Ocala, Florida, is known for its extensive underground limestone formations, which contribute to the region’s vast network of natural springs. However, this kind of landscape can prevent some unique plumbing challenges. Over time, you’ll probably notice clogged shower heads, reduced water pressure, and pipe corrosion, among other things.

Dealing with such issues regularly can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know how to deal with plumbing emergencies. But don’t fret. We’ve gone over some of the common plumbing emergencies and how to handle them with ease. So let’s jump right in, shall we?

1) Burst Water Pipes

Imagine walking into your home and finding everything flooded because a water pipe burst. In such a scenario, it’s easy to panic and let a lot of time pass without doing anything because you’re not even sure what to do. Unfortunately, taking too much time to act will only make things worse. Accumulation of water may cause severe water damage.

Quick Fix

The first thing you need to do when a pipe bursts in your home is to locate the closest valve that supplies water to the pipe and close it. If you don’t know where the branch line valve is, close the main control valve. After that, it would be ideal to get in touch with an emergency plumber Ocala, to have professionals administer the issues immediately.

2) Water Heater Issues

There’s nothing as frustrating as the water going cold when you’re enjoying your hot shower in the morning, as you prepare for your day, or even after a long day. This happens when the water heater malfunctions, leaks, or cracks. Less frustrating (but still annoying) is when your water heater makes some weird noises or doesn’t provide a sufficient amount of water. These are also signs of a malfunctioning water heater.

Quick Fix

Consider investing in a water alarm and placing it in the area drain or on the floor next to the water heater. In case there’s a leakage, the alarm will go off, signaling you to turn off the water supply to the heater. But don’t leave it at that. Call an expert plumber to fix the problem so you can return to enjoying your hot baths without any hassle.

It may also be a good idea to inspect the pressure relief valve for signs of blockage or leaks. If there’s water pooling at the base, it’s best to call an expert plumber to assess the issue. This way, you’ll prevent costly repairs down the road.

3) Clogged Drains

A blocked drainage in a shower, sink, toilet or sewer line affects proper drainage and can cause significant damage if not identified soon enough. It’s even worse if the backup surfaces are in an unoccupied space, and you rarely check them, like your basement. The issue may continue for some time before you realize it, which may require expensive repairs.

Quick Fix

One of the mistakes a lot of people make is continuing to put wastewater in affected drain pipes even after noticing a clog. Doing so only makes things worse. It’s best to avoid adding more strain to the pipes, and if it’s the main valve that’s affected, stop using water in the building until the problem is fixed.

This said, there’s a way to prevent things from getting this far. One way is to install a WiFi-connected sewer alarm to ensure you’re alerted in case there’s a problem. You can also prevent clogged pipes by avoiding placing fats, oils, grease, or flushable wipes down the drain.

4) Overflowing Toilet

An overflowing toilet probably tops the list of most annoying plumbing emergencies. It’s not only a nuisance but poses great health risks and can also cause a sewage backup. Not to mention, the overflow can get to various parts of your bathroom, causing contamination and sanitation risks.

Quick Fix

The quickest way to handle an overflowing toilet is to close the valve behind the toilet to stop any additional water flow into the toilet. Once this is done, take a plunger and try to unclog the toilet. If the blockage isn’t massive, this should do the trick. However, if all your plunging efforts don’t seem to stop the overflow, it may be best to call a professional plumber to deal with the issue.

5) Leaky Faucets

A leaky faucet may not seem like a big deal until your water bill enters the picture. Small leaks can cause up to 200 gallons of water wastage per month, significantly raising your water bill. For this reason, it’s crucial to deal with leaks as soon as you notice them to avoid hefty water bills.

Quick Fix

You can address leaky faucets by tightening the fixtures or checking for worn-out parts and replacing them. In most cases, this should do the trick. However, if you still notice leaks after replacing worn-out parts and tightening fixtures, it’s best to call a plumber to avoid water wastage.

Wrapping Up

There you have it: handy tips on handling some of the common plumbing emergencies in Ocala. As we mentioned, Ocala’s underground limestone formations often lead to plumbing issues over time. Therefore, don’t think you’re doing anything particularly wrong. Most residents face similar problems. However, staying proactive with maintenance and quick fixes can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. Also, prioritize working with a professional plumber if you’ve tried these quick fixes and can’t get the issue under control.