If you want it to last, your home's plumbing system requires regular maintenance and quick repairs when needed. Even when you take proper care of your system, there are times when you'll need to call an emergency plumber. These problems can range from leaks to low water pressure to clogs and backups. Your local emergency plumber can get your system back on track and functioning again. Here are a few situations in which you may need to call one.

Lack of Hot Water

A lack of hot water can be a much more significant problem than having to take a cold shower. If there's no hot water in your home, check the power source. For electric units, that's the breaker, and for gas water heaters, you'll need to ensure that the pilot light is on. If those sources are working fine, there's a good chance that you have a plumbing problem.

According to Lowes, the life expectancy of a water heater is about eight to 12 years. If your water heater is reaching the end of its lifespan, problems will likely start to occur. Don't try to tough it out; call a plumber right away. Finding the cause of the problem is the first step to making sure that your plumbing system is working as needed.

Water Line Leaks

The most common sign of a water line leak is water in your yard. This means that there's a leak between the main water line and your home. If you ever notice standing water on your property that can't be attributed to rain, there's a serious problem somewhere. Unfortunately, plumbing pipes don't last forever. As they age, they can degrade, which makes the possibility of leaks much higher.

An emergency plumber will be able to assess the situation and determine the best solution. The problem can be with the exterior pipes, or with the connection point where the pipes enter your home. Don't delay when you notice issues with your water line, as it's a problem that needs to be solved right away.

Clogged Drains and Toilets

This is probably the most common reason why homeowners call an emergency plumber. Clogged drains are a common occurrence and one that plumbers know how to handle. Whether it's your toilet or your sinks that are clogged, there are a few methods to try to fix the problem yourself.

A plunger should be able to clear any toilet clog. If this doesn't work, you'll want to call a plumber right away because the problem will only get worse. In most cases, the plumber can use their snake to clear clogged drains. However, if you have a situation where nothing is working to clear your clogs, you'll have to have the plumbing taken apart. The most common cause of clogged drains is the buildup of hair, toothpaste, and other matter. Avoid putting anything down your sink drain to help prevent this buildup.

Burst Pipes

"Burst pipes" is about the scariest thing a homeowner can hear. No one wants to have an experience with burst pipes, as it's difficult and expensive to solve the problem. Fortunately, newer homes are less likely to experience this problem due to technological improvements and innovations. If you live in an older home that still has iron or copper pipes, you'll need to work harder to protect them from freezing or bursting.

Know how to turn off the main water source to your home. This will help to prevent the situation from growing worse. Your plumber will be able to get the water out of your house and also identify the cause of the problem. When your pipes are getting older, the chance of them bursting increases, so talk to your plumber about preemptively replacing them. It may sound like a lot of work and expense, but it's a decision that'll help you avoid a much more serious problem down the road.

We're the local emergency plumber to call whenever you need plumbing services outside of regular business hours. We can also help you with all of your installation, maintenance, and repair needs. Don't panic the next time you experience a plumbing emergency, just give Ultimate Plumbing, Heating & AC LLC a call and we'll be right out to fix the problem. You can rely on us for all of your plumbing needs, both emergency and scheduled.