In case of a plumbing emergency, you should be prepared with information on what steps to take. Read on to find out what to do.
In 2019, plumbing issues accounted for 27.94% of all home repairs in America. Homes with hard water and places with a high risk of flooding are most likely to need the help of a plumber.
A leaking faucet, a clogged toilet, and water heater replacement are common fixes for plumbers. You can schedule repairs and wait for an appointment for these issues.
If there’s water gushing out of a pipe, it becomes a plumbing emergency. Water can quickly damage your flooring, walls, and furniture.
The key is to know what to do in an emergency situation. Read on to learn what to do when you’re having major plumbing problems so you can minimize damage and get the repairs you need quickly.
What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency
Shut Off the Water Supply
Whether there’s a leak in your faucet, toilet, or in a pipe, the most important thing to do is turn off the water. This will keep any extra water from being added to the mess.
If you can tell where the leak is coming from, such as from a toilet, find the shutoff valve nearby. In most toilets, the water supply comes from the wall behind the toilet. Look for a small handle that’s shaped like a football and turn it to the right to stop the water.
Under the sink, you’ll find shutoff valves that look similar to the one for the toilet, but there’s one for hot and one for cold water. Using your hand, turn them both to the right. If it’s stuck, don’t use a wrench as it can break the valve and make the problem worse.
If you can’t find the leak or the shutoff valves, turn off the main water supply for your home. This is often in the basement or in a utility room. You’ll see a lever-like handle that controls the water.
Turn the lever so it’s perpendicular to the supply pipe to turn off the water.
Call a Plumber
Once you’ve turned off the water supply, call a plumber. Most professional plumbers offer emergency services because plumbing problems are common, especially if you haven’t noticed some of the warning signs.
Search online or in a local phone book to find a plumber in your area. Give them a call and explain the problem. They might give you further instructions before they get there.
Depending on their availability, they may be able to come within the hour or in the next 3 hours. If that’s not soon enough, you can keep calling other plumbers until you find someone who’s available.
Before the next plumbing emergency, save a plumber’s contact information in your phone. This will save you the trouble of frantically searching around. You’ll be calmer when you know who to call.
Evaluate Electrical Appliances and Outlets
If you have standing water in your home, check to see if it’s close to anything electrical. This can pose an electrical shock risk if the water reaches the outlet.
In cases with severe flooding, it’s wise to turn off your main circuit breaker to prevent any electrical risks. That said, never wade into water that you think could be electrically charged.
Ask your plumber what you should do in this situation. They may suggest that you and your family evacuate for safety reasons. Follow their advice and don’t forget your pets!
Soak Up Excess Water
If it’s safe to be near the water, start soaking up the excess water while you wait for the plumber. Not only will this help minimize water damage, it will also make it easier for your plumber to start working.
Use buckets, sponges, towels, or mops to help soak up the water. If there’s a leaking pipe, you can stuff towels or rags around the pipe to keep the water contained. Tell your plumber all the places you’ve noticed leaks when they arrive.
It’s also a good idea to start running fans to dry out the area. This will prevent mold growth and excess water damage in the future.
Stay Calm
This one might be the toughest step to follow. In a crisis, it’s normal to panic but it doesn’t accomplish anything and can even make the situation worse.
Learn where your main shutoff valve is and know which plumber to call in an emergency. As long as you have homeowner’s insurance, there’s a way to cover some of the repairs.
The best solution for plumbing emergencies is to be prepared in the first place. Keep a stash of towels handy and make sure everyone in your home knows where the water main shutoff is. That way you’ll have more help if you ever need it.
Don’t Be Caught Off Guard By a Plumbing Emergency
A plumbing emergency can be a scary and stressful situation, especially if you don’t know what to do. Understanding what steps to take will keep you calm enough to handle your plumbing problems.
One of the most important things to know during an emergency is who to call for help. If you’re looking for a reliable plumbing service that offers 24-hour emergency service, you can turn to Eyman Plumbing Heating and Air.
We offer commercial and residential plumbing services in the greater Omaha area. Give us a call at (402) 731-2727 for emergency service.