If you're experiencing a plumbing problem, your first step to handling it depends on how severe it is. Minor problems might only need a small fix, while larger issues might call for an appointment with a plumber. However, there are problems that can't wait and require an emergency plumber to make your house livable and keep the issue from getting worse. Here is how to tell when it's time to make the call.

When You Need an Emergency Plumber

1. Flooding

Whether it's a backed-up drain or a broken water pipe, any time water enters your home, you need emergency repairs. Otherwise, the water damage will only get worse, and you may end up needing expensive repairs throughout your home. Before taking action, shut off the main water valve, which you can find either in your basement or outside your home. Then, call a professional and request emergency service. Finally, clean up all the water thoroughly with a mop, rags, and paper towels. 

2. Water Heater Problems

Your water heater has many safety features, such as the pressure release valve, that make it safe to use in your home. Check the valve regularly; if it doesn’t release steam or a small amount of water when opened, it may be blocked, and there is a risk that the water heater might burst. Also, if there is a problem with the pilot light on a gas-burning water heater, it could cause a fire or create dangerous fumes. You should have a carbon monoxide detector near the water heater to sense these fumes. Once you see these signs, the sooner you schedule an inspection, the safer it is for everyone in your home. A broken water heater can also mean water leaks and less hot water for your family to use, so repairing it quickly is the most convenient option.

3. Gas Leak

You may have gas lines in your kitchen, laundry room, basement, water heater closet, and anywhere else a gas appliance is likely to be hooked up. If there is a gas leak in your home, you might smell rotten eggs, which is a scent that is added to the gas supply to alert you to the problem. You and your family might also experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, or eye and throat irritation. If you experience any of these symptoms, get everyone out of the home, call a plumber, and don’t go back in until the leak is fixed.

If you need a plumber in an emergency, call Latour Plumbing in Youngsville, LA. This locally owned company is fully licensed and insured, and they provide high-quality and efficient plumbing services. These professionals repair gas and water leaks, conduct sewer line cleaning, and even perform bathroom remodeling services. Call (337) 291-0964 to schedule an appointment or learn more about their offerings online.