As is the case with other item in your home, sometimes a plumbing issue can spring up out of nowhere and become a sudden problem on the spot. It’s usually not possible for a homeowner to predict when a plumbing emergency will strike – hence the word “emergency.” However, the trouble with plumbing emergencies is that they can often cost a homeowner far more money than a regularly-scheduled repair job. After all, in order for a plumber to be able to respond to a plumbing emergency, he’ll need to drop what he’s doing, round up the proper equipment and gear, and head on over to your place, whether doing so means putting off a scheduled job, driving all the way across town, or getting out of bed in the middle of the night to come to your rescue. As such, plumbers do deserve to be compensated for emergency calls; but from a homeowner perspective, the idea of paying double the normal rate to fix a plumbing emergency can be frustrating and financially draining. For this reason, it’s important that homeowners learn to recognize the difference between a true plumbing emergency and a plumbing issue that can probably wait a day or so.
As the owner of WT Mechanical, a company that has been catering to Central New Jersey’s plumbing, heating, and cooling needs for the past 15 years, Walter Tulecki is no stranger to the world of plumbing emergencies. According to him, the following are some true plumbing emergencies that simply cannot wait:
No heat
While the absence of heat within your home can certainly be physically unpleasant, it can also damage your house. In really cold temperatures, even a temporary lack of heat can cause pipes to freeze; so if you suddenly find yourself without heat, then make the call.
A leak that cannot be controlled
Any water supply not under control within your property can cause flooding, which can affect your home in many ways. A flood can cause big-time damage to floors, walls, furniture, and even appliances. If you find yourself in the position of having a heavy-duty leak that you cannot contain on your own, then call in a plumber as soon as possible.
Complete sewer stoppage within your home
If all of the toilets within your home become unusable as the result of a complete sewer stoppage, then you’ll want to bring a plumber to the premises to tackle the situation right away.
Of course, not every unpleasant plumbing situation constitutes a true emergency. The following are some things that can probably wait until morning:
A leaky faucet that is under control
A faucet that is dripping or leaking in a relatively slow, containable fashion is something that can usually be dealt with during regular business hours. Since a mild, controllable leak is not likely to cause major damage to your home, there’s no sense in paying those emergency fees to have it looked at on the spot.
A partial stoppage of sewer
If one of your toilets becomes clogged or unusable but you have another within the home that still works, then the scenario does not warrant emergency status.
No hot water
This is one of the most popular “grey areas” as far as plumbing emergencies are concerned. While some might consider no hot water an absolute emergency, others are able to live without it for a night. As long as your water supply hasn’t been cut off completely, a lack of hot water alone is something that can generally wait until normal business hours. It might not be the most pleasant option, but you can always shower at a neighbor’s house or at your local gym until the problem is fixed.
By understanding the difference between a true plumbing emergency and a plumbing situation that is simply inconvenient or unpleasant, homeowners can save themselves plenty of money by avoiding those “on the spot” service fees. The next time you encounter an issue with your home plumbing after hours or over a weekend, think before you frantically dial and beg your local plumber to arrive on the scene. By taking a moment to calm down and increasing your patience quotient, you could spare yourself the unnecessary expense of paying an emergency plumbing fee.
