Many plumbing emergencies happen without warning. And when you discover them at night or over the weekend, you’ll probably resort to a “do it yourself” project. While there is nothing wrong with DIY home plumbing, there are issues that require the attention of a professional plumber. If you’re not a plumber, then it’s best to call the experts, here are some examples of the emergency problems that require a professional plumber.

Clogged sinks

Clogged sinks aren’t necessarily considered as an emergency. If the problem is a slow drain when you’re brushing your teeth in the bathroom or when cleaning the dishes in the kitchen, it could possibly be resolved with some DIY steps. However, if the clog has become severe and the water has completely stopped, you may want to reach out to an emergency plumber. Trying to resolve the issue on your own may lead to bigger issues and may cause a serious interruption in your daily activities.

Major flooding

Regardless of the cause, flooding is something that has to be addressed immediately by an emergency plumber. The plumber will check for the cause of the issue. They will check the water heater if there is a clogged sink or toilet, or the if the sewer is backed-up. They will identify any systems that are not working properly to rectify the cause of the plumbing system failures. And when this plumbing problem is considered an emergency, a plumber will make sure to work on the problem and get it fixed as quickly as possible.

Sewer system backup

This is one of the worst plumbing problems that no one wants to experience. Sewer backups are very inconvenient, messy and costly. You would know that you have a potential sewer system backup when you experience multiple drain clogs, water forming a puddle around the floor drain, bad sewage odors and gurgling toilets. When you notice these signs, it would be best to get these plumbing problems addressed right away. Don’t wait for the issue to get worse. Get in touch with a reputable emergency plumber quickly.

Freezing showers

No hot water or a freezing shower is usually the result of a hot water heater malfunction. There are times when the problem can be resolved by checking the breaker box for the electric heater. If you have a gas operated heater, make sure that the pilot light is on. However, if the simple flipping of a switch won’t do the trick, the next thing to do is to call an emergency plumber. Chances are your water heater may have to be repaired or replaced if it has been in use for several years already.

Leaking water heater

You could be wasting a lot of money on water heating if there’s a leak on your hot water supply. So make sure that a leaking water heater is immediately addressed by a qualified plumber. Also, a leak can cause damage to your heater. Its walls can rust through and if that happens, you may need to get it replaced.

Clogged toilets

Does your toilet refuse to flush? Is it making unusual noises? Is it clogged? If yes, you could try to resolve the issue on your own with some DIY steps. But if that doesn’t work, be sure to contact an emergency plumber right away. Don’t wait for the leaks to cause structural damage or sewage backups.

Leaks

Trying to address plumbing leaks at home is easier said than done. Before the issue can be resolved, you must identify the source of the leak. To ensure that the problem is addressed quickly and efficiently, call an emergency plumber right away. The last thing you ever want to happen is the leak causing mold, mildew and water damage making them too expensive to fix. Leaks could also present health hazards to your family.

Issues with plumbing system are inevitable. And while some plumbing issues can be fixed on your own, certain problems require the knowledge and expertise of a trusted plumber. If you need quality emergency plumbing services, please don’t hesitate to contact Johnson Plumbing.

Water leaks can be sneaky little problems at home that usually go unnoticed. Unfortunately, no matter how minor they may be, they can lead to bigger troubles in the long run. Leaky pipes not only waste water, they also encourage unwanted organic growth and can lead to structural damage or electrical risks. As a homeowner, it is important that you understand the potential damage that could be caused by an unrepaired leaking pipe. It also helps to be familiar with the most common causes of leaks so that you know if the situation calls for an emergency plumber. The following are the common causes of household leaks that you should be aware of.

Broken seals

Seals are usually placed around water connectors when appliances or fixtures were installed. As time goes by, the seal may degrade, wear out or break. There may be a broken seal if you notice condensation on or near the appliance.

Advanced corrosion

Any pipe material will eventually wear out. Over long periods of time, corrosion can destroy the pipes in your home. This will create tiny openings for water to seep out. If the pipe was laid more than 30 years ago, the plumbing is more prone to corrosion issues. Pipes are also at a higher risk of developing corrosion if the mineral content of the water is off balance. If you notice any discoloration or warping on your pipes, have a licensed plumber diagnose the problem right away. But if the plumbing system is a little bit older, consider replacing older pipers with newer ones.

