We all know somebody who has gone through it. A sudden burst pipe, a sewage overflow, some sort of plumbing emergency that leaves you scrambling to find a plumber. Most of these emergencies are actually due to incompetent plumbers. Bad plumbing has a way of always failing when you least expect it to, in the most outrageous way possible. We have assembled some of the most common causes of these emergencies and what steps a plumber can take to prevent or fix these issues.
Pipe Are The Most Common Point of Failure
As the most common part, pipes are also the most common points of failure for most plumbing systems. There are a variety of different ways that pipes can fail, and almost all of them are due to improper usage by the plumber. Whether they are using the wrong material, the wrong joints, joint compound, or forgetting to add basic venting, there are endless ways to mess up when dealing with pipes.
In Toronto, a common problem is pipes freezing and bursting during Winter. This can be alleviated by using the proper type of pipe, laying it deeper into the ground (too close to the surface and it freezes easily), and using some sort of insulation to keep the pipe from freezing. A frozen pipe that has burst can do a ton of damage before its discovered. Then, it must be dug up and replaced, which could be a pricey fix for some home owners, depending on the location of the pipe.
Bathrooms Can Be Source Of Major Problems
Overflowing toilets are not always a symptom of bad plumbing — there are freak accidents. Usually though, most cases of clogged toilet drains can be prevented by using the proper size drain pipe, venting, and avoiding sharp turns in the drain. If you are dealing with an overflowing toilet, the quick fix is to have a plumber come out and snake the drain for you to clear the clog. You may want to look into having the drain line reworked if you have frequent problems.
A Basement Flood Is A Serious Emergency
Flooded basements are a huge issue for any homeowner. If a plumber fails to install a backwater valve in a home hooked up to the sewers, you can end up with sewage overflowing into the basement. Water can also find its way into your basement from outside. Improper grading in the land around the home can cause water to build up on the outside of the house. Combined with inadequate outdoor draining, this water will eventually erode its way into the home, and even down into the foundation.
Such problems can be easily solved by using a proper grade on the land around the house, and installing French drains to prevent water build-up on the outer walls of the home. If you find yourself in urgent need of a plumber, you can always call up Absolute Draining and Plumbing. We have a 24/7 emergency plumbing service for just this reason.
