Clearly, when something is an emergency, it demands an urgent response. But, what is the impact of a slow response to emergency plumbing problems? Many plumbing issues can be put off for another day, and a dripping tap hardly constitutes an emergency.
Yet, for commercial operations and homes, the damage from a plumbing failure can be high. There isn’t just the financial impact to consider. A plumbing disaster could lead to a dangerous working environment. And even reputation can be harmed.
What constitutes a plumbing emergency?
An emergency plumbing situation requires a quick response to avert potential damage or harm. Though, some plumbing emergencies may be more business oriented. Low water pressure could hamper business operations and slow productivity down.
Individuals and business owners will have their own take on what constitutes a plumbing emergency. But, they will agree a fast response is needed.
Typical emergency plumbing services include gas leaks, burst pipes, and water heater failures. Emergency plumbers attend these call-outs and restore regular service as quickly as possible. The reason is a slow response could lead to huge expenses.
Why are quick responses critical for emergency plumbing issues?
The main reason why any emergency service has to be fast is usually to minimise harm. In the case of emergency plumbers, it is often to stop catastrophic water damage. But, they also deal with gas lines and sewer systems.
Below are several reasons why emergency plumbers need to arrive on the scene quickly. This is true with both residential buildings and businesses too.
Because of the water flow
Ideally, any property owner who has a burst pipe will shut down the main water valve. But, if it isn’t possible to cut off the water, then flooding will happen very quickly. A burst 2-inch pipe can pump out 850 gallons of water a minute.
The average swimming pool’s capacity is 20,000 gallons. In just over 20 minutes a 2-inch pipe that’s burst could fill your property with the equivalent of a swimming pool’s worth of water.
For business continuity
Plumbers are qualified to carry out inspections and servicing. A major part of their role is to install fittings and ensure plumbing systems are safe and efficient. The global plumbing fittings & fixtures market will be worth about $94.3 billion this year. Many business owners will understand the value of contributing to that market to keep operations running.
Plumbing disasters can impact businesses in a number of ways. Bathrooms may be closed to customers. Production lines may cease to run. And kitchens may be forced to close. Water is needed for hygiene reasons and without clean water, many commercial operations would have to close.
To minimise potential damage
Of course, all that water mentioned above will cause damage to property. Furnishings and belongings will be swamped with water and this will cause harm.
Floorings can be damaged through flooding, and in some cases will be irreparable. Walls may suffer structural damage. And ceilings can easily collapse due to burst pipes.
The quicker the response, the faster the recovery process can begin.
To tackle seasonal issues
Frozen pipes are common during the winter. These can expand by up to 9% leading to burst pipes and leaks. But, the cold weather may cause other plumbing emergencies too.
Burst frozen pipes will lead to lower water pressure. This might cause problems with showers and flushing toilets. Another winter plumbing emergency is no hot water.
Water heater malfunctions in winter are no fun. Only a professional plumber should deal with water heaters. Your home warranty insurance may state that appliances must be repaired by qualified professionals.
No hot water in the dead of winter definitely constitutes a plumbing emergency. And only a fast response time will do.
To minimise health hazards and dangers
Some plumbing problems come attached to health hazards and serious dangers. A flood will swamp a building fast as you have already read. This means water will come into contact with power outlets and wiring.
Electrical hazards
The risk of electrocution with a serious burst pipe is real. Also, faulty wiring and short circuits will increase the risk of an electrical fire occurring.
A quick response time from plumbers and also electricians is vital to reduce the risks of water mixing with electricity.
Gas poisoning
Gas leaks are fairly common in homes if maintenance is neglected. A gas leak can result in an explosion, fire, or poisoning.
Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include nausea, seizures, and respiratory failure. Any suspicion of a gas leak requires an extremely fast response time.
Sewer systems
Toilets sometimes back up, and sewer lines leak. Any kind of sewer system problem requires fast action. Not only do sewer line issues lead to foul odours, but there are health risks to consider also.
Groundwater may become contaminated from a sewer line leak. Plus overflowing toilets will increase the risk of gastroenteritis and other ailments.
The benefits of a quick response time
It is clear that a quick response time by an emergency plumber may mitigate the damage done. However, there are other benefits that swift plumbing fixes will bring.
The more time that your property is exposed to moisture, the more it will be affected. One of the concerns here is corrosion. Wood will end up rotting, and metal will rust. But, your furnishings and building will be harmed too. Mould and fungus will grow on areas left damp, and this will present an added health risk.
Water damage comes with these potential problems:
- Unpleasant odours
- Mould and mildew
- Pest invasion
- Structural damage
- Increased health risks
Quick emergency plumbers help the clean-up and restoration process to begin. There are many reasons to renovate a property. After a serious plumbing problem, renovation may simply be necessary.
Once the clean-up is finished, water damage can be fixed. A home will become safe to live in again, and businesses can resume operations.
How to ensure you get fast emergency plumbing response times
As a business owner, you will gain from having regular plumbing inspections. There is peace of mind from knowing a plumbing system is functioning properly. And businesses will benefit from fast response times by having a plumber contracted to them.
Homeowners can help with response times by researching emergency plumbers before an issue occurs. It is recommended that local plumbers are always chosen for emergency services for obvious reasons.
When an emergency plumber is called they will ask some questions. Be clear when explaining the situation and what the problem is. Also, listen. Emergency plumbers will dispense instructions to help you lessen the potential damage to your home.
While the emergency plumber is travelling to your house, you can help them by following the instructions they gave on the phone.
Summary
Fast plumber response times help to reduce repair costs and to speed up the recovery process. Businesses can restart normal operations quickly with minimal revenue loss. And homeowners will avoid potential structural damage.
Looking for signs of plumbing problems such as small leaks or rusty pipes can help to avoid serious issues occurring. But, having an emergency plumber on your phone will assist with speeding up the response time if you do ever need to call them.
