When to Call an Emergency Plumber

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American household leaks over 10,000 gallons of water a year or over 27 gallons daily. In approximately 10% of these households, the daily water wastage exceeds 90 gallons a day or enough water for over 6 full laundry loads.

If your home wastes an excessive amount of water, you may have a major plumbing issue that requires emergency plumbing near you to address the problem. Recognize the most common signs of a plumbing emergency and contact a qualified 24/7 plumber as soon as you spot them.

No Hot Water

If water takes an unusually long time to heat up or if hot water never seems to come, it can indicate an issue with your water heater. It is common for heater problems to cause unintentional water wastage; for example, you may leave the faucet or the shower running for longer while waiting for hot water. 

If you suspect your water heater has a problem, you may need to call a 24-hour emergency plumber near you. Check for the following signs to confirm whether it needs attention:

• Discolored water. If the water coming out of your faucet or shower appears discolored, cloudy or rusty, it could be due to corrosion in the water heater tank.

• Noisy heater tank. Listen closely to the water heater tank while a sink or shower is running. If you hear banging, popping or rumbling noises, the issue may be sediment buildup inside the tank.

• Water puddles around the tank. If you find water puddles or signs of moisture around the tank or on the floor under it, you may have a hot water leak. This can be caused by a leak in the tank, a loose connection or a faulty pressure relief valve.

Overflowing Toilets

Have you ever walked into the bathroom and discovered that one of your toilets has overflowed since its last flush? This is a clear sign of a severe clog, which can happen for various reasons, including:

• Flushing non-flushable objects. Your toilets are designed to flush only three things: water, waste and toilet paper. Other objects, such as wet wipes, sanitary products or paper towels, can become stuck and accumulate in your P-trap or drain pipes. Check out our guide to drain cleaning to learn how to prevent this issue.

• Excessive toilet paper. While toilet paper is designed to disintegrate in water, the amount of time it takes depends on the quantity. Flushing too much at once can cause it to bunch up and form layers in your toilet’s piping, resulting in blockages. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why does my toilet keep clogging,” check your toilet paper usage and try using less of it at once.

• Tree roots in the piping. In some cases, toilet blockages can be caused by tree roots. Roots can find their way into your pipes through a crack or corrosion damage. They then grow by absorbing moisture and nutrients in the water. If they grow too large, they can eventually cause blockages, overflows and sewage backup.

If you experience any of these issues, contact an emergency plumber. They can inspect your entire piping system, find the source of the problem and perform all necessary repairs.

Low Water Pressure

When turning on the faucet or the shower, if water comes out slowly, even when opened to the maximum setting, this is usually the result of low water pressure. Various plumbing network problems can cause drops in water pressure:

• Water pipe leaks. A leaky pipe is one of the most common causes of low water pressure. Some of the water may be escaping through a crack, gap or hole before it reaches your faucet or showerhead, causing it to flow more slowly.

• Clogged pipes. Sometimes, the interior walls of your water pipes may be clogged or blocked, meaning less water can pass through. This is usually caused by mineral deposits, debris, rust or corrosion inside the piping.

• Malfunctioning pressure-regulating valve. The pressure-regulating valve (PRV) is an essential component of your home’s water supply. It controls how much water is transferred from your city or county’s water mains to your home. If the PRV is faulty or improperly set, it can cause the water pressure in your entire home to be too low.

Contact reliable emergency plumbing services in your area to address issues with low water pressure. For instance, if leaky or clogged pipes caused the problem, they can find the affected pipe sections and repair or replace them as needed. An emergency plumber can also locate and fix a malfunctioning PRV, restoring proper water pressure in your home.

Call Blue Collars for Your Plumbing Emergencies in Charleston

Blue Collars is an experienced Charleston plumbing company with over 16 years of experience providing top-quality emergency plumbing services. We offer rapid emergency responses to major plumbing issues 24/7, including on holidays. 

If your home in Charleston or a nearby community is struck by a plumbing emergency, contact us immediately. You can schedule a time online or call our emergency number for prompt service.