits and call a professional plumber right away.

IF YOU SPOT A MAJOR LEAK OR FLOODING

When you come home from dinner one night and find that your toilet is overflowing it's best to call a plumber immediately. Likely your toilet's inner working are in need of some maintenance or much bigger problems are at play with your sewer system. And if it’s been overflowing long at all, Roto-Rooter has the necessary plumbing experts and water damage experts to fix the problem and mitigate the water damage, dry the affected area and prevent any chance of mold problems that could potentially cause you major trouble in the hours and days ahead.

Whether the flooding is the result of a water heater, sewer backup or a clogged toilet – any of these can result in an immediate water emergency requiring prompt service. From sump pumps that aren’t working properly to plumbing fixture failures, many of our Roto-Rooter locations now provide water clean-up and restoration services to quickly get you on the road to repair.

IF YOU SMELL SOMETHING FOUL

Clogged drains and hidden leaks can cause some unpleasant odors to drift throughout your home. They may also lead to mold, which can add another bad odor and respiratory dangers. If you smell something that may be water-related, contact Roto-Rooter. We'll check all your drains and other plumbing implements to check for clogs and potentially identify leaks or problems that are causing mold or damage.

IF YOUR PIPES FREEZE

During the wintertime the weather can grow so cold it actually freezes the water supply pipes in your home. This unfortunate incident can cause serious damage to your home. The pipes can crack and even burst, causing major water damage to your home and belongings. And as we say in the business, “it’s not so much the freeze that causes the biggest problems, it’s the thaw.” It's not a good idea to try to fix this issue yourself since often the pipes run behind walls and beneath floors. A professional Roto-Rooter plumber has specialized equipment to track down the breaks with minimal access holes in your walls. Going at it alone could result in massive damage to walls and floors as you hunt for the leaks. If you find your pipes are frozen, call a plumber right away and they will assess the damage and get your plumbing back to proper working order without causing unnecessary water and property damage.

IF YOU HAVE NO HOT WATER

A cold shower is often the result of an issue with your hot water heater. Sometimes, the solution can be as easy as checking the breaker box on your electric heater (for gas, check to see that your pilot light is on). However, if you hear rattling noises and the issues aren’t resolved with the simple flip of a switch, call the plumbing professionals at Roto-Rooter. A good rule of thumb – if your water heater is over 11 years old, it will be due for replacement sooner than later.

INSPECT OUTDOORS

Check your water spigots first. If you see any signs of dripping even when the faucet is turned off completely, it's possible you have an internal leak, possibly caused by exposure to freezing temperatures during winter months. This can be a serious issue because the supply pipe that leads to the hose bib may have also suffered damage and it could be leaking into your wall or basement, leading to water damage, mold and other problems.

Are you noticing small wet spots scattered throughout your yard? If so, this indicates that your main water supply line is probably leaking onto your lawn. A foul smell indicates a leak in your sewer line. Situations like these are best left to the professionals as your water and sewer lines may need major repairs or even full replacement.

CALL A PLUMBING PROFESSIONAL FOR HELP

Oftentimes to clear a clogged drain can be more complex than it would seem. Augers, or drain snakes, will sometimes do the job, but homeowners may not know how to use them correctly or safely. Although there are some situations where unclogging a drain can be a DIY project, there are times when it becomes more than a homeowner can handle. Calling a professional like those employed by Roto-Rooter can save you time and hassle, and prevent more issues from occurring.

Roto-Rooter plumbers use a video camera for pipe inspections to find and evaluate clogs deep in the pipes. Video camera line inspections can get to the root of the problem quickly and efficiently. When your drains are clogged in a place that is not visible from the surface, or if they clog frequently, it may be a good idea to have a video inspection performed to determine the problem and solution to clogged drain lines.

Once the plumbing issue is identified and evaluated, Roto-Rooter is able to assist you with drain cleaning in every part of your home. We will unclog your drain, recommend a maintenance product and provide tips for keeping your drains flowing freely.

From leaks and drips to addressing a faulty water heater – plumbing emergencies can happen at any time. Your local Roto-Rooter plumbing professional is here to help 24/7 including holidays, offering prompt and reliable service when you need us most. Roto-Rooter is equipped to handle all of your residential plumbing needs.