Emergency Plumbing

Here are some common situations that are considered plumbing emergencies:

• A overflowing toilet
• A clogged drain that cannot be cleared with a plunger or drain snake
• A broken pipe under the sink or garbage disposal
• A leak in the roof or ceiling
• A sump pump that is not working properly

If you are unsure whether or not you need to call an emergency plumber, it is always best to err on the side of caution and call a professional. A plumber can assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

You should call for an emergecny plumber when you experience:

• Water leaks: Any water leak, regardless of size, is a potential hazard. If you see water leaking from a pipe, faucet, or fixture, turn off the water supply to the affected area and call a plumber immediately.
• Toilet or drain backups: One it smells and if left untreated could cause more issues. Try to unclog it yourself first. Try these three simple ingredients: baking soda, vinegar, and hot water. Mix them together and hopefully you say goodbye to clogged toilets and hello to smooth-flowing drains.
• Sewer backups: Sewer backups can be a major health hazard and can cause extensive damage to your home.
• Gas leaks: Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and can lead to fires and explosions. If you smell gas, turn off the gas supply to your home and call a plumber immediately.
• No water: If you have no water coming out of your faucets or showerhead, it could be a sign of a serious plumbing problem.
• Water heater failure: If your water heater breaks down, you will not have any hot water. In some cases, a water heater failure can also lead to flooding.

Avoid plumbing emergencies by considering the following preventive measures:

• Regular Maintenance.
• Be mindful of what you put down your drains and into your garbage disposal.
• Monitor Water Pressure. 
• Regular Inspections of Appliances
• Regularly Clean Drains

Pipes can burst in a house due to various reasons, but the main reason a pipe will burst near Clearwater is clogs caused by hard water.

Some other reasons include:

• Excessive water pressure can strain pipes, especially if the pressure is higher than what the pipes are designed to handle. This can lead to weakened pipe walls and eventual bursts.
• Over time, pipes can corrode due to chemical reactions with the water they carry. Corrosion weakens the pipe material, making it more susceptible to leaks and bursts.
• Tree roots seeking water can penetrate and damage underground pipes, leading to leaks and bursts.
• Improper installation of pipes can result in weak joints or connections, making them more likely to fail and cause bursts.
• Water hammer occurs when fast-closing valves or sudden changes in water flow create a shockwave in the pipes. Over time, this can weaken the pipe material and contribute to bursts.
• As pipes age, they naturally become more vulnerable to damage. The materials may degrade, making them prone to leaks and bursts.
• Every so often the weather in Florida we can experience cold temperatures. When water inside pipes freezes, it expands, putting immense pressure on the pipe walls. This pressure can lead to cracks and, ultimately, bursts.

The first thing you should do when the pipes in your house have burst is to turn off the main water supply. This will stop the flow of water and prevent further damage. Once the water supply is off, you should assess the damage and determine if you can fix the leak yourself or if you need to call a plumber.

Take the following steps to minimize the damage caused by the leak that include: 

• Soaking up any water with towels or a wet/dry vacuum
• Moving any furniture or other belongings away from the leak
• Opening windows and doors to ventilate the area
• Placing fans in the area to dry the air