As a homeowner, the last thing you want is a big plumbing problem you have to spend thousands fixing. The good news is, you can prevent the biggest plumbing problems in your Chattanooga, TN, home by keeping an eye on your plumbing system and keeping up with regular maintenance. This starts by understanding what some of the most common plumbing problems are, how to spot them and what to do when you’ve got those problems. From minor issues to leaks that require expensive emergency plumbing repair, here’s what you should be keeping an eye out for when it comes to plumbing problems.

Major Leaks

One of the worst things you can have happen in your home is a major leak. Since big plumbing leaks have a lot of potential in terms of the damage they can cause, you need to have emergency plumbing repairs done as soon as possible.

The biggest concern with leaks is the amount of water damage they can cause. While there are some leaks that aren’t big enough to cause water damage, chances are something will be damaged when water collects where it shouldn’t be. This often manifests itself in the form of structural damage since water can have such negative effects on wood. Another reason plumbing leaks require emergency plumbing repair is the fact that moisture encourages mold growth. Constant exposure to this mold can cause health issues for you and your family.

Another thing to consider when you’ve got a bad leak is how much water you’re wasting. Whether you ‘re big on saving water or simply don’t want to spend a fortune on your water bill, you’re not going to accomplish that when a leak is spewing hundreds of gallons of water each month.

Sewage Backup

Some of the most dangerous problems you can face in terms of plumbing are ones that involve sewage. The good news is, fixing these problems and getting things cleaned up isn’t the most difficult process, but you do need the help of emergency plumbing repair professionals.

The biggest concern with cleaning up sewage is your health. While most homeowners would tackle the job with basic equipment, plumbers can make sure they’re protecting themselves and safely removing sewage from your home. This involves using equipment that prevents exposure to the harmful gases that are released by sewage.

Another good reason to hire an emergency plumbing repair service for sewage cleanup is the fact that simply removing sewage isn’t getting the job done. In addition to removing any backed up sewage from your home and stopping it at its source, a professional plumber can also make sure surfaces are sanitized so your home is safe.

Slab Leaks

Often times, plumbing leaks occur in a spot that’s somewhat easy to access for professional plumbers. However, there are some leaks that occur below the slab foundation which are much more difficult to fix. This type of leak is known as a slab leak.

The biggest problem with slab leaks is the fact that they’re difficult to spot and repair. You can easily determine what’s going on if there’s a leak underneath your kitchen sink, and chances are you’ll see some signs of that leak. With a slab leak, you might not know you even have a leak until significant damage has been done. Signs of a slab leak include damp carpet or hardwood flooring, a mold or mildew smell, a decrease in water pressure and more. Because these signs can be so subtle, a lot of people don’t get slab leak repair as quickly as they need it.

If you think you might have a slab leak in your Chattanooga, TN, home, the best thing you can do is call an emergency plumbing repair service to check it out. Slab leaks can cause a lot of damage and can be hard to fix, so it’s best to get a professional on the case right away.

Sump Pump Failure

While the severity of this problem depends on how much you use your sump pump, sump pump failure can cause some major issues. Sump pumps are designed to prevent water from pooling up, so they’re often installed in the basements of Chattanooga, TN, homes that have that problem.

Some people also have sump pumps in their yards to help with drainage. If you notice your back yard looks more like a swamp than a nice lawn, it may be because of a problem with your sump pump.

The good news about sump pumps is that they can generally be fixed by replacing a few different parts, so emergency plumbing repair doesn’t mean a simple replacement when it comes to your sump pump.

Dealing with Emergencies

While calling an emergency plumbing service should always be one of your first moves when you’ve got an emergency, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage while you wait.

The most important thing is knowing how to shut off the water supply to your home. Every home has a main water shutoff that allows homeowners to shut off the water to their home. These shutoffs are often located near your water heater. If you notice a bad leak or another plumbing problem in your home, shutting the water off could save you hundreds on emergency plumbing repairs.

We Have Your Back

Minimizing the damage that plumbing emergencies can cause is an important part of being a responsible homeowner. Aside from knowing how to spot emergencies and how to handle them, you should also have a good emergency plumber you can call.

If you have any of these major plumbing problems in your Chattanooga, TN, home, Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air can help get it fixed. We provide emergency plumbing repair services when you need it most. Next time you have a plumbing emergency, call Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air at (423) 616-1025.