Plumbing emergencies are a common occurrence for homeowners. It is important to remember that plumbing fixtures are subject to extensive use throughout the day. Considering how much use they see, pipes are at high risk of breaking down, malfunctioning, or ending up blocked.

Luckily, there are measures that you can take to avoid these plumbing emergencies. Although you might not avoid all plumbing problems along the way, you can at least lessen the frequency in which they occur.

Here are the five most common plumbing emergencies that you should be ready to deal with, as well as a few tips to avoid them.

1. Overflowing or Clogged Toilet

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An overflowing toilet is the first on the list of common plumbing emergencies that every homeowner will encounter at some point. The issue is something that many homeowners do not want to experience. It will not only prevent you from using the toilet, but it may also incur water damage or an unhygienic situation if any sewage leakage occurs.

For most, it can be frustrating to end up with a toilet that will not flush. As you push down the handle, the water only rises but does not go down—it stays there. The problem happens for several reasons: too much toilet paper, materials that should not be flushed, or even the waste itself. You can often deal with this issue at home on your own with a trusty plunger. But, if the problem is severe or persistent, you should get in touch with a professional service provider such as Doherty Plumbing Co., Inc.

See Also: Tips For Preventing Toilet Clog

2. Leaking Pipes

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When dealing with a leaking pipe, the fix usually depends on where the water is leaking. If a leak originates from the joint, you should tighten the joint using a wrench. If the water leaks from the pipe itself, you can use a rubber patch or waterproof tape over the leak. In some instances, leaks might occur if the fixture is worn and requires replacement—if the pipe cracks – for example, it needs replacing.

Make sure that you switch off the shutoff valve to the fixture when you replace or repair part of the plumbing. If you don’t, you may end up with water spraying everywhere. If the problem is more extensive than you can handle on your own, or if you can’t locate the source of the link, you should call a plumber for proper repairs.

See Also: Keeping Your Home Safe from Water Damage

3. Clogged Drain

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If you end up with a blocked drain, it might be time to avoid throwing any dense materials such as coffee grounds or grease down the drain or make sure that your hair doesn’t go down the shower drain. Even if you are careful, this plumbing issue can still occur.

A solution to this problem is to use a plunger to remove the material or debris or use a snake to clear out the drain. Again, the problem may be too severe to handle on your own, in which case you would need to call a plumber.

See Also: Top 11 Tips To Prevent Plumbing Emergencies In Your Home

4. Old or Worn-Out Fixtures

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Like other objects in your house, the plumbing fixtures will not last for a long time. They will eventually wear out to the point where they no longer function efficiently. Valves, showerheads, faucets, and handles need regular replacement to ensure that the plumbing system in your house is functioning.

The older your plumbing fixtures become, the more likely they are to end up with issues such as breaks and leaks.

See Also: 50+ Wall Mounted Tap Ideas

5. Burst Pipes

When it comes to plumbing problems, a burst pipe is the worst for any homeowner to experience, and they are most likely to burst during winter. The cold makes the water in the pipes freeze, and the freezing water then expands and causes the pipe to crack and burst. But, other factors can lead to a burst pipe, including old pipes and pipes made of certain materials.

When a pipe bursts, the water spill can result in a lot of damage to your house. As water rapidly moves out of them, it will cause significant water damage to the interior of your house if not dealt with right away. If your pipe bursts, you should turn off the water valve immediately—switching off the valve is the only solution to prevent further damage. Then, you will want to call a plumber immediately for emergency service.

For homeowners out there, these common plumbing emergencies are likely to occur at some point in life. Being prepared to handle these plumbing issues and knowing when to call a professional will surely come in handy if — and when —they happen.