Jacksonville's 24-Hour Emergency Plumber

Broken or Busted Pipes

Sometimes, it's easy to know a pipe has burst because there is water flowing from the floor or walls. But there are some harder-to-spot signs to look out for.

• Lower water pressure
• Unusual standing or dripping water
• Unexpected water bill increase
• Bubbling or whistling sounds when using water
• Bulges in exposed pipes
• Water discoloration, usually brown from rust
• Sewage odor

If a pipe has burst, here's what you do:

• The first thing to do is shut off the water.
• After that's done, open a faucet to relieve any remaining water pressure in the pipes.
• Call a plumber.
• Start cleaning up the water with mops, buckets, shop vacuum, rags, towels, etc. This helps reduce the chance of mold developing.

Slab Leaks

Slab leaks are among the worst plumbing emergencies you can have since the damage to your home can cost you thousands of dollars. This is why early detection is important.

Here's what you can do to check if you have a slab leak:

• Is there a sudden or unexplained spike in your water bill?
• Is there water accumulating where it shouldn't?
• Do you smell or see mold or mildew?
• Is there a decrease in your water pressure?
• Are there areas of the floor that are hotter than normal?
• Is the hot water heater constantly running?

If the answer to any of those questions is yes, it's time to call a plumber to investigate.

No Hot Water

Sometimes, no hot water is a sign of an emergency plumbing problem, but other times, it's a result of how the water heater is being used. If have you have extra people over, and the shower is being used more, you can run out of hot water. The solution is just to wait for the water heater to reheat the water. Always consider the size of your water heater and make sure it's appropriate for your needs.

Here's some other things to look out for:

Clogged Drains

Unless your drain is overflowing and spreading water everywhere, clogs can usually be solved by some DIY solutions.

If you have a clogged drain, here are some DIY steps you can take to fix it yourself:

• Use a clothes hanger by bending one end to create a hook and pull out any debris
• Use a plunger
• Use baking soda and vinegar
• Use boiling water

Sometimes, the above isn't good enough and uncommon solutions like a plumber's snake are needed. That's when you should call the experts at David Gray Plumbing to get the job done.

There are also some preventative measures you can put into place to ensure the drains in your kitchen or bathroom don't get clogged.

• Carefully dispose of grease and oil using hot water
• Use the garbage disposal frequently
• Use a drain cover to catch debris before it clogs the drain

Keep in mind, store-bought drain cleaners contain dangerous chemicals that can damage your plumbing. Never use products like Drano to fix a clog.

Backed-Up Sewer System

Along with slab leaks, a backed-up sewer system can be among the costliest repairs, and they pose a health and sanitation risk. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the warning signs so you can avoid this horrible experience.

• Slow draining sinks, tubs, and toilets
• Water or dampness around floor drains
• Gurgling appliances that use water
• Foul odor

These situations can arise from just a single drain or from the main sewer line. If it's a single drain, then you might be experiencing a simple clog. If it's the entire house, then you'll want to call a plumber right away and not turn on the water or use any water appliances.