What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency

Drip. Drip. Drip. A backed up drain. A clogged toilet. Plumbing emergencies occur at the most inopportune times, like in the middle of the night, while guests are visiting, or when you’re packing for vacation. But there’s no need to panic! Take a deep breath and troubleshoot your plumbing emergency with the tips and tricks, below:

Types of Plumbing Emergencies

Leaky Faucet

Ah, that all too familiar dripping sound. Not only is it annoying to listen to but a huge source of water waste (and increased utility bills) in a home. Often times, a warn washer may be the source of the issue. And while a small drip isn’t a cause for immediate concern, this little nuisance can quickly turn into a big problem if ignored.

Pro Tip: First, turn off your water supply. Then, turn on your faucet to allow any remaining water to drip out. Dismantle the faucet and inspect the washer attached to your system. You may need to adjust the part or replace it entirely. If you’re not familiar with the inner workings of your faucet, give us a call to avoid a true emergency!

Clogged Drain

Your drains experience a lot of regular use. As such, clogs and blockages are not uncommon. You may achieve a temporary fix for a slightly clogged drain, but the best long-term solution is a professional drain cleaning.

Pro Tip: Sometimes, a plunger is all that’s needed to dislodge clogs. You can also try a natural clearing solution, like vinegar and baking soda. Simply pour baking soda down your drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it sit (and fizz) for 30 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water. If these DIY solutions don’t work, it’s time to call in the pros.

Blocked Toilet

As a homeowner, you’re bound to experience toilet troubles at some point. Whether just from your family’s regular usage or due to an influx of guests in your home one holiday weekend.

Pro Tip: A plunger is your best bet for clearing clogs on your own, so keep one handy. If plunging doesn’t work or you experience frequent clogs, there may be a more significant issue at hand that requires a licensed plumber to resolve.

Humming Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals aren’t the quietest appliance, but they shouldn’t be making strange sounds either. If your disposal is humming, there may be a jam. If it’s screeching, motor failure could be the cause — turn off your unit immediately and contact us.

Pro Tip: To clear a blockage, first turn off your unit. Then, using the wrench that came with your disposal, manually turn the gear at the base to move the disposal blades. Doing so should dislodge the jam! Run some water, reset your unit and continue use. Still hearing odd sounds? Give us a call for repair or replacement.

Frozen and Burst Pipes

Winters in Chicagoland can be brutal, as such frozen pipes are not uncommon. And frozen pipes can quickly turn into burst pipes, leaving a flooding problem on your hands.

Pro Tip: In the event of a burst pipe, shut off your water supply and contact us immediately to avoid costly water damage.

How to Avoid Future Plumbing Problems

• Locate your shut off valves. In the event of a major leak or worse, flooding, you don’t want to be scrambling to figure out how to turn off your water supply. Locate your shut-off valves and check to see if they’re working properly.
• Be kind to your drains. Drains are meant to handle specific types of items or waste, not everything under the sun. Use drain strainers to catch food or hair and avoid treating your toilet as a trash can!
• Know what you’re putting down your garbage disposal. While plenty of foods are safe for your disposal, there are some items that should be avoided at all costs. This includes fibrous vegetables (like corn husks or celery stalks), starchy vegetable scraps (like potato peels), coffee grinds, fruit pits, and any non-organic matter (like plastic or metal).
• Protect your pipes. When cooler temps hit, take precautionary measures to prevent frozen pipes, like insulating exposed pipes, disconnecting garden hoses, and keeping your home at a warmer temperature.
• Schedule regular maintenance. Just like your car gets regular service, your plumbing system should as well. Routine plumbing maintenance can help spot potential issues and prevent future ones!

Despite your best efforts, not all plumbing emergencies can be avoided. So if you find yourself in an emergency situation, that’s where we come in.

Call Precision Plumbing for Same Day Service

Sometimes, small plumbing issues can be addressed safely and effectively with a simple DIY solution. Other times, you need to call in the pros. Proudly serving Lombard and surrounding areas, our plumbing experts are available 24/7 for your emergency plumbing needs: (630) 425-8995