What Is Considered a Plumbing Emergency in Arlington Heights, IL?

Burst Pipes

Plumbing systems include complex networks of pipes, drains, and fixtures. Your Arlington Heights home could experience a burst pipe anywhere within that network, causing substantial property damage and drastically increasing your water bills.

A burst pipe could cause massive flooding inside your home within a short time. The water can damage flooring, drywall, ceilings, furniture, and personal belongings. During such a time, the best thing you can do is shut off your main water supply and contact local plumbers for emergency assistance. 

How can you tell if a pipe has burst within your plumbing system? Watch for these signs:

• Sounds of rushing water
• Hissing or grinding noises from pipes
• Fluctuating water pressure
• Water discoloration

Clogged Drains

When asking, “What is considered a plumbing emergency?” you might not think about clogged drains. Blocked drains can become emergencies for households in Arlington Heights when severe enough to prevent water from flowing through them. 

You should take steps to prevent clogs, such as disposing of paper towels in waste baskets instead of toilets and minimizing the amount of grease and oil you pour into your kitchen sink. However, you can’t prevent some problems, like tree root intrusion. If your attempts to dislodge a clog fail, leaving you without a functional sink, tub, or toilet, it’s time to seek professional services. 

Arlington Heights Gas Leaks

Suspected gas leaks are always plumbing emergencies. Natural gas is highly flammable. A leak from your furnace, stove, or other fuel-burning appliance can trigger a fire, explosion, or illness.

Symptoms of gas exposure include:

• Breathing problems
• Eye irritation
• Headaches
• Skin irritation
• Dizziness

A gas leak can have visible and audible warnings as well. You might hear whistling or hissing near the main line or a cloud forming around it. Also, orange flames in your furnace pilot light or stove instead of blue ones indicate a serious problem that needs immediate professional attention.

Sewage Backups

Another answer to “What is considered a plumbing emergency in Arlington Heights?” is a sewage backup. Raw sewage is a health hazard because it contains many pathogens that can become airborne. The sewage could impact your property enough to require professional waste removal and restoration services. 

Don’t delay calling for help if a sink or toilet backs up. It’s time to contact the experts if your sink backs up whenever you flush a toilet or smell the waste before you see it. 

Water Heater Failure

You rely on hot water for everyday grooming and washing. Although cold showers aren’t the worst things in the world, they can be dangerous if you take one in the middle of an Illinois winter due to water heater failure. The cold can shock the body, which can harm sensitive populations. 

If your water heater malfunctions in the winter and stops producing hot water, it is a plumbing emergency. Regardless of the season, it’s an emergency if the appliance has a possible gas leak.

Loss of Water or Water Pressure

A lack of hot or cold water is a serious issue, especially if it’s sudden, but it’s not dangerous. Your first call should be to your local water company to determine if the problem stems from your supplier. 

If your water is not flowing, but it should be, it’s time to contact a local plumber for emergency services. You need water to flush toilets, shower, cook meals, and complete many other daily activities. Going without water for extended periods isn’t sustainable for most people’s lifestyles, so emergency services may be necessary.

Get Emergency Plumbing Help in Arlington Heights From Our Experienced Experts

Knowing what is considered a plumbing emergency is a must for property owners in Arlington Heights, IL, and the surrounding areas. Whether you have major leaks or gas line issues, trust our team at Stellar Plumbing, Drains and Water Heaters to resolve your problems quickly.

Our licensed plumbers have years of experience addressing plumbing emergencies and providing plumbing installations for newly constructed homes in the area. No job is too complex for us, so reach out today to get the expert help you need for your plumbing system. 

Call Now (773) 908-9375