What Should I Do During a Plumbing Emergency?

Stop the Flow

In the first few minutes of an emergency, the first thing to do is stop the flow of water. Acting fast can save you a lot of water damage, mold issues, and expensive renovations. You’ll need to find the water shut-off valve located near your water meter, garage, or basement. This will shut off the water supply to your entire property. If the problem is isolated to just one fixture, like a sink or toilet, you might just need to turn off the shut-off valve near the fixture to avoid more flooding. Once the supply has been turned off, turn on your faucets to relieve any pressure and drain any extra water from the inside of your pipes. If you’re not sure where the shut-off valves are, it’s a good time to try and find them before an emergency arises.

How Serious Is It? 

After you’ve put a stop to the flooding, you’ll want to determine whether the situation is something you can handle on your own or it’s time to call a professional. Here’s how to tell when you need an emergency plumber:

•  Burst Pipe: A ruptured pipe will release gallons of water in just a few minutes and can quickly cause serious flooding.
• Sewage Backups: When wastewater is coming through your drain line, stop using all of the water in the house and schedule a plumbing service right away because exposure to raw sewage can be very hazardous.
• Water Heater Leaks: If the water heater tank is leaking, turn off the unit and contact a local plumber.
• Clogged or Overflowing Toilet: A small clog can probably be taken care of with a plunger, but if the water still rises uncontrollably, there might be a more serious issue in your sewer line.

Damage Control

While you’re waiting for the plumbing crew to get there, try these quick steps to limit the damage to your house:

• Get Rid of Standing Water: Use buckets, towels, or a wet/dry vacuum if you have one to clean up extra water.
• Turn Off the Power: Having water near your electrical outlets or appliances can be extremely dangerous. Turn off the power to affected areas to prevent electrocution.
•  Move Valuables and Furniture: Relocate your furniture, electronics, rugs, and other items away from the area to avoid damage.
• Ventilation is Important: Open your windows and use fans to dry out the area and keep mold at bay.

How to Prevent Future Plumbing Emergencies 

Once the plumbers have repaired the problem, you’ll need to take proactive maintenance seriously to avoid a repeat. Here are some ideas on how you can avoid recurring issues with your pipes or fixtures:

• Inspect Pipes and Fixtures: Check underneath sinks, near appliances, and in basements or crawl spaces for corrosion or leaks.
• Keep a Plumbing Kit: Have a plunger, plumber’s tape, pipe wrench, and bucket on hand to tackle minor problems before the situation worsens.
• Avoid Clogs: Be careful about what you flush and pour down the sink. Use drain covers and dump grease in the trash.
• Schedule Routine Maintenance Services: Routine plumbing inspections and maintenance tasks will catch problems right away and save you a lot of money and anxiety.

Are You Ready to Schedule a Plumbing Service?

If you’re struggling with a severe clog, leak, or pipe damage, reach out to Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air. Our team offers emergency plumbing services in Kagel Canyon, CA whenever you need them. We can handle any plumbing crisis, no matter how small or serious. Contact our office if you have questions or when you need to schedule an appointment.