Plumbing Catastrophe? Call an Emergency Plumber for Help | Richmond, VA

5/12/2020

Photo By sitox at istock

Plumbing disasters don’t always take place during regular working hours, which is why bluefrog Plumbing + Drain always has a team of professional plumbers on hand. Whether you’re dealing with a burst pipe in your basement or a messy sewer back-up, we can have an emergency plumber at your house in Richmond, VA, no matter what time it is.

While you can be confident that our licensed experts can capably tackle any plumbing problems that arise, there are a few things you can do on a routine basis to minimize your chance of needing a plumber in the first place.

Here are common reasons homeowners call an emergency plumber and some best practices to keep your residential plumbing system running smoothly.

But First, Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Is Located

Maybe a broken pipe is causing water to pool in your basement. Perhaps the hose connected to your washing machine has ruptured and there’s water all over your laundry room floor. The first thing to do in a plumbing emergency is control the damage by turning off the water supply.

The water shut-off to the house is usually located outside near the water meter. It’s good for everyone in the family to know where it is in case of plumbing disasters. You should also test the valve a couple of times a year to make sure it’s working. You don’t want to discover it’s rusted shut at the same moment your house is filling up with water.

There are also point-of-use valves located near specific fixtures. This valve can turn off water supply to a faucet without affecting the rest of the house. It’s particularly useful if you’ve dropped a piece of heirloom jewelry into the drain and don’t want it washed away before your emergency plumber can retrieve it.

Once you’ve stemmed the flow of water, call an emergency plumber to handle the rest.

Burst or Leaky Pipes

A pipe can burst for many reasons, whether it’s from age, sudden water pressure, corrosion, weakened joints or unexpectedly cold temperatures in Richmond, VA. Some homeowners can also inadvertently cause stress on pipes. For example, exposed ceiling pipes near your washing machine might look like a convenient place to hang wet laundry, but there shouldn’t be any unnecessary weight put on them.

It’s also helpful to watch for signs of leaks to catch problems early. A water stain on a ceiling or wall is a sign that something’s going on behind the scenes. Be sure to address any issues as soon as possible to avoid needing an emergency plumber in the middle of the night.

Sewer Backup

When your home’s drainage system is working properly, waste and wastewater are carried out of your drainpipes into the city’s sewer system. A severe obstruction or sewer line damage can cause waste to flow back into your house, creating an unpleasant, smelly and hazardous mess.

Play your part in keeping your drainpipes clear by avoiding flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste. Items such as paper towels, personal hygiene products and baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed, even if products say they’re flushable.

If you notice dirty water, debris or sewage bubbling into your sink, tubs or toilet, turn off the water supply to your house and call an emergency plumber to investigate.

Broken Water Heater

A broken water heater is inconvenient at any time, but what if it happens on a holiday weekend when you have a house full of guests coming over? Give bluefrog Plumbing + Drain a call to find out why your shower is freezing cold and there’s no sign of hot water to tackle a sink full of dirty dishes.

Regular inspection and maintenance of the water heater from a licensed technician is important to ensure optimum performance. It’s also a good idea to call a plumber if you see puddles at the base of the heater, corrosion on the tank or hear strange sounds coming from your appliance.

Drain Clogs

Small clogs in a sink or toilet can be cleared with a plunger, but a bigger blockage can cause possible damage. A dishwasher, for example, shares the same drainage line as a garbage disposal. A large obstruction can prevent water from draining from the dishwasher, resulting into an overflow onto the kitchen floor.

Although a garbage disposal may seem powerful, only small food scraps should be washed down. Take the time to scrape plates before rinsing, and don’t pour grease into the drain. If you notice the sink is draining slowly, there could be a backup starting. Addressing a clog early can reduce the risk of needing an emergency plumber later.

Lost Items in the Drain

Sometimes, things fall into a drain that aren’t meant to be in there, whether you’ve dropped your engagement ring into the sink or your toddler has been playing with an heirloom earring in the bathroom. Most times, your valuables are caught in the P-trap under the sink.

If you can’t reach your item, turn off the water supply to the fixture so the item doesn’t get washed further into the drainpipes. Contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain to help retrieve your valuables.

bluefrog Emergency Plumbers are Ready to Help in Richmond, VA

While you can do your best to care for and maintain your home plumbing system, some problems aren’t preventable. When you’re caught off guard by flooding from a broken pipe, a sewer backup or other plumbing disaster, call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain in Richmond, VA, for fast and reliable service.

A bluefrog emergency plumber can be dispatched to your home quickly, even after hours or on a weekend or holiday. Our friendly and knowledgeable professionals have the expertise and tools to assess the situation and provide an effective repair solution, minimizing damage and getting your residential plumbing up and running smoothly again.