Not every plumbing problem you might experience in your home will be a true emergency, and they can wait until it's convenient for you to call a plumber or address the problem on your own. However, some plumbing issues are more urgent than you realize, and should be addressed by a plumber as soon as possible. If you're a new homeowner or have never had to deal with residential plumbing issues before, note a few tips that will help you determine when a plumbing problem is a true emergency, and when a call to your plumber can be put off, at least until it's convenient.

Slow drains

If a drain empties slowly, you might try a homemade remedy like baking soda and vinegar, which can help clear any residue that is slowing down the flow of water. If this doesn't help, call a plumber when you can, to clean out the home's pipes before blockages get worse.

However, if a drain empties so slowly that there is standing water in a sink or tub, or the water bubbles or gurgles as it drains, this can mean that the blockage is very severe and should be addressed immediately. If the drain brings up any type of sediment or residue, this also means that the blockage is severe and a pipe is probably broken, and a plumber should be called right away.

Also, if a drain empties very slowly during a bitter cold winter, this could lead to standing water in the pipes; that water might eventually freeze, and cause a pipe to burst. Call an emergency plumber to fix that slow drain before this happens.

Broken showerhead

Hanging a very heavy rack from the pipe that holds the showerhead may cause that pipe to eventually break. If you can shut off the water leading to this pipe, and don't need to use that shower, you can probably wait until it's convenient to call a plumber.

However, don't use that showerhead until the pipe is fixed, as water running to a weakened or broken pipe can put undue pressure on it, causing even more damage. That water may also run back down the pipe, getting soaked up by the drywall and other building materials around the tub, leading to water damage and even eventual mould. If you must use that shower, call an emergency plumber to fix or replace the pipe as needed before turning the water and taps back on. For more information, contact companies like Sam's Local Plumbing.