Whenever you experience a plumbing problem, you typically feel you need to take care of it immediately to prevent further damage. However calling an emergency plumber in Atlanta on a night, weekend or holiday, can come at a high premium. It’s important then to know when to call and when to wait. At Assured Comfort, our skilled plumbers are always available to address your plumbing needs.
What is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?
There is a risk of flooding
Flooding due to a failed sump pump, burst pipe, sewer backup, or water shut-off valve failure, are all examples of plumbing emergencies. Flood damage can cause significant damage to structures and is a safety concern, therefore should be addressed as soon as possible.
There is a sewer backup
When a sewer line backs up, sewage sits at its backup point, creating a health hazard. It prevents the ability to use the facilities or run water, which makes living difficult as well.
You are without water
Not having access to running water is also a safety concern because, like a sewer backup, prevents you from using the facilities, and also affects cooking and cleaning.
There is a risk of a burst pipe
Frozen pipes and/or spigots lend themselves to two of the above concerns: risk of flooding and no water. If a pipe is frozen, not only is water not able to pass through it, but it expands, causing it to crack, which means once it thaws, it presents the risk of flooding. It’s important to know where your water shut-off valves are located and how they work. Ask your plumber during his or her preventative maintenance visit to show you, if you don’t already know.
Less Urgent Plumbing Problems That Can Wait
If the problem can wait, then it isn’t a true emergency and you should consider the additional expense and determine if it is worth the call. Keep in mind, however, that just because your emergency plumber arrives after-hours, or on a holiday or weekend, doesn’t mean they will have access to the required parts to complete the job. A benefit of waiting for a standard business day is that plumbers then have access to supply houses which allow them to get the exact parts and supplies needed to do the job. Other than needing to order a specialty part, plumbers can get the needed parts the same day to do a repair job.
It’s always best to schedule ahead for:
- Preventative maintenance such as a furnace tune-up or water heater flush
- Slow-running drain clogs
- Remodel work
- Inspections
- Appliance installation, such as garbage disposal replacement or ice machine hookups