What Should I Do In the Case of a Plumbing Emergency?

Owning a home can be an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding experience. However, it also brings a large amount of responsibility. As a homeowner, one of the most stressful issues you might encounter is a plumbing emergency.  Something as simple as a leaky faucet or clogged toilet can actually lead to some major issues.

Unfortunately, many homeowners do not know what steps to take when they’re faced with a plumbing emergency.

These costly emergencies can also occur with commercial plumbing. That is why everyone should have a plan in place for dealing with unexpected plumbing problems.

With this in mind, we have created this helpful guide. Below, we’ll outline what you should do in the event of a plumbing emergency.

Analyze the Issue

Before you can appropriately respond to a plumbing emergency, you must first gather some preliminary information. For instance, is your toilet backed up? Is a pipe actively leaking and spewing water inside your home?

Some emergencies are less obvious. A pipe leak within a wall or under the flooring may not be easy to spot. However, you can still check for signs of a water leak. This includes stains, mold, dampness, or a musty odor.

Once you have figured out where the problematic plumbing fixture is located, it is time to move on to step two.

Shut Off the Water Immediately

Do you know where your water shutoff valve is located? If not, then a plumbing emergency could cause you a serious headache.

The elevated stress of having a busted pipe sending water into your home may make it difficult to find a water shutoff valve. Locating your valve may be especially challenging if the emergency occurs at night or during a power outage.

We recommend that every home and business owner locate their water shutoff valve in advance. Know where it is and how to access it. Most of the time, it will be located on an exterior wall. The shutoff valve is almost always near your outdoor water meter.

By activating this valve, you will cut off the water supply to your entire home. This means that the leaky toilet or pipe will not continually pump water inside. Shutting off the water supply will buy you time and give you the opportunity to call an emergency plumber.

Contact an Emergency Plumbing Service

Unless you have extensive experience in the plumbing industry, it is best to leave emergencies to the pros. When you’re on the phone with the dispatcher, explain the problem as best as you can. This will ensure that your emergency plumber has the right equipment to handle the issue promptly.

Locating a quality plumber at the last minute can be challenging. We recommend having one picked out ahead of time. That way, you can do your research and choose a skilled professional to handle your plumbing emergency.

Take a Proactive Approach Against Water Damage

The typical plumbing emergency is relatively affordable to repair. A busted pipe or shoddy toilet can be fixed within a few hours in most cases. The real cost associated with plumbing emergencies is the water damage. In fact, water damage restoration costs homeowners $2,400 to $4,250 on average.

After you have shut off the water and contacted an emergency plumber, be proactive. Start mopping up puddles or laying towels down. If a pipe is still dripping, place a large pot or bucket underneath it. Turn on fans and open windows (If weather permits) so that your home will dry faster.

Create Space

While this step is not a necessity, your emergency plumber will thank you. A great emergency plumber will get to you as quickly as possible. Even still, you may have a little downtime while you wait.

If you have the opportunity, clear the area that they will need to access. This may include moving shelves or emptying out cabinets. Taking care of this prep work will allow them to get right to work on solving your plumbing emergency when they arrive.

Prevention is Key

Most plumbing emergencies are completely preventable. If you want to reduce your risk of experiencing a major plumbing issue, then you need to schedule regular inspections and drain cleanings.

Your home’s plumbing should be inspected once every two years or so. If you have never had an inspection, then we recommend booking one as soon as possible.

You should also have your drains cleaned every 18 months. Look for a plumbing service that uses a high-powered drain jetter, as this is the most effective way of removing unseen clogs and obstructions.

Plumbing Repair in Charlotte, NC

If you are facing a plumbing emergency, then it is important that you act fast. One way to speed up your response is to have a plan in place. You should know where your shutoff valve is located. You should also have a go-to emergency plumber’s contact information on hand.

If you are looking for a professional, affordable plumbing service, then Superior Plumbing & Drains, LLC, is the team for the job. We are a full-service plumber repair service. Not only do we provide residential plumbing repair, but we are also the premier commercial plumber in Charlotte, NC. We even handle new plumbing installations.

Whether you need an emergency plumber now or just want to make sure that your drains are in tip-top shape, Superior Plumbing & Drains, LLC can help! Contact us today to learn more.