Excessive water pressure

High water pressure is sometimes useful when cleaning or taking a shower. However, too much pressure may increase the risk of eventual leaks or worse, cause your pipes to burst. In mild cases where there is a sporadic leak in your fixtures, you may have to reach out to a licensed plumber to test the pressure and to make adjustments if necessary.

Clogged lines

Clogged drains do not only cause an inconvenience, they can also result in an overflow or burst pipes. To prevent serious clogs, make sure to always keep gutters and HVAC systems clean.

Damaged pipe joints

The points where your pipes connect are often the weakest spots in a water line. Over time, leaks may occur due to pipe joint deterioration. Since pipe joints aren’t easily visible, listen for pipes making a banging or a ticking noise. This should be noticeable especially when you turn on the hot water. A better idea would be to have a licensed plumber check your system at least once a year.

Loose water connectors

Leaks are also caused by loose hoses and pipes. Loose water connections are often a result of shifting. An indication of a water connection leak is the puddle of water that forms around an appliance.

Fixture cracks

If the pipe is connected to a cracked faucet, a leak may be immediately visible. These cracks are often caused by a strong force or impact that causes the fixture to break. Unfortunately, these cracks often develop without being noticed. They can also occur in places that are out of sight. If your fixture has been damaged, have it checked and replaced as soon as possible.

Incorrect pipe laying

Incorrect pipe laying is one of the most common reasons behind serious leaks and plumbing emergencies. For this reason, it is extremely crucial to hire a licensed plumber to do any major plumbing work in your home. Don’t risk small mistakes because they may result in costly repairs and bigger problems in the future. Make sure that pipes and their connectors are laid properly. Also, use backflow devices if necessary. If you aren’t sure about how the plumbing work was done and if you worry about how the pipes were laid, it is best to have a licensed plumber assess your system.

Leaky pipes in households usually occur because of at least one of the reasons listed above. To avoid the inconvenience caused by leaking pipes and keep your system protected, have a licensed emergency plumber from Johnson Plumbing handle all plumbing work in your home.

National Bike Month happens every May in the US. Originally established in 1956, it is celebrated in many communities across the country.

Why a national month?

Many reasons, but arguably the best reason why National Bike Month was created to last a full month is that it encourages people to get out there and ride.

Reasons to ride

Helps the environment

One of the most obvious and beneficial reasons why biking is such a good choice is that it has minimal impact on the environment. As more and more communities create biking paths and lanes, it makes biking a more viable form of transportation.

And when more people choose to ride their bike over driving their car, the environment benefits even more.

Helps your health

While it’s not hard to hop on a stationary bike at the gym, it’s more practical to ride your bike outside.

Why?

• It works your body harder
• Helps you burn more calories in a shorter period of time
• You can run your errands while getting a healthy workout at the same time – saving you both time and money
• It’s heart healthy – improves heart and blood vessel fitness
• Reduces the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes
• Can help you sleep better at night
• Is easier on your joints than running
• Can help build up leg muscles and improve bone density

Boosts your mood

What do fresh air, warm sunshine, and cool breezes have in common? All of these elements combine to lift your spirits, energize you and keep you feeling good – even after you’ve finished riding!

Save money

No more wasted gas as you circle the block looking for a parking space – or waiting for a meter.

And you can save on car repairs and ownership costs (e.g. fuel, insurance, licensing, etc). These costs can be greatly reduced when you opt to ride your bike whenever possible.

Ways to celebrate

There are lots of ways you can celebrate National Bike Month! Pick one which works for you and enjoy… It might just become your favorite way to get around!

Here are some great ways to take part in the fun:

Bike to work

Lots of communities put together Bike to Work Week and/or Bike to Work Day – which comprise a part of National Bike Month.

You can go it alone, or for more fun, get your co-workers involved.

Some ways to keep it interesting:

• Competitions (e.g. most miles ridden, days biked to work, etc.)
• Team goals (e.g. sales vs marketing department, etc.)
• Contests

Bike sharing

Bike share programs are growing in popularity across the country.

Self-serve bike stations provide shared community usage for short-term use. These amenities are typically found in high traffic areas of cities and/or communities.

If your city doesn’t have self-serve bike stations, reach out to city planners, council members, etc. to see about getting them started where you live.

Bike restoration

If you don’t already own a bike, consider finding an old or vintage bike that you can restore to new life rather than buy a new one.

Often it doesn’t take much to restore one:

• a good wash and maybe a new paint job
• new chain
• new brake cables
• new tires and
• a bell, of course!

Not only will you save money, you’ll rescue a decent bike from the bike boneyard!