Emergency Plumbing Tips

Avoid an Emergency Plumbing Nightmare

Emergency plumbing can be a nightmare when homeowners don’t act fast. Taking the right steps when a plumbing issue is discovered can save thousands of dollars in repairs and damages. 

When you know how to respond to a plumbing emergency, you will be able to take the necessary steps to prevent extensive damage.

Check out this article to learn how you can quickly address a plumbing issue and minimize damages in your home. Once the emergency is under control, contact a professional plumbing service to complete repairs and inspections. 

1. Turn Off Water Line

Before anything else, turn off the main water line. Even small leaks can create expensive damages when they happen for an extended period of time. Turning off the main water valve will prevent any further issues from happening and will minimize the damages caused by the current problem. 

If there is a direct water valve to the plumbing that is broken, start by turning that off. If the water is still coming through, turn off the water supply to the home. You’ll most likely find the water valve for your home near your water meter. 

2. Assess the Extent of Damage

If it isn’t obvious, try to find the source of the plumbing leak. While you’re investigating, take note of the surrounding damages. Signs of water damage can look like mold, bubbling or peeling paint, warped flooring, water or moisture stains, or soaking rugs and carpets. You might smell a damp or musty scent, especially if the water leak has been going on for some time. 

Investigate and record the damages you see before calling a plumber. This can help them better quote services and provide a realistic estimate on timeline.

3. Drain Pipes

Open drains or spigots to allow any remaining water to fully empty out. You can even empty the pipes for outdoor faucets. This will also help prepare the site for the plumbers when they arrive on scene. The goal is to stop and remove water as fast as possible. 

Note that it is not recommended to use chemical draining solutions. The harsh chemicals can cause more damage to the pipes. If the clogging is significant enough, then most chemical products won’t resolve the issue. 

4. Call Your Local Water Company

If the plumbing issues started by a sewage backup or main waterline fault, then it is likely that your local water service company can help. They can also provide more information about dealing with the emergency and can help provide useful tips. 

5. Hire a Professional

While a DIY plumbing job is tempting, it can often cost a lot more in the long run. Professional plumbers use top-grade equipment and materials to resolve plumbing issues. They can also diagnose the problem quickly and provide a thorough repair job. Since the costs of water damage can be so great, it’s always recommended to work with the professionals. 

6. While You Wait

While on standby for the professional plumbers to arrive and repair the plumbing emergency, there are a few things homeowners can do to prevent things from getting worse. One of the first steps is to clean and dry any water that might be pooling or dripping. Using a bucket to collect dripping water or towels to dry pooling water can help save further damage. 

For everything from plumbing emergencies to regular maintenance, our team of expert plumbers will provide fast, reliable, and professional solutions. 
We are on call 24/7 for plumbing emergency. Call us today!