Facing an emergency situation at home, especially when pipes have problems, can be incredibly stressful. Calling a plumber after hours, such as in the middle of the night, can be very expensive. Sometimes, the emergency plumber may not arrive on time due to distance or fatigue, leaving you frustrated as you wait. On average, you might pay around $150 per hour to address emergency plumbing issues.
The lowest cost might be around $100, while the highest could reach $500. The high cost of pipe repairs is often due to the fact that you’re calling a plumber during critical hours, such as in the middle of the night, during heavy rain, or extreme heat.
Some plumbers charge up to $300, while others apply a minimum fee for emergency services, covering one to two hours of work. However, even if the plumber completes the repair in 20 minutes, the homeowner is still required to pay the full minimum fee.
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Conditions That Emergency Plumbers Fix
Emergency plumbing situations usually occur outside of regular working hours. Some common times when building owners urgently need an emergency plumber include weekends, nights after work hours, and holidays.
Some conditions that may require homeowners to call a plumber outside of regular working hours include:
Floods That Break Pipes
High-intensity rainfall can cause flooding, which can break pipe networks in residential areas or streets due to the strong water pressure. Ignoring this issue can accelerate the onset of a major disaster.
Water can enter all areas of the house due to the broken pipe, causing severe damage and potential health problems. Emergency plumbers may also face transportation challenges when trying to reach you.
Simultaneous Water Channel Blockages
A single clogged water channel may not necessitate an emergency call to a plumber. However, if multiple water channels in the house become blocked simultaneously, you will need to call an emergency plumber to restore the function of your pipe network and ensure water flows normally again.
Blockage in the Sewerage
A blocked sewer system can seriously threaten family health, as raw wastewater may flow back into the house. This can cause foul odors, unclean water, and make the water unsuitable for use. You should immediately contact a plumber if this condition occurs.
Emergency Plumber for Gas Leaks
Your home may rely on natural gas as a power source for many household appliances, such as stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, dryers, water heaters, and grills. At some point, a gas leak may occur.
The first thing you should do is turn off the gas using the main valve, then leave the house with your phone. Once you are a safe distance away, call 911, the gas company, or a plumber. Since the gas company may not respond quickly, you can rely on an emergency plumber.
However, before calling, make sure you recognize the following signs of a gas leak in your home:
- Hissing Sound: A hissing sound is a clear indication of a gas leak. This noise comes from the pipes or equipment that distribute the gas, where leaks may occur at several points.
- Smell of Sulfur: The smell of sulfur, similar to rotten eggs, is a strong sign of a gas leak. Regardless of where the odor is coming from, avoid inhaling it deeply to prevent poisoning, and immediately call an emergency plumber. Inhaling certain gases from leaking pipes can cause nausea, headaches, and severe fatigue.
- Changed Detector Light: You can also detect gas leaks by checking the detector light on your equipment. Carbon monoxide detector lights usually turn red or yellow when a gas leak occurs.
- Mud Puddles in the Yard: A silent gas leak may cause bubbles or mud puddles outside the house, such as in the yard. Don’t try to trace the source of the puddle, as it could be dangerous. Simply call a plumber.
Conclusion
It’s important to contact an emergency plumber when you notice these signs. However, the most crucial step before any emergency occurs is regular pipe maintenance. You can also purchase high-quality components and equipment from Legom. We only produce items that are easy to maintain, easy to install, and durable.
We offer heat pumps, room thermostats, valves, manifolds, and other HVAC components at affordable market prices. You can test the quality of our products yourself. We also collaborate with well-known brands, so you can find our products within their components. We do this through our legitimate OEM and EDM programs. Consult with us now!