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10 Most Common Plumbing Emergencies



Homeowners need to recognize that no matter how careful or diligent they are with maintaining the systems in their homes, emergencies can happen anytime. The best thing you can do is have a professional in your corner that you can call on at any time and rely on to address your issue immediately. At Steve Ray Plumbing in Springfield, IL, we off 24/7 emergency services to our valued customers. So, when an emergency strikes, call us at 217.793.0200 any time. Let us restore your home to its former function and glory.


No More Hot Water

Being without hot water is a major inconvenience, especially during the cold months of winter. This problem could point to several causes, including a plumbing leak, electrical issue, malfunctioning water heater, or even a failure at the local utility company. At Steve Ray Plumbing, we think it’s best to get to the bottom of it quickly so we can restore your hot water.


Leaking Faucets or Toilets

Faucet leaks are often caused by a washer that’s either damaged or simply out of place. It’s easy enough to replace. If your toilet is leaking, that is usually due to a faulty flapper valve or failure to seal entirely due to sediment buildup. Don’t hesitate to contact a professional—that leak will keep dripping and costing you money until you fix it.


Clogged Sinks

When you have a clogged sink, and no water is flowing out, using a plunger may not be enough to fix the problem. You could have a total blockage, and if it’s that significant of an issue, you’ll need a professional plumber to address it.


Clogged Showers & Bathtubs

When you shower, does the water rise up to your ankles? If so, you have a clogged drain, likely caused by an accumulation of hair and soap/shampoo residue. The problem will only worsen until you address it with a drain cleaner or call a plumber.


Broken Water Lines

You could have a damaged or broken water line if you notice low water pressure in your house, poor water quality, or water accumulating into puddles on your lawn. The cause could be significant, like an earthquake, or something more common like invasive tree roots or damage from shovels. Again, this is a situation you want to address immediately with the help of a professional.


Burst Pipes

The cold weather can be hard on your home’s pipes during winter. Water within the pipes may go through a cycle of freezing, expanding, and thawing, which could cause your exposed pipes to burst. This would be a severe plumbing emergency that needs to be handled by an expert right away.


Leaking Water Heater

If you suspect a leak in your water heater, you could need a replacement valve. If the case is more serious, the problem could be rust corrosion, which could cause a leak and require a total system replacement. Keep an eye on your hot water supply and contact a professional plumber when you notice any disruption so they can determine the cause.


Leaky Hose from Washing Machine

The hoses in your washing machine are the weakest parts of the unit, so cracks and leaks can quickly occur. You’ll want to repair these issues quickly so mold and rust don’t take hold and lead to more significant problems for you.


Water Spots or Flooding in Basement

Another serious plumbing issue is flooding in your basement, which can range in severity. This could be a problem with your sump pump or due to heavy rain and a leak in your basement window. Clogged gutters could also cause this problem. Best to investigate so the source of the issue can be identified and addressed before mold and mildew take hold and ruin the items you store in your basement.


Backed-Up Sewer System

A backed-up sewer system may be the worst problem because it involves wastewater overflowing into your house. It is a smelly, messy, and expensive situation if left untreated, so be aware of the signs: multiple clogged drains, foul sewage odors, water pooling in your basement, toilets not flushing correctly, etc. You’ll need expert plumbing services from a licensed plumber. You can rely on our expertise at Steve Ray Plumbing.

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