What is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?

• Burst pipes: Whatever causes a burst pipe, it needs to be repaired as soon as possible to prevent extensive water damage. Once a leak is discovered, you’ll want to switch off your water and call in a plumber.
• Frozen pipes: The most common cause of burst pipes is frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can be thawed with care using hot water bottles.
• Plumbing fixture leaks: You can shut off the valve to individual fixtures to prevent water damage before the plumber arrives to fix the leak.
• Clogged drains and toilets: Get the clog cleaned as soon as possible. Clogs can cause pressure to build up in the pipe and cause it to split or break.
• Gas leaks: Once you smell gas, you need to get out of the building as soon as possible before calling in a plumber to repair the leak. The gas should be shut off as quickly as possible, as well.

Anytime you have these problems or others with your plumbing and need emergency plumbing repair in Fort Worth, TX, you can rely on True Plumbing for fast, effective repairs. You can reach us 24/7 by calling 817-542-1980.

How can you tell where a water leak is coming from?

Unless you see the pipe under your sink leaking or have drip from your ceiling or other visible evidence, you may not know where a leak is coming from or even if you have a leak in the first place. If there’s no visible evidence of a leak, the first indication of a leak may be an unexplained spike in your water bill. If you think you may have a plumbing leak, you may be able to detect it by switching off your water and checking your water meter. If the leak indicator on the meter is still moving, there’s probably a leak. The leak indicator is either a triangular dial or small silver wheel that rotates as water flows through the meter.

You can also determine whether the leak is outside or inside by shutting off the maint water valve and checking the meter. If the leak indicator is not moving, the leak is inside the house. If it’s moving, the leak is outside. Other common leaks include a leaking toilet. If the toilet is constantly running, it may indicate you have a problem with the flapper valve. The flapper is probably worn or corroded and needs to be replaced so it will seal the valve properly after the toilet is flushed. 

In most cases, especially if you have a burst pipe, you’ll want to get the leak repaired as soon as possible. Quick emergency plumbing leak repair may require you to call out a plumber after hours for emergency leak repair. Make sure you call on plumbers you can depend on like those at True Plumbing. 

Sometimes leaks can fool you. A drip from the ceiling, for instance, may not be caused by plumbing. Instead, it could be a roof leak. If you have frequent problems with roof leaks, you may want to replace your roof with a metal roof to lower the risk of leaks. Standing seam metal roof installation will be required.

How do you fix a leaky pipe in the wall?

Often, when plumbers are called out for emergency plumbing repair, they’re going to repair a burst pipe inside a wall. This requires them to cut out sections of damaged drywall to make the repair. While it’s not recommended, you can repair a pipe inside a wall yourself if you have the tools and skills. You’ll also have to start by cutting away the drywall to expose the pipes. Follow up with these steps:

• Shut off the water.
• Use a sheet and wrap it around the pipe to find out where the leak is located. Water will dampen the sheet at the break. 
• Put a bucket or other container under the pipe to catch spillage, and dry the pipe.
• Use a pipe cutter to cut the pipe under the leak and then cut above the leak.
• Clean the pipe inside and out
• Mount a repair sleeve to the cut ends of pipe.
• Finish by patching up the wall.

Emergency plumbing repair kit

When you have a plumbing emergency, it may take time for a plumber to come out for the repair. You may want to keep a few tools and items around to make up an emergency repair kit. 

In your kit you want the following:

• A bucket
• A plunger
• Several wrenches
• Adhesives like duct tape or even plumber’s tape or quick-drying cement
• Flashlight
• Gloves

How much do plumbers charge for emergency calls?

Emergency plumbing repair costs will vary. Labor charges, for instance, may vary if a call is after hours. Some plumbers charge extra to come out after hours, while others have set rates no matter the time they come out. Fees normally run between $50 and $100, and after hours fees may be doubled. Hourly labor charges will be factored into the total cost of the repair.

Is plumbing covered by home insurance?

In general, most plumbing repairs are not covered by homeowners insurance. On the other hand, sometimes an emergency plumbing repair may be covered. If you’ve had a pipe suddenly burst in a wall, the water damage may be covered, but a gradual leak that’s been leaking for some time will normally not be covered. Check with your insurance company to find out the particulars of your policy.