How to Deal With A Plumbing Emergency

Do you have an emergency contact list posted in your home or commercial property, such as the fire department and the police station? Well, it might be time to add an emergency plumbing service to that list as well.

Plumbing systems are crucial for the smooth and efficient functioning of any building, be it residential or commercial. If even a single component of your plumbing system malfunctions, it can wreak havoc on your day-to-day life. This is why we recommend that you deal with any plumbing issues as soon as they emerge by seeking professional help. Of course, some plumbing-related problems are more urgent than others.

However, you never know when a small issue can turn into a big one. Moreover, what may count as a plumbing emergency in your home is different from, say, your office or restaurant. Let’s take a deeper look into what these emergencies may entail.

Residential Plumbing Vs. Commercial Plumbing

All plumbing systems essentially do the same thing; they convey fluids (water, gas, waste, etc.) for a wide range of applications. However, these applications differ vastly between residential and commercial settings.

Here are some of the key differences:

Scale: While residential plumbing systems serve only a few people’s needs, their commercial counterparts serve a larger number of people. Hence, commercial plumbing systems are generally larger and more complex, with a wider range of fixtures and appliances.
Code and Safety Requirements: Commercial plumbing systems must adhere to stricter code requirements and safety regulations compared to residential ones. In a commercial setting, a small leak can create a slip-and-fall hazard, requiring immediate action lest an injured worker/customer files a suit.
Maintenance and Repair: Due to the stringent safety requirements and greater frequency of use, commercial plumbing systems require more frequent maintenance and repair.
Materials and Fixtures: Commercial plumbing systems often use more durable and heavy-duty materials and components, as they must sustain more frequent and intense use.
Specialized Equipment: In addition to the more durable quality of materials, commercial plumbing systems may also require specialized equipment.
Drainage: Commercial buildings often have more complex drainage systems, as they may have multiple floors and a larger number of fixtures. Hence, commercial drain cleaning may require specialized equipment and techniques.
Water heaters: Commercial buildings often have larger water heaters to meet the higher demand for hot water.

Commercial plumbing systems are much more heavy-duty than residential ones, which inevitably makes them costlier. The former must also comply with some strict plumbing codes and safety requirements, which means that you should consider even the smallest plumbing issue as an emergency.

Plumbing Emergency— What Is It and What Does It Look Like?

We only see plumbing as the hot water that comes out of the tap or the waste that flushes out of sight. But the actual plumbing system runs much deeper than what we see.

In that case, how can you know whether you have a plumbing emergency? Let us give you the run-down.

What Counts as an Emergency in Plumbing?

When it comes to plumbing, an emergency can be any situation that poses an immediate threat to the health, safety, and general well-being of the people. Moreover, anything that can cause significant structural damage to your property also constitutes an emergency.

Keep in mind that what counts as an emergency in a commercial setting may not count as an emergency in a residential building or vice versa. Different commercial businesses will prioritize different plumbing issues based on their respective operations.

Let’s try to understand this better by looking at some common plumbing emergencies in both commercial and residential settings.

5 Examples of Plumbing Emergencies

Here are some examples of plumbing emergencies and their detrimental effects:

Burst Pipes: A burst pipe can cause significant (and sometimes irreversible) water damage to a property, including the walls, floors, and ceilings. If left unchecked, burst pipes can also lead to serious health hazards, such as mold and mildew. If a pipe bursts in an area with electrical wiring, it can potentially start a fire.
Gas Leaks: A gas leak is always a serious safety hazard and should be addressed as soon as you detect the problem.
Sewage Backups: A sewage backup not only poses serious health and safety hazards but can also compromise a building’s structural integrity.
No Hot Water: A lack of hot water can be an inconvenience at best. However, it can also be an emergency in places like hospitals and labs which use hot water for sterilization.
Frozen Pipes: Frozen pipes can burst at any moment, causing significant structural and water damage to any property.

What to Do in Case of a Plumbing Emergency?

What should you do once you’ve identified a plumbing emergency on your property? Here is a step-by-step guide to responding to a plumbing emergency:

Stay calm: While some plumbing emergencies may seem scary, it’s important to remain calm, cool, and collected.
Shut off the water/gas: Shut off the main water/gas supply to your building to minimize any further damage.
Locate the source: Try to locate the source of the problem, such as a clogged drain or burst pipe.
Take necessary precautions: If there is any electric or fire hazard, take immediate precautions to keep yourself and others safe.
Contact a professional plumbing service: call a plumber as soon as possible to assess the severity of the problem and address it accordingly.
Clean up the mess: Try to clean up any mess which might hinder the work of the plumber or pose a risk to you and others. Do this while wearing protective clothing and taking all necessary precautions.
Follow the plumber’s instructions: The plumber might give you some instructions to minimize further damage while they are on their way to you.
Document the damage: If there is significant damage, document all of it with photos to help with insurance claims later.

Call Us For All Plumbing Emergencies

Even the best plumbing systems aren’t safe from unexpected malfunctions. A plumbing emergency can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be with our team of skilled plumbers always on standby.

Contact Plumbing Services Arlington to help you with all your plumbing-related emergencies. Our team of skilled and experienced plumbers is available 24/7 to handle all of your plumbing needs. We offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, and we're here to help you get your plumbing back to normal as quickly as possible.

Don't let a plumbing emergency disrupt your life or business. Instead, let us take the stress out of your plumbing emergency and get you back to business as usual. Call Professional Plumbing Specialists of Arlington today!