15 Signs of an Emergency Water Situation in Your Home

People are often the most vigilant about potential emergency water situations, when strong winds and torrential downpours appear in the forecast. Although emergency water services are often needed during these events, the reality is that water problems can happen anytime, even on beautiful sunny days. Fortunately, scheduling just a few minutes to evaluate your home and property can help you identify any emergency water concerns and stop existing issues from becoming more severe. Additionally, the Aqua Pump Company not only provides 24/7 emergency services throughout our service areas but also offers routine maintenance and annual inspections that can help reduce the likelihood of emergency well pump repairs or more extensive (and expensive) water damage.

What signs indicate the potential for or presence of emergency water situations in the home?

Regular property evaluation can help ensure that your home and your loved ones have safe and consistent access to clean water. When a minimal amount of water comes from a faucet or no water is available anywhere in the house, there is clearly an emergency water situation. However, the indicators below also point to existing or potential emergency water concerns.

• Freezing temperatures: This environment can result in bursting pipes, reduced water availability, or even more substantial damage in those locations.
• Roof damage: Compromised roofing may lead to damaged ceilings, walls or even the contents of particular rooms.
• Sump pump malfunctions: If sump pump issues are left unchecked, even seemingly minor disruptions can result in an emergency water situation, such as basement flooding.
• Appliance leaks: Washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters are so essential for the daily water-sourcing needs in the home. However, they also have the potential to cause significant water emergencies, including temporary concerns like a loss of hot water or significant structural issues including damage to cabinets or flooring.
• Clogged toilets: More than an inconvenience, a clogged or partially blocked toilet may lead to a smelly and destructive overflow and more extensive destruction in the bathroom, as well as health and safety concerns.
• Slow drainage or blockages: From kitchen sinks to shower drains, drainage issues or blockages can compromise the structural integrity or efficiency of a unit or pipework and lead to more significant water emergencies, including flooding or pipe breakage.
• Older pipes: As pipes age, corrosion weakens the pipes, and joints may begin to deteriorate. Consequently, this wear and tear makes them more likely to leak, rupture, provide inconsistent flow or bring more sediment or other contaminants into a water supply.
• Leaky faucets: The periodic drip may initially cause more annoyance than concern. However, any dripping or leaking can damage fixtures over time in addition to wasting water.

What are some indicators of emergency well pump issues?

Emergency water needs are most often identified by interrupted water flow or evidence of leaking. However, routine inspections of your well location can also help prevent emergency well pump problems that impede the efficiency and safety of your water system. Here are some signs of well pump issues to look out for.

• Reduced water pressure: There may be many reasons for this problem, but one of them may be a leak or other complication in the well pump system.
• Short cycling: Problems with the pressure tank, pressure switch or other well components can cause a well pump to frequently and quickly turn on and off. In addition to water disruption and other emergency water concerns, this issue may reduce the longevity of the well pump.
• Sputtering: Sputtering from faucets is caused by air in the water supply. This issue may indicate a problem with the well pump or water level in the well.
• Continuous running: Overheating and burnout can happen if a well pump is running continuously without shutting off. This issue can be caused by malfunctioning pressure switches or system leaks.
• Well casing damage: This issue may not only be the source of well pump malfunction but also the reason for water contamination or other water quality changes.
• Electrical surges: In addition to substantial rain and massive flooding, lightning and other electrical surges can interfere with the control box or motor and can cause an emergency water situation.
• Loss of power: With a backup power source, an power outage may disrupt an electric well pump and associated water access.

In doing your own property inspection, finding some of these water problems or issues with your water system may prompt an immediate call to the Aqua Pump Company. To reduce the likelihood of water service interruptions and emergency water problems or simply save you some time, our water experts can also conduct these regular inspections for you and quickly execute any necessary repairs or system updates. For these inspections, water testing, whole house water filtration systems or other water services, contact the Aqua Pump experts today!