3 Ways A Late-Night Plumbing Call Can Save You Money
Unfortunately, calling a contractor in an emergency is often a very costly decision. After-hours calls understandably come at a premium, and many homeowners avoid them for precisely this reason. However, recognizing a true plumbing emergency and calling for help can be a critical cost-saving move to prevent further disruption and damage to your home.
The problem is knowing when you're facing a genuine emergency and when your call can wait until morning. Although sewage backing up into your hallway is an obvious sign that you've got an emergency on your hands, what about more subtle issues? If you've found yourself wondering whether you need an all-hours plumber, check out these three situations where that call could save you money.
1. There's A Leak You Can't Stop
If there's one thing to know about your home's plumbing, it's that you should never allow a leak to go unchecked, even if it's relatively small. That tiny drip under your sink may not seem like a big deal, but moisture can rapidly spread to other parts of your home. Even if the water stays relatively contained, it will create a perfect environment for mold and wood rot in your kitchen cabinets.
When you notice a leak, always do everything you can to stop the water. You'll usually have a shut-off near any fixture that you can use to solve the issue temporarily. If you can't find this valve, don't have one, or the valve is stuck, it may be time to call in a plumber. In many cases, the cost of an emergency call will be less than the cost of more water damage.
2. You've Got a Frozen Pipe
Frozen pipes are a common occurrence in many cold regions and one that most homeowners dread discovering. Fortunately, a frozen pipe doesn't necessarily need to lead to a burst pipe. Ice in a supply line can exert pressure in numerous ways, creating the potential for your pipe to break suddenly. If you're lucky, you'll notice a fixture barely working (or not working) before this happens.
Once you think you have a frozen pipe, open the faucet and do everything you can to allow some warmth to reach the affected section of piping. Unfortunately, heating a pipe too quickly can still cause damage and may create leaks. Making an emergency call will allow a pro to deal with the problem, potentially saving you from a costly pipe repair.
3. A Room Is Flooding
Coming home to a flooding room is everyone's worst nightmare. Whether it's from an overflowing fixture or a burst pipe, the result is a substantial amount of water damage. However, the problem can always be worse. The longer your home floods, the more damage will likely accumulate. Just locating the source of the problem in these circumstances can often be challenging.
In most cases, any significant flooding event qualifies as an emergency. Getting a plumber to your home as soon as possible, no matter the time, will give you the best chance of avoiding even more severe water damage.
Contact a local plumbing service, such as First Class Plumbing of Florida, Inc., to learn more.
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