Plumbing emergencies occur either as a result of neglecting to fix something or as a DIY attempt gone wrong.

Here are some of the most common. If you experience one of these plumbing emergencies, call a plumber like Barner Murphy right away. 

1. Burst Pipes

Many factors can cause or contribute to burst pipes:
Cold weather - If indoor temperatures reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water inside could freeze
Irregular/unregulated water pressure
Corrosion/rust - Weakness the pipe walls
Clogs in pumps or toilet - Increase pressure inside pipes

You can actually cause your pipes to burst if you don’t know what you’re doing. Pipe sizes can be hard to tell apart at the store, but picking the wrong pipe can lead to corrosion or leaks.

Pipe issues are usually best left to professionals.

2. Leaky Pipes

Leaks happen for many of the same reasons as burst pipes, as they are essentially the precursor to a pipe bursting. The factors mentioned above can cause cracks to form in the piping, allowing water to leak out.

Trying to fix leaky pipes yourself might not work if you aren’t skilled at it. Failing to tighten joints the right amount or using the wrong materials can at best, not fix the leaky pipes; at worst, you might cause different problems elsewhere with your plumbing.

3. Sump Pump Failure

Your sump pump, usually located in your basement and in crawl spaces, prevents flooding and water damage by draining it away from your home.

Without a working sump pump, you’re putting yourself at risk for thousands of dollars in water damage. Sump pumps are a doable DIY project, but they’re not easy; many prefer hiring a plumber to do the work instead.

4. Clogged Fixtures

Clogs are inevitable in your home’s fixtures. Whether it’s waste, hair, grease, pieces of food, paper towels, toilet paper, or even clothing, a clog can cause plumbing joints to overflow and leak.

Toilet clogs aren’t too hard to handle on your own. If a plunger or toilet snake doesn’t work, pouring half a cup of dish soap in, waiting a few minutes, then pouring in boiling water should do the trick.

If not, you’ll want to call a plumber.

5. Water Heater Malfunction

You’ll know if your water heater’s malfunctioning if your water tastes or smells strange, comes out too hot or too cold, or makes excessive noise.

Water heater leaks require a professional. However, if your water heater is not leaking, you might be able to at least eliminate the funny taste/smell by flushing the heater’s water tank.

When in Doubt, Call a Plumber Instead of DIY

The truth is many plumbing emergencies come from DIY attempts on plumbing repairs. Some simpler repairs, like leaky faucets, can be done on your own if learned properly; but things can go wrong even with these quick fixes.

When in doubt, your best bet is to call a plumber. The professionals here at Barner Murphy are highly trained in providing all manner of plumbing services in Bucks County, so if you have a plumbing issue but you’re not confident in your ability to solve it, contact Barner Murphy today!