Oftentimes, a plumbing problem doesn’t seem like a big deal. But something seemingly minor can turn into a serious issue, even an emergency, that requires drastic action before there is major damage to your home. It’s therefore important to have a professional plumber address any problem quickly. First, you need to recognize the signs of trouble. Here, we’ll list and explain five reasons to consider your plumbing problem an emergency and to call your local plumber right away.

1. Burst Pipe

One of the worst plumbing problems you can encounter, a burst pipe cannot be ignored. All the water that flows through your plumbing has nowhere to go but into your home. Water damage can destroy furniture, carpeting, flooring materials, wiring, and even framing. Shut off your water supply right away to minimize the damage and move any valuables to a dry location. To avoid damage to belongings and your home’s infrastructure, contact your emergency plumber immediately.

2. Toilet Overflow

Every homeowner dreads an overflowing toilet. Not only does it become unusable; it can also cause a flood in the bathroom with contaminated water, which may contain bacteria and other types of waste. Whether a blocked drain or sewer backup is the reason, a plumber should address the problem right away. Even if the water level starts to go down, an overflow can happen again at any time, so have a professional determine the best course of action to prevent it from recurring.

3. Clogged Drains

If using a plunger doesn’t fix a clogged drain, call an emergency plumber. The rising water can soon flood your home. Another cause for concern is when multiple drains clog at once, which can indicate a clog in your sewer line, especially if infrequently used drains are affected. And, don’t assume a plunger has fixed the problem. The resolution may only be temporary, as there could be a hidden issue deep in your plumbing that’s affecting your drains.

4. Sewer Backup

The sewer line removes waste products from your home. When sewage backs up, odors, fumes, and pathogens can come with it, creating serious health hazards, not to mention disrupting running water service. Sewage can back up for many reasons, including a broken pipe, blockage, or intrusion of tree roots. These are problems only an experienced plumber can identify and fix, so contact your local plumbing company if there are any signs of a sewer backup.

5. Cold Water

If there’s no hot water in the shower or from your kitchen sink, it can disrupt your entire daily routine. Cold water is often a sign of a broken hot water heater. If you have a gas water heater, check the pilot light. Check the breaker box if your electric water heater malfunctions; the cause could be electrical in nature. When none of these solutions work or you hear abnormal sounds, such as rattling, from your plumbing, contact an expert to investigate the problem.

Contact Cardinal Plumbing

Don’t hesitate to call a plumber if any of the above occur. Cardinal Plumbing is a 24-hour emergency plumber serving Northern Virginia. Any plumbing problem is a potential flooding risk and can lead to major damage. We provide same-day plumbing services in Alexandra, Sterling, and Gainesville, while protecting our clients and staff from COVID-19 with no contact service, social distancing, and sanitizer usage. To request service, book online or call us at 703-721-8888.