Pipes gushing water, puddles on the floor, an overflowing toilet, or a broken water heater all qualify as a plumbing emergency. Now, we’re not here to tell you not to panic and take it slow. When you have a plumbing emergency, time is of the essence, and you can’t waste a second if you want to stop water damage before it starts. Here is what to do when you have a plumbing emergency:
Turn Off The Water
The first move you make when there is some kind of uncontrollable plumbing problem happening is to locate the main water shut-off valve in your home. Shutting it off means cutting off the water supply, thereby stopping the water from getting too bad. Make sure everyone in the building or home knows where the main shut-off valve is located so that they can use it when things go awry.
If the flooding is caused by poor weather conditions, there’s nothing you can do. Shut down the electricity and water to your home then evacuate.
Investigate What Happened
Now that the water has been dealt with, it’s time to figure out why you had a plumbing emergency in the first place. Keep your phone handy, because you’re going to want to take pictures. Look around the affected area to see what burst or what was damaged. Listen to the water heater. If it’s making noise, you could have a gas leak. Shut off the gas main and get proper ventilation.
Also look to see if there are any electrical appliances that could be affected by the plumbing emergency. Remove them, if possible, or at least unplug them.
Make a Few Calls
Depending on the nature of the plumbing emergency, you might have to make a couple of calls. The water company can assist if the issue stems from a blocked sewer pipe or main water line. Any other event requires a plumber.
Although you might want to rush and choose the first plumber to come up on Google, it’s better to contact three companies and see what they say. Discuss what happened, what steps you have taken, and what the pricing will be. Some plumbers can provide you a quote without needing to see the actual issue, while others will provide a rough estimate over the phone but wait to give an actual quote.
Prepare The Area
You’ve decided on a plumbing contractor. Now, it’s time to do some work while you wait for them to arrive. Unless told otherwise, you can enter the affected area and start mopping up the puddles. If there is wastewater that is gray or black, avoid it. You are going to need protective equipment to handle that.
Final Thoughts
Plumbing problems are bound to happen. Knowing what to do when a plumbing emergency occurs can save you time and keep your possessions and home from getting terribly damaged. Remember to shut off the water valves and call in a professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem quickly then provide a solution.