We’ve all been there. The toilet is backing up or you have waste water flooding into your basement from a drain pipe in the ceiling, and you aren’t sure what to do. There are a few things you can do to help prevent further damage to your Woolwich Township home or plumbing system. Here are some common plumbing emergencies and what to do if they happen to you.
Water Line Break
How do you know if you have a water line break? One of the first signs of trouble with your water line is a drop in pressure. Washing machines and tubs take longer to fill; sinks and toilets don’t seem to function the way they normally do. Other signs of trouble are pools of water or saturated areas in your yard that never seem to dry up. A wet spot around your slab or basement could also indicate water leaking from your main line.
Unlike water leaks inside your home, leaks in the main water line can be difficult to spot. For inside leaks, the water meter will spin even when all the sinks and other plumbed appliances are off. There will be no sound of running water or puddles under the sink or on the floor. If the water line break occurs in your home, call a Woolwich Township plumber, but you can turn off the water supply to your home to prevent flooding.
Broken Sewer Line
A broken or damaged sewer line would cause waste water and sewage to leech out into the soil beneath your property. The water would gradually rise to the surface, creating puddles or patches of unexplained dampness. A foul, sewage odor would probably be noticeable. If raw sewage works its way to the surface, it will attract flies. Waste water flowing underground can also cause a sinkhole to form. Depending on the contours of your yard and other factors, the water might flow to the boundary of your property before it becomes noticeable.
Another sign might be slow or uneven drainage of your sinks, toilets, and other appliances. Water may empty down the drain fast, and then back up or gurgle.
If you observe any signs of a possible sewer line break in your Woolwich Township area home, don’t flush toilets, use the shower, or other drains and call SPS Mechanical right away. A broken sewer line must be repaired immediately, and it must be done according to accepted standards and local codes.