How to Act During a Plumbing Emergency

The worst part about a plumbing emergency is that you’ll never know when it’s going to rear its ugly head. Sometimes the warning signs are a lot more subtle than you’d expect, and before you know it — you’re standing in a foot of water not knowing what to do. When it’s your turn to experience a plumbing emergency, here’s what you should do:

The First Things You Should Do

• Run over to the water shut-off valve and close it. This will stop the flow of water headed to your home, preventing further water damage from occurring. (Make sure you know where the water shut-off valve is before a plumbing emergency arises.)
• Head into your home and turn on all of the faucets to drain any water remaining within the plumbing pipes. This will help divert any excess water in the pipes away from where a possible plumbing leak could be.
• Grab your phone and dial a local (and reliable) plumber. Choose a reputable plumber that can respond with emergency service within a few hours.
• Plumbing emergencies usually leave a hefty amount of water in places they shouldn’t be. To minimize any water damage and mold growth, grab a mop and some towels and begin cleaning up the mess while you wait for the plumber.

Common Plumbing Emergencies

• Overflowing Toilet – The first step should be to turn off the water valve connected to the toilet — rather than running outside to the main shut-off valve. This is located behind the toilet, against the wall.
• Clogged Drain – Shower drains, sink drains, and toilets can each become clogged in an instant. Keep a drain plunger (without the flange) and toilet plunger (with the flange) handy so you can break up loose blockages. For more dense clogs, keep a drain snake or hand auger on deck — if you know what you’re doing. Read on to learn how to keep your drains clog-free.
• Water Heater Problems – Whether your water heater is leaking, making noises, or refusing to work — manually shut it off. This plumbing fixture should only be touched by the hands of a professional plumber. One small mistake could force you to replace it prematurely.

Plumbing emergencies can happen in an instant, so rather than scrambling when one happens — prepare yourself now! When a plumbing emergency arises in your home and you’re in need of emergency service, be sure to contact Len The Plumber. If you’re looking for a reliable plumber, check to see if you live in one of our many service areas!