While some plumbing issues can be addressed on Monday morning, others cannot be delayed. The issue is determining which is which, as an issue that seems minor can escalate to serious property destruction within hours. Thunder Bay has a rather harsh winter, due to which the pipes, the hot water tank, as well as the drains will be exposed to the elements. If an issue occurs during the middle of January, waiting is not an option.
The following are the signs that indicate you must call the best Thunder Bay plumber immediately, not tomorrow.
Water is Coming Through the Ceiling or Walls
This is not an issue where you will miss the obvious signs. Water stains appearing on your ceiling is another surefire sign that there is an issue with your plumbing and you need a Thunder Bay plumber.
The damage will be greater the longer water stays inside the walls. According to Health Canada, mould growth can start within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of the water.
No Water at All
Not having any water pressure in the morning during winter is not good news. The freezing of pipes is one of the most common reasons for this, especially in the climate of Thunder Bay.
You may want to wait and see if the pipes will thaw on their own. Perhaps that works sometimes. But if you don’t know where the freeze is or how long it has been building, the risk of a burst is real enough to warrant a call.
Sewage Smell Inside the Home
Not only is a sulphur or sewage odour from drains unpleasant, but it is also a sign of a venting problem or a problem with the sewer line.
Sewer gases entering a house pose health risks. Hydrogen sulphide is a gas found in sewers. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, it can cause headaches and nausea, even in small concentrations. This is not something to air out and ignore.
Multiple Drains Backing Up at Once
One slow drain is probably caused by a local blockage. Two or three slow drains at the same time probably mean the blockage is further down the main sewer.
Things can get out of hand fast. A large clog can back up into your tubs or even your floor drains.
Water Heater Leaking or Totally Failing
If your water heater is leaking from the tank, you should know that it is time to replace it since a rusted tank cannot be repaired.
In winter, losing hot water is not just uncomfortable. For families with young children or elderly members, it can become a real welfare concern fairly quickly. A leaking tank also risks flooding your utility space.
Running Water You Cannot Locate
If you hear running water in your house in spite of all the faucets being turned off, it could indicate a cracked pipe in the wall or a failed fitting.
Check your water meter. If the dial is moving when nothing is running, water is going somewhere it shouldn’t. That is worth a call to a plumber before the problem finds you first.
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