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10 Signs It’s Time to Call an Emergency Plumber in Palmdale CA

When you rent a home, you rely on your landlord to call the shots about emergency maintenance. As a homeowner, however, it’s up to you to know when to call for backup.

The number of homes for sale in Palmdale is on the rise, which will lead to an influx of new homeowners. The transition from renting to owning comes with a number of perks, but it also comes with a serious learning curve. 

Today, we’re going to talk about the signs that you need to call an emergency plumber in Palmdale, CA. Some issues simply can’t wait.

Read on for ten signs that your plumbing problems are an emergency and require immediate attention.

1. Toilet Overflow

Few surprises are more unpleasant than discovering your toilet has overflowed. Oftentimes, a toilet overflow results from trying to flush a clogged toilet. Because you’re introducing a full tank of water to a toilet that can’t drain, the water has nowhere to go but out.

Your toilet may also overflow due to other toilet tank issues, like a float that isn’t properly adjusted and allows the tank to overfill. As a homeowner, the culprit isn’t your main concern when your toilet is gushing water all over the floor. Your main concern is stopping the flow.

First, turn off the water at the source by turning the supply valve located on the wall behind the toilet clockwise. Then, call your local plumber. Even if the water looks clean, it could be contaminated with germs that you don’t want all over your bathroom floor.

2. Gas Smells

Did you know that natural gas is odorless and that that “gas smell” comes from added ingredients like mercaptan? These additives are designed to empower homeowners to act fast in the face of a gas leak. If you start to smell sulfur or rotting eggs, it’s time to call an emergency plumber right away.

That’s right, your plumber is the one to call when you have a gas leak—and you shouldn’t put it off. Gas leaks cause many safety hazards, in part because gas is flammable. Plus, exposure to gas in the air can cause a slew of symptoms including dizziness, fatigue, confusion, headaches, and respiratory irritation. 

If you suspect a gas leak thanks to that stinky smell or a hissing sound coming from your gas line, don’t stick around to investigate. Head outside and give your plumber a call. 

3. Signs of Water Damage

Unless you know that the water damage in your home was caused by a leaking roof or a natural flood, you’re going to want to involve your plumber. Signs of water damage include:

  • mold spots
  • discolored walls, ceilings, or floors
  • sagging ceilings or floors
  • persistent wet spots

These signs could indicate a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. Even a small leak can lead to hundreds of gallons of wasted water, an increase in your water bill, and major structural damage. Worst case scenario, the leaking pipe bursts over time, leading to a flood. 

4. Flooding

Unfortunately, pipes can burst for a number of reasons. A single crack can weaken the pipe, and the continued flow of water can cause that pipe to burst. A blockage caused by sediment, clogs, or frozen water can also create a pressure buildup that causes the pipe to burst.

No matter the reason, when you realize that a burst pipe is causing flooding in your home, call an emergency plumber. A single burst pipe can release gallons of water at a time. If the flooding is coming from your main supply line, you’re looking at even bigger problems. 

The longer a flood continues, the more difficult cleanup and restoration will be. Once water seeps into structural materials like your foundation or even your insulation, you’re looking at thousands of dollars in repairs.

5. Changes in Water Pressure

You’re taking a shower and suddenly, it’s next to impossible to get all of the shampoo out of your hair. The water pressure in your shower has dropped. What’s the problem?

If you’re lucky, there’s a simple fix, here. You can remove the aerator from the showerhead or faucet and check for sediment buildup. If there is, cleaning that sediment may solve your problem.

However, if the water pressure has changed all over the house or you don’t discover a sediment buildup in the aerator, it’s time to call an emergency plumber. Detecting the problem will require professional investigation and repairs. 

6. Changes in Water Temperature

We’ve all experienced the displeasure of running out of hot water halfway through a shower. If it happens every once in a while, you may simply need a bigger water heater tank to accommodate your household usage. If it’s happening all the time or you can’t seem to get any hot water, it’s time to involve a plumber.

The average water heater lifespan depends on the type of water heater you have. For example, a typical tank system should last between 8-12 years, while a modern tankless system can last upwards of 20. 

A plumber can determine if the issue is age or something more serious. For example, you may not realize that your water heater is leaking somewhere in your home or basement. No matter the cause, an emergency plumber can restore your hot water so that you can get back to your day-to-day hygiene needs.

7. Frozen Pipes

There was a time when Palmdale residents wouldn’t have to worry much about frozen pipes. However, after the storm system we saw in the LA area last February, it’s clear that we may have more below-freezing days than we used to. Because many Palmdale homes aren’t meant to thrive in low temperatures, this could lead to an influx of frozen pipes.

As we’ve mentioned already, when a pipe freezes, it’s prone to burst. There are ways to prevent this from happening, like increasing insulation near your most vulnerable pipes, but many homeowners don’t realize the risk until it’s too late. 

How do you know if you have a frozen pipe? If you go to turn on a faucet or appliance and no water comes out and temperatures are low, there’s a good chance you’ve got a frozen pipe. 

8. Sewage Smells

Here’s another issue that your nose will likely detect: a sewage backup. If you start to notice the smell of sewage in your home, don’t hesitate to call an emergency plumber. 

In addition to the sewage smell, you might also start to notice that one appliance seems to back up into another. For example, your tub might fill with water when you flush the toilet. Your sink might fill with water when you take a shower.

A sewage backup isn’t just unpleasant to live with. Sewage introduces serious biohazards into your home environment, which can lead to the spread of disease and infection. Make an emergency plumber appointment ASAP when you notice sewage in your home.

9. Clogs and Drainage Problems

You may be able to tackle mild clogs and drainage problems on your own. When a clog first arises, whether in the toilet or the sink, don’t hesitate to reach for the plunger. You can also try snaking drains with small snaking tools found at most convenience or hardware stores.

However, serious clogs and drainage problems may require professional intervention. When the clog is deep inside of the plumbing or too dense to break up with air pressure, you’re going to want to call a plumber.

If you have more than one toilet and can use another one for the time being, a regular plumbing appointment will do the trick. However, if a sink or your only toilet is clogged beyond DIY repair, call an emergency plumber. 

10. Loss of Water

If you can no longer access clean water anywhere in your home, there are a few steps to take. First, you may want to contact your utility provider to find out if there’s a water shutoff in your area. If they say no, it’s time to call an emergency plumber.

When your main water supply line is compromised, it disrupts your entire day. You can’t bathe, use the toilet, wash dishes, or do a load of laundry. Because this is both a major inconvenience and a hygiene issue, consider it a plumbing emergency.

Need an Emergency Plumber in Palmdale, CA?

When you own your own home, it’s your job to call the shots with major maintenance issues. As a Palmdale homeowner, it’s time to find the right plumber in Palmdale, CA that can meet your household plumbing needs.

Double ‘O’ Plumbing is proud to provide both scheduled and emergency plumbing services for Palmdale and surrounding areas. Contact us online to schedule an appointment or call to request emergency services.

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