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Most homeowners have dealt with a plumbing problem or two, no matter how old their home is. Sometimes it seems like a good idea to treat any inconvenient plumbing issue like an emergency and call for services in the middle of the night. However, it is important to take a moment to consider whether you really need an emergency plumber or can wait for regularly scheduled plumbing services.

If you need an emergency plumber in Cleveland, TN, the professionals at Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air offer emergency plumbing services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Is It a True Emergency?

Not all plumbing problems require emergency services. There are a few things you should consider before contacting an emergency plumber.

Can It Wait to Be Fixed?

Every plumbing problem is inconvenient. But deciding whether you need an emergency plumber should rely on more than its inconvenience to you. For example, a slow drain is annoying and can eventually lead to a complete drain blockage. But a slow drain that will still empty itself can wait for regular repair services. A water heater that doesn’t provide enough hot water anymore is truly a pain to deal with, no matter what your family size. But as long as you are still able to get hot water, it really isn’t an emergency. Problems like this should be scheduled for repair or replacement with your professional plumber.

Will Waiting Cause More Damage?

Look beyond how the plumbing problem affects you right now. Consider how it is affecting your house. Is waiting to get the problem fixed going to cause more damage to your pipes and plumbing fixtures? If there is a leak that you cannot stop, your house could incur serious structural damage in a short time. If you are going to end up with severe damage to your home by waiting, opt for a plumber as soon as possible.

Is the Problem on Your End?

Sometimes the problem has nothing to do with your personal plumbing system. If you can’t find where the problem is, you should think about contacting your area water company. The city will be responsible for issues on their side of things without you having to pay for services.

Do You Need a Professional Plumber?

It seems like there are hundreds of television shows and online tutorials that promise anyone can do their own home repairs and remodeling. The problem with this line of thinking is that only a professional will be able to provide fast, efficient repair and replacement of your plumbing system and appliances. Only a professional plumber will be licensed and insured, promising your satisfaction with the work.

You may think you are saving money by hiring a handyman or amateur remodeler to work on your plumbing. However, it could end up costing much more to fix the problems created by a novice than it would to pay a professional plumber in the first place.

Common Plumbing Emergencies

Still a bit confused about whether you need a plumber immediately or not? Here are a few examples of plumbing emergencies that your professional deals with most often.

Clogged Toilets

Your toilets are the most often used plumbing fixtures in your house. Any time they aren’t working properly, it puts a crimp in your day. Emergency plumbers are commonly called to help when the homeowner just can’t get rid of the clog. When your toilets are refusing to flush or leaking into your floor, you need to get help from an emergency plumber right away.

No Hot Water

So, you jump in the shower to start your day and find yourself getting an icy response. When your water heater isn’t working at all, it can make it impossible to keep your house running. Hot water is needed to get laundry washed, dishes washed, take showers, and many other essential household tasks. If you don’t have any access to hot water, you will need an emergency plumber.

Clogged Sinks & Showers

Some minor clogs can be temporarily taken care of by the homeowner. The clog is more likely to build up again without professional plumbing service, however. The use of chemical drain cleaners that are sold in discount and hardware stores can actually do more damage to your pipes with prolonged use.

If you have a drain that is slow, you have time to wait for a scheduled visit from your plumber. But if the clog is deep in the pipes, you will need a professional to remove the clog and clear your pipes safely. Hydro Jetting gets rid of the blockages in your pipes using water pressure, which protects your plumbing system from harmful chemicals.

Burst Pipes

This is a major plumbing emergency. When your pipes freeze and then thaw out, it can cause any pipes that are exposed to burst. You need to get an emergency plumber to take care of any burst pipes before you end up having to replace your plumbing system or your flooring and walls due to damage.

Leaking Water Heater

A water heater with a leak can cost a homeowner a lot of money in wasted product. Find out where the leak is before you proceed. If you have a leaking valve, that is a quick fix for an expert. But if you have a tank that is rusted through, you will need to replace your water heater.

Broken Water Lines

There are a lot of things that can interfere with your underground water lines. Common culprits are tree roots, careless digging without checking with your water company, and earthquakes. Signs of ruptured water lines include swampy areas in your yard, lower water pressure, and lower-quality water.

Backed-Up Sewer System

If you are experiencing clogs in drains all over your house, smell foul odors near your drains, or see water puddling around basement drains, you could have a sewer system that is backed up. This is one of the worst problems a homeowner can have with their home plumbing, and you need the fast help of an emergency plumber to take care of an issue this severe.

Contact the professionals at Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air for more information about all our emergency plumbing services for Cleveland, TN